Lowes aims high for next season

Sam Lowes has set his sights on a permanent ride on the world stage after victory at Oulton Park finally landed him the 2009 Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Cup.

The 19-year-old won his seventh race of the campaign to clinch the title in the season finale, finishing an impressive 40 seconds in front of nearest rival, TAG Triumph rider Peter Ward.

The title looked certain to be in the hands of the Lincolnshire rider after round nine at Cadwell, but a disqualification at Croft in round 10 and the decision to miss round 11 at Silverstone in order to race in the World Supersport, gave second-placed Dean Hipwell a lifeline.

And having had several tastes of the world stage at the Nurburgring, Imola and Magny Cours Lincoln's Lowes is keen to use his cup triumph as a springboard to bigger and better things.

"I've got a few options for next year," said Lowes.

"I'm looking at either World Supersport or staying in British competition. If I stay in Britain, I'll be with the big boys in the main competition, driving on a bike with the same spec as theirs, which would be exciting.

"With the times I've been doing it means that the bikes aren't making that much difference, so with a good team and bike behind me I could achieve some really good things.

"The bike that I'm on now is good for the cup, but obviously you need more for the main championships.

"It seems to have just clicked this year. Both the team and the bike have been brilliant and I think I won seven of the rounds, which is a pretty good record.

"It has just been an incredible experience generally. I'm only a young lad but every year I seem to be making bigger steps and next year I hope to do even more.

"I'm going to work hard and train over the winter, so whoever I'm racing for I'll be in perfect condition for the start of the next season."

This was only Lowes' second year in the British Supersport paddock, having spent last season plying his trade in the European Superstock 600 Championship.

And the Team Co-ordit rider showed experience far beyond his years by refusing to get drawn into any unnecessary manoeuvres and instead concentrated on finishing the race in a respectable 14th place in the Championship.

"I got off to an okay start and I just wanted to stay out of trouble. I kept saying to myself 'Finish the race, finish the race'," said Lowes.

"I did that well enough and I caught up with a group going into the final lap, but I decided to just hold my place rather than try and take them.

"I didn't want to chuck it away by doing anything stupid. I used my head and didn't go too hard.

"I think I've become more mature with my driving. In previous years I perhaps would have crashed trying to push that bit too much, when now I'm more sensible.