Motor Sport -Ellison takes on the World (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Motor Sport -Ellison takes on the World

10:37am Saturday 13th September 2008 in Sport By Gazette Sports

KENDAL'S James Ellison has vowed to use his World Superbike outing as a launch pad to success when he returns to domestic action at Croft.

The 27-year-old rubbed shoulders with the great and good of world motorsport at Donington Park and did himself justice bagging two top-ten finishes.

However, it was far from easy for the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda rider with torrential rain hampering his bid for a top-three finish as he came home in tenth and fourth.

But Ellison - who failed to shine last month at Cadwell Park through injury - insists he couldn't be more prepared to begin his charge to the British Superbike top tier.

"I would call Croft my local track, so a lot of people will be coming out to support me," said Ellison - who has yet to top the domestic podium this year.

"The results at Donington have really boosted my confidence so there will be no shortage of motivation.

"There are a lot of British riders doing well on the world circuit and we are all showing what we can do.

"It was a great outing for me - the weather wasn't great but I battled through it and was pleased with my results.

"I've made no secret that if I stay in British Superbikes next year I'd like to stay with the same team because I have had a great year."

Ducati star Shane Byrne has the Superbike Championship all but wrapped with 364 points while Ellison's battle to finish fifth could go down to the wire.

The Kendal ace sits 28 points off Byrne's team-mate Leon Camier in seventh and has vowed to cut the deficit down to size at the North Yorkshire circuit.

"The track is a bit bumpy at Croft so you have to compromise with the suspension settings but it is the same for everyone," he added.

"I went there for some testing before I went to Donington, so I know all the ins and outs and I am confident heading into it."

Tune into Eurosport Two for Bennetts British Superbikes Coverage on Sunday, September 14 from Croft or for updates head to : uk.eurosport.yahoo.com