Back-shift gear issue denies Haslam double

Leon Haslam says a problem with his back-shift on his JG Speedfit Kawasaki cost him a shot at victory in the opening race at Knockhill but was content with his points haul to extend his Bennetts British Superbike championship lead.

Despite leading for the majority of race one at the Scottish circuit Haslam missed out after running wide at the hairpin with five laps to go which allowed RAF Regular & Reserves Kawasaki’s Jake Dixon to skate past. While Danny Buchan also nipped ahead of Haslam, which he was later penalised one place for passing under yellow flags, Haslam rued a missed opportunity due to a back-shift gear issue.

With his JG Speedfit Kawasaki squad finding a repair for race two, Haslam made amends by producing a carbon-copy of Dixon’s win by taking the lead with five laps remaining after his rival suffered a massive moment which almost threw him of his bike.

“I’m happy with the result in both races this weekend,” Haslam said. “We had a few problems in race one with some back-shift issues, which I believe cost us the win. We were still struggling a bit in race two but it was a really good battle so I’m really pleased to have taken another win.

“The team did a great job all weekend once again, we’ve extended our lead in the championship and I can’t wait to get to Brands.”

After winning race two Haslam left Knockhill almost instantly, still in his racing leathers, to head to the airport for testing ahead of the Suzuka 8 Hours where he is competing for the factory Kawasaki squad alongside Jonathan Rea and Kazuma Watanabe.

Straight from the top step of the podium to Edinburgh Airport for my flight to Japan..fingers crossed I make it. pic.twitter.com/f6DIGaN5Tw

— leon haslam (@realleonhaslam) July 8, 2018

Haslam extends his BSB championship lead to 74 points over Dixon after the opening five rounds.