Fenay Bridge racer Kyle Smith heads to Jerez looking for a podium.
The Agro-On Wil Racedays Honda rider goes into the penultimate meeting of the 2014 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup with the goal of finishing the race in the top three – and will even fancy his chances of the top step of the podium.
The Huddersfield-born 22-year-old, who has been living in Spain from the age of seven, won last year’s Superstock 600 race at the Andalusian venue in only his third outing in the World Superbikes series.
“Jerez is a track I like a lot” said Smith, who has spent the last week training in jerez and currently lies tenth in the standings.
“I’ve won there before last year on the 600cc machine, and we are working a lot on the bike and every time it feels a bit better.
“We’ve found the set-up, so I’m looking for a good result and for sure looking to be on the podium. I can’t wait for the race weekend to start.”
Smith knows the Jerez track well, but he is waiting to see how his Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP will perform on a twisty but fast track in tomorrow’s practise before making any predictions.
“Right now I don’t know what to expect, I will be able to tell you after the first free practice,” Smith added.
“We are a bit down in terms of top speed compared to the Kawasakis, but last time out in Portimao it wasn’t that bad.
“It’s a fast track, the back straight is pretty long so if we’re down on speed it could be bad. Up until now it has been pretty good, so no excuses.
“There are lot of fast riders in this series, so it won’t be easy but I’ll give it a shot.”
