Gary Mason in surprise return to BSB

Former MCE British Superbike podium finisher Gary Mason will make a surprise return to the series next time out at Brands Hatch, coming out of retirement to deputise for the injured Mitchell Carr in the Anvil TAG Kawasaki squad.

Mason, a double Superbike Cup champion in 2008 and 2009, hasn’t raced since half way through the 2012 season, retiring from the sport to concentrate on his business but staying a familiar face in the paddock.

Carr, a former champion himself in the Australian Supersport Championship, crashed out at the Snetterton round, injuring his shoulder and failing to make the grid there or at Knochkill last time out.

Mason said: “I’m really pumped to be back. I’ve been riding in the background for the past year but when the opportunity came to ride for TAG Racing I couldn’t turn it down. I met with the team last week at their workshop and was very impressed with the set-up. Brands Hatch is a great circuit. I’ve had success there in the past and I love both the track and the atmosphere.

“My return may be a surprise to some fans but I see this as a real opportunity to relaunch my career. I recently lost one of my best friends in Simon Andrews and his motto was ‘never give up’. You’ve got to want it and I am really hungry. All you can do is give it 100 per cent and I can guarantee that I will be giving it all I have at Brands Hatch.”