Talking to Jon Kirkham about his plans for the season ahead couldn't be more different than the same conversation twelve months earlier. At the beginning of 2004 there was an undoubted air of stress as the Derby youngster's plans to compete in the British Superbike Championship hung in the balance.
 | | Jon Kirkham |
Even at that time his talent had been spotted by the factory teams and he was tantalisingly close to a top class British Superbike factory ride when the spectre of sponsorship, or rather lack of it, meant Jon was unable to secure the financial backing he needed. As such Jon and his family took the brave step of acquiring their own bike to run as a private team in the Cup Class. A big financial commitment, Jon at times didn't know if they'd make it to the next race, but he did and with exceptional results for the shoestring operation - taking a strong second place in the Cup Class Championship. Fast forward a year and it is a very different story. 2005 will see Jon mounted on the Sendo Dienza Kawasaki in the top class of British Superbike; a factory ride which sees him catapulted to take his place amongst the famous names of British motorcycling. "It was around the time of the Motorcycle Show last November" Jon told me "I was introduced by a mutual friend to Enzo DiClemente, the owner of Dienza Performance Racing. "He was looking for a second rider for the team and was aware of me from the previous seasons. "We arranged a meeting, got on really well and I was signed up. It was a great weight off my mind to know I had such a good ride for 2005 sorted, especially as there were plenty of other really good riders still on the market." An extra sweet edge to the ride is that thanks to the Dienza teams partnership with the UK's only mobile phone manufacturer, Sendo, Jon's ride was not reliant on his coming with a hefty sponsorship deal in tow. Jon has truly been hired for his talent and promise which is a further boost to his confidence. The Dienza team is run by husband and wife, Enzo and Diane DiClemente who set up the squad in 1997. They joined forces with Sendo in 2004 to contend the British Superbike Championship and in 2005 will run a Kawasaki. The launch of the 2005 team saw Jon head to the sunnier climes of Cannes, France in February where they launched against the backdrop of the 3GSM World Congress. "It was a lot of fun" said Jon. "We did some photoshoots with the bike and went on a yacht they had there. Most of the team came out for it which was great. "The team are all good and Enzo the boss is a top bloke so I'm really looking forward to working with them this season." It was also an opportunity to get to know his new team-mate, Steve Plater a bit better. "I already knew Steve a little from around the paddock and it's been a laugh sharing a hotel room with him. He's a dead sound bloke and very funny" Jon said of his Lincolnshire team-mate. It is also obvious that Jon's winter training has been intense and that dedication has paid off. "I have been doing a lot of training" said Jon. "I've been doing weights and strength exercises at the Virgin Active centre in Derby, especially working on my upper body strength. "I have also been doing a lot of running and mountain biking - it's a great workout. It's a great area to get on your bike and follow the canal and then just see where the road takes you!" Jon is confident for the year ahead. "I know the team would be pleased if I could post top ten results but I want to be in the top five and hopefully be fighting for podium places in time" Jon told me. "But one thing is for sure, this year is one of the strongest years in British Superbikes for a long time - there are many riders who could take the title. It is going to be really competitive and exciting to watch." Jon was preparing to set off to Albacete in Spain for two days testing when I spoke to him. "I can't wait to get on the bike" said Jon. "Over the winter months I broke my wrist but am pleased to say that is almost 100% mended now. I think the test in Spain will be very helpful and the higher temperature out there is more favourable. "The Kawasaki has an excellent engine management system. We will be running Dunlop tyres which I am very pleased about as they are good. The top speed of the bike is around 200mph and on the fastest straights this year we will be around 190mph." The opening race will be held on Easter Monday at Brands Hatch, not that Jon has a favourite track. "I like all of the tracks on the calendar" Jon said. "It is a bike I'm really looking forward to racing at every type of circuit." Whilst Jon is one of the most easy going guys you could hope to meet, there is no doubting his determination to prove himself at the highest level now he has been given the opportunity. We'll be watching his progress on the track with eagle eyes. Rebecca Hobbs | 
