Samsung Suzuki's John Hopkins ended an 11-year run of not winning at Oulton Park yesterday when bagging the second-race victory brought a tear to the former MotoGP front-runner's eye.

The American said he is getting used to the carnage that is British Superbikes but, apparently, thought he has seen the chequered flag in race one so slowed up which allowed Stuart Easton to close in.

"That was good, really good. It's an awesome track, I really enjoyed riding here, but as well what great fan support! It's been 11 years since I last won a race – that and all that's happened to me over the past few years meant that this was one emotional win. I was definitely teary-eyed on the podium. I couldn't be happier," said Hopkins.

"The racing, as before at Brands Hatch, was intense, there was carnage at times. But with my motocross background I can endure that. The first race went well, I started well and went with the leaders. At the end of the race I got into second and I had to ride for the finish at that point, but that's never a satisfying feeling.

"So I knew I wanted to win the second race. Curiously that race didn't go so well early on and I dropped back after the start. I regrouped but still had a lot of work to do to catch the two leaders, so I was definitely the man who gained the most when one of them crashed bringing out the pace car. Even after that it came down to a three-way battle. But the bike felt so good I knew the win was possible. I took the lead with two laps to go and never looked back."