Andrews and Mason sign for 2010!

Official Kawasaki UK British Superbike entry, MSS Colchester Kawasaki have announced their exciting 2010 rider line-up of Simon Andrews and Gary Mason. Andrews has re-signed after giving the team a 2009 season to remember whilst Mason comes off the back of a very strong year, dominating the Superbike Privateers Cup.

Andrews took the team to their best Championship finish of sixth despite being taken out of the lead at Mallory Park and missing five races subsequently with injury. A podium and three fourth positions cemented his and the team’s place as front runners in a series which is widely hailed as the most important and most watched domestic motorcycle championship in the World. The laid back 25 year old from Evesham, said; “Being honest I did speak to loads of teams but ultimately Nick and the guys at MSS Colchester and Kawasaki UK treated me so well and we gelled straight away, so it was a pretty straightforward decision. The only delay was due to me riding at Macau and holidaying, I find I need to switch off after the hectic BSB season but now I’m really excited about next year. We’re looking for an even better campaign and I know we can be fighting for podiums and wins this time around.”

Mason found great form taking his privateer machine to a front row start and 13 top ten finishes, dominating the mirror.co.uk Privateers Cup and impressing many with his pace and consistency. He last rode for MSS in 2000 winning a European Superstock race on a Kawasaki ZX9R. The 30 year old from Lichfield stated, “This really is an amazing opportunity for me, I’m so pumped to be at MSS Colchester for next season. They’ve done so well this year, Kawasaki are really behind them and the development plans look really good, they’re not sitting back! Nick Morgan at MSS really helped get me a Superbike ride as his support in 2000 got me noticed with my Euro Superstock win at Brands, we won by twelve seconds! This year I know it’s a great chance for me and I want to consistently fight with the front runners.”

Both Andrews and Mason, who are great friends away from the circuit, share similar riding styles of front end bias combined with great ‘feel’ a fact that the team believes will help bike set-up and development.

The team have an extensive winter testing programme to capitalize on the great strides the squad made in 2009, with additional technical support from Kawasaki and a revised Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Superbike.

MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team Owner, Nick Morgan said, “We think this is a great line-up. Simon was always our number one choice after his brilliant season but it was very flattering to have pretty much every top rider from BSB and beyond come to visit us, we must be doing something right these days. Gary had a brilliant season, he dominated the Privateers Cup but actually he battled up front with the guys on top machinery all year long and showed real desire, he knows this is a real life line and he’s not going to waste it. We’re actually well ahead of previous years in terms of package, riders and sponsors, maybe now we can enjoy Xmas a bit more!”

Michael Johnstone, Kawasaki Motor UK Sales and Marketing Manager added, “We continue to be impressed with the team and their choice of riders. Simon gave the team a season to remember last year and really showed what the Ninja ZX-10R could do and we’re excited to have Gary join the team after such a competitive season. With winter development and testing the team are looking to come out of the blocks flying in 2010.”

Rider Biogs:

Simon Andrews-

Marital Status: Single
Date of Birth: 14/08/84
Home town: Evesham
Weight & Height: 74KG, 186cm
1st Race: Mallory Park 1998
Respected Rival: Gary Mason
Likes: Going fast and girls!
Dislikes: Sunday drivers, television, badly made tea! 

Favourites….
All Time Rider: James Whitham
Drink: PsP hydration, Magners Cider
Food: The usual "healthy" stuff but no vegetables!
Hobbies: Climbing, Open water diving, MX, Golf, Snowboarding, Driftcar racing
Music: Motown, Rock, Filthy electro...everything 
Circuits: UK all, Europe Monza
Event: Kings of Wanneroo (Australian road race)

2009 BSB- 6^th Overall, 1 podium, 3 x 4th position

Gary Mason
Marital Status: Girlfriend Rachel
Date of Birth: 04/05/1979
Home town: Lichfield
Weight & Height: 5.9 / 70kg
1st Race: Mallory Park Club Racing
Respected Rival: Simon Andrews
Likes: Fast Cars, Training & Only Fools and Horses
Dislikes: Traffic Wardens & Lane Hoggers

Favourites….
All Time Rider: Rossi

Drink: Brew
Food: Thai food & Nandos
Hobbies: Cycling, Running and not acting my age!!
Music: Power Ballads, Rock, Dance, R'n'B pretty much anything
Circuits: Oulton Park, Brands GP & Croft

2009 BSB- Mirror.co.uk Privateer Cup Champion, 12^th Overall in British Superbike, 2 x 4^th place, 13 x top ten positions