Knox-protected Conor Cummins got back into Championship contention at Cadwell Park when he finished in 6th place in round 4 of the Metzeler National 1000cc Superstock Championship. The Team Blackhorse Kawasaki rider overcame a tough first qualifying session to steadily increase his pace over the course of the weekend and he was rewarded with a fighting sixth place in the 15-lap race to move into fifth place in the title race.
Following slight problems with the handling in Friday's opening qualifying session, Conor made a few changes to the set-up of the bike and he was able to shave over a second off his time in qualifying on Saturday, jumping up to 8th on the grid, which was good enough for a third row start.
With extremely warm temperatures on Sunday, it was going to be a tough race for the 36-strong field but a good start by Conor saw him move up to sixth straightaway and when the safety car came out on the sixth lap he was up to fifth and more than handily placed. Two laps later, the car pulled in and for the second half of the race Conor was embroiled in a fine seven-rider battle for fourth place, a position he briefly held having overhauled Luke Quigley before the Suzuki rider fought back. With the leading three riders clear, fourth place was still anyone's but Quigley manfully resisted all challenges Conor made and in the run in to the line he slipped back to sixth as Glen Richards just sneaked by. Nevertheless, after crashing out of the last round at Oulton, it was good to be back in the top six and the ten Championship points picked up by Conor see him well placed in fifth overall.
Talking later, the 23-year old said: "I'm really happy to be back in the top six again and it's been nice to move back up to fifth in the Championship table. With the TT so close, it's important to stay out of trouble but you've also still got to give 100%. I'm really looking forward to the TT now and can't wait for it to begin!"
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