Samsung Honda's Jon Kirkham goes into this weekend's Thruxton British Superbike in a unique position for him as he is the series leader after the aborted championship opener at Brands Hatch after taking victory in the only race of the meeting.

Kirkham snatched victory from under the nose of Alastair Seeley as the exited Clark Curve for the last time and took 25 points for the win. He also says he has unfinished business with the Hampshire track after scoring a ninth and failing to finish there last season.

“It is a nice feeling going into these races as the championship leader, but importantly I am staying level-headed and will be riding my own race, giving 100% and aiming to score as many points as possible from two solid, strong races. I enjoy Thruxton, despite having misfortune there last year in terms of results, as it is a very fast circuit. I left Brands Hatch happy with my performance, but am hoping for sunshine this Sunday to make the racing even more enjoyable," said Kirkham.