Denby Dale racer Tom Tunstall is hoping that his improving form is set to continue as the British Superbikes series heads for Oulton Park.

Round three will see the 34-year-old looking to get among the points at the Cheshire circuit this weekend in the National Superstock 1000 Championship after finishing 17th in the last round on the Brands Hatch Indy track.

Tunstall had also been looking strong in the opening round at Donington Park before he was knocked off his bike, and the Doodson Motorsport Kawasaki rider feels he has plenty to build on this season.

“We’ve had a mixed start to the season,” admitted Tunstall.

“What with getting knocked off in the race in what was otherwise a strong weekend at Donington Park, it was encouraging at Brands.

“I was struggling the bike over the weekend at Brands – I tried to ride through the issues, but that wasn’t possible in the race.

“It is always a close battle and when it’s so tight around the shorter “Indy” layout, it’s a bit like racing round a jam jar!”

Tunstall is certainly well prepared for Oulton Park and feels his bike is getting closer to where he wants it.

“We had a good test at Oulton Park last week and lapped faster than I ever have done on a Superstock bike,” said Tunstall.

“It also helped us to answer some questions that were raised at Brands Hatch regarding set-up which was great too.

“We’ve still got some work to do when we get to Oulton, but at least we’ve laid some good foundations.

“It’s not the sort of track you want to fight especially on a 1000cc bike, it’s important to get a good flow there and the work we did last week helped that.

“I’m looking forward to getting there and having some fun. I’m confident we’ll piece everything together and get the results we are capable of soon, hopefully this weekend!”

In the Superstock 600 event Holmfirth teenager Joe Irving, making the step up from Motostar success, is also hopeful of a stronger run out in Cheshire.

Irving was 20th at Brands and is confident that the Stauff Connect Academy kawasaki will be in good shape at Oulton.

“Things are looking up for Oulton, we were testing there on Friday and made a big step forward with set-up,” said Irving.

“If all goes well we are aiming to be well into the points pushing top ten if possible.”