IF ANYONE could do with a pick-me-up right about now it's Jon Kirkham – and the Samsung Honda rider is hoping that round eight at the Louth team's home circuit, Cadwell Park, will finally put a smile back on his face.
Kirkham, 27, has endured a miserable time of things in this year's MCE Insurance British Superbike season ever since a high-speed crash at Oulton Park back at the start of May.
Early on, Kirkham had looked like a challenger for an end-of-season spot in the Showdown. But the tumble at the Cheshire circuit in round three that saw Kirkham suffer a serious concussion appears to have been a turning point – since then he has a best finish of 12th from nine races.
But after a month's break between Brands Hatch and racing at Cadwell Park this weekend, Kirkham is adamant that happier days are just around the corner.
"My injury has hampered me on the bike," he said.
"In all honesty I've not been enjoying it because it's been a struggle – to be so far off the pace is frustrating.
"The team has been really great though, they're very understanding about why my form has dipped off and they're doing everything they can to get me back.
"I think we are getting back to our best now, the month off has really helped.
"I want to finish the season how I started it really. It's going to take some work but there's no reason we can't be back up there again. I'm confident about Cadwell."
Kirkham's team-mate Michael Laverty meanwhile is thinking about nothing other than podium credits with only two rounds left until the Showdown.
Currently fourth in the standings but with only two race wins to his name, this season Laverty knows Cadwell is a one of his last opportunities to close the gap on leaders Tommy Hill and Shane Byrne.
"I'm definitely confident coming up to Cadwell. You always are when you've got a bit of testing under your belt.
"It's an important time with the Showdown coming up because I've got to get some wins and podium credits in the next two rounds to close the gap."
"At the moment I'm lacking behind Tommy, Shakey and Josh.
"Those are the three guys that are the ones to beat so I'm going to have to focus on what they are doing."
