Howie Mainwaring chasing points haul at Mondello

picture © Fotofuel
By Zoe Burn
May 18 2006

KRYSTAL Racing Space Air head to Mondello Park in full force this weekend, with Howie Mainwaring looking to rack up the points and land at least one victory at the Irish double-header.

In his third round since joining the family-run outfit to contest the Metzeler Racetec National Superstock Championship, Mainwaring will be looking to follow up his third place at Oulton Park three weeks ago with two more trips to the podium in a bid to chase as many points as possible.

Three weeks on since he last took to the track, Howie is looking forward to tackling Mondello, but admits it’s a track which he has very little experience of. “I’ve only actually ridden there once, so it is going to be a bit of a challenge for me, but I’m definitely up to it,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to the double header. The Superbikes get two races so it’s nice that the Superstocks are getting the chance to have two, plus it gives me more chance to get to know the circuit. It will be a very busy weekend for me, what with having the two Superbike races as well, but I’ll cope!”

And while he loves the idea of taking two victories, the 20-year-old from Cheshire is determined to race with his head. “I’ve got to think about the big picture. Points make prizes, and I’m in this for the championship now. The idea of two wins is great, and I’m sure I’ve got the machine and the capability to do it, but at the end of the day I’ll be thinking about the points, and won’t be throwing anything away just to cross the line first.”

He will be joined at the County Kildare track by team-mate Jay Fernandez - who has secured an eleventh hour entry after initially planning not to make the trip - and Michael Pensavalle, riding the Krystal Racing Ital machine.

Jay made the decision to race earlier this week, and is hoping the luck of the Irish will be with him this weekend. “I wasn’t going to go out there, but I had a good think and realised I wanted to be there. I’ll be doing the best I can and am looking forward to experiencing another new track.”

Team boss Tony Astle is confident of some good results. “The team have had three weeks off, so we’re all looking forward to getting back to work, and everything looks good for Mondello. Jay has decided to ride, and Howie will be chasing as many points as he can, so we are heading out feeling confident.”