The BMCRC MRO Minitwins Championship starts this weekend and Poplar’s Mason Williams will be there

East London Advertiser: Mason Williams in action previously at Brands Hatch (pic: Hilary Hardy).Mason Williams in action previously at Brands Hatch (pic: Hilary Hardy). (Image: Archant)

Poplar’s Mason Williams prepares for the start of the BMCRC MRO Minitwins Championship this weekend and couldn’t be starting his new campaign at a better circuit.

Fresh from winning the Rookie Minitwins series in 2014, Williams has made the jump up to the senior class now.

But despite moving up a level, he is relishing the opportunity to compete with some of the best at a circuit he describes as his “strongest.”

Williams said: “The first race is always at Brands Hatch and that is great for me because I am local.

“It is probably my strongest circuit because I have done it so many times. I have lost count!

“I won the Rookie championship last year with two races to spare and I have moved up to the senior class now and I’m looking forward to the battle coming up.”

Williams is unsure what pace his rivals will show at Brands Hatch, but believes the times he set in the Rookie Minitwins Championship last year demonstrate he can keep up with the big boys.

He also feels the experience he gained in 2014 has helped him develop and become a better racer.

And now the Poplar rider is keen to show his improvement with a strong showing, but he hasn’t set a specific target for this weekend.

“My lap time last year has proved I can stay with these boys,” said Williams. “I’m pretty confident, but it is about getting out there.

“You don’t really know what people are like until the first qualifying session. I have heard some have been to Spain for testing so they could be faster than last season, but we’ll wait and see.

“Now I’ve got a year’s experience behind me I know what I can do, it isn’t an unknown anymore.

“Last year I would jump on the bike and see what would happen, but I know the circuits now and I know what I can achieve.”

Williams has more sponsors on board as well this year and that has added to his confidence.

HEL Performance, Steve Jordan Motorcycles, JESFER Technology, NEXX Helmets and NGK Spark Plugs are all backing him and it has helped ease any nerves.

“I am really looking forward to the season and especially with more sponsors,” added Williams.

“I have a bit more backing this year and that makes me feel more relaxed.

“Last year was more for fun, but now I have someone paying five grand for my tyres so I know I must have a bit of talent.”

The 23-year-old aims to be competitive in the MRO Minitwins Championship this season and has a goal in mind.

After his excellent debut campaign last year confidence is high ahead of this weekend and despite moving up from a rookie, he believes a top-five finish isn’t out of the question.

“Last year in the main class there were around 20 different winners, so to run at the top it is tough,” added Williams.

“But my main target for this season, depending on how I do in the first race, is to get in that top five. If I can get in the top 10 that would be good, but getting in the top five would really be great.”