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Mar-Train Yamaha Racing’s Jack Kennedy 'itching to get back' racing

Mar-Train Yamaha Racing's Jack Kennedy insists he is "itching to get back" as the Bennetts British Superbike Championship returns following a three-week hiatus.

Kennedy and Lisburn-based Mar-Train have picked up points in all six races so far in the championship following successful opening rounds at Silverstone and Oulton Park.

Donington Park is the venue for the third instalment, and Kennedy believes everything is in place for another positive weekend.

Read more: NI rider facing 'slow road to recovery' as NW200 injuries are confirmed

"We have had a bit of a break since Oulton. A bit too long of a break if you ask me," the Dubliner said.

"You want to keep things rolling and I would have preferred maybe a week off and then back. So, I am itching to return.

"When you have a good feeling with the bike you want to keep things going. But the break gave me some family time and I have been training away and getting stronger, so I will feel good on the R1 for the full race distance.

"I also watched the North West 200 and it was some good racing. It was good seeing Davey Todd get a couple of wins and a couple of seconds places, so I was happy for him."

Four-time British Supersport champion Kennedy has impressed in the Superbike class, picking up 40 points from the first two rounds to sit eighth in the championship.

It has been an encouraging start, and he hopes to build momentum at Donington Park this weekend.

He said: "I am really happy to score points in all six races so far. That is a good achievement for the start of our year, and I am happy with that.

"And it has us in a good place in the championship. Points make prizes at the end of the day.

"Our focus will be to get three more points finishes, and if we can get three top 10s that would be a great achievement. That will be our goal this weekend.

"I think the R1 works quite well around Donington, if you look at previous history. It has won there and been on the podium so we should be able to hit the ground running.

"The guys at McAMS will give us a set-up that we can go straight on, so I am really looking forward to that.

"The weather looks good for the weekend, and I am looking forward to trying the new asphalt surface. The whole place was resurfaced so that should make life a bit easier, especially if it does rain."

Meanwhile, Mar-Train Yamaha Racing team owner Tim Martin is excited by Kennedy's chances at Donington, and the prospect of Superpole qualifying.

He said: "We have done six races and had six points finishes, ranging from seventh to 12th. It has been a strong start to the season, and we have progressed every time we have gone out.

"We made our debut on the R1 last year at Donington, but it was very cold and different conditions. I would be hoping for a stronger showing this weekend.

"If we can get inside that top 10 it will be brilliant, but we know a lot of guys will be targeting the same. There is also a new Superpole this weekend which we are all very excited about.

"So there are a few different things which are new to us, including the Superpole. The weather looks decent for this weekend, so fingers crossed we enjoy another strong weekend."

Martin added: "This weekend we are also delighted to welcome Broshuis Trailers to watch the racing with us at Donington Park. They have sponsored us for a few years, and it will be great to have them there.

"We will also have a number of other guests attending so hopefully we can deliver some exciting racing and points over the weekend."

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