Round Three of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship was held this bank holiday weekend at the Liverpool-based team’s home circuit of Oulton Park in Cheshire. After recent issues with arm pump, PR Racing rider and BSB rookie Luke Jones was keen to put in a good performance and build on his current championship standing. However, early in to Friday’s free session, Luke’s arm pump, which plagued him from the start of the season, was to return and therefore, restrict his ability to keep control of the bike.

After a spill during Sunday’s free practice, team principal, John Jameson and Luke Jones made the decision to withdraw from round three of the championship and focus on Luke’s recovery.

After the decision not to race, John Jameson said, “Obviously, we are all disappointed, but the safety of Luke and all the other riders on the track is our number one priority. Early next week, I will sit down with Luke and look at our options. I believe Luke has a natural talent and the team will be doing everything we can to get him back out on the bike, so he can show his true ability when riding the R1.”

Luke also added. “I have been struggling with arm pump throughout my career, but have been able to manage it. Since jumping on to a superbike and having much more track time, it has just exasperated an underlining problem, which needs to be sorted. I know a few riders have had surgery to help with arm pump, which may be an option. The characteristics of the R1 superbike means I have to use muscles which I never used before. So the transition from a 600 super sport to a superbike will take time, but I am confident after the next couple of weeks we will be in a much stronger position.”

End.