Crank Racing team boss Mark Grimes believes Twickenham’s Simon Low is not far from securing a maiden podium finish for the team.

Low finished eighth, sixth and fifth in class in three Thundersport GB Championship races at Cadwell Park last weekend – the last two efforts putting him in the top 10 overall.

It was Kent-based Crank Racing’s best set of results in its debut season on the grid and Grimes believes Low could be sipping champagne on the podium at Oulton Park later this month.

“After a disappointing first race we got stronger during the weekend,” said Grimes.

“We have a new front end on the bike and Simon grew more and more comfortable with it.

“We now feel we have the bike ready to challenge for the top step at Oulton Park – that’s the target.

“We’re confident we will be spraying the winner’s champagne very soon.”

Series rookie Low – who made his 1,000cc debut back in March – has quickly got to grips with the distinctive yellow Kawasaki ZX10-R and arrived at the Lincolnshire track hoping to beat his previous best result of sixth.

But it was not until the third race of the weekend on Sunday that he achieved that objective to finish fifth in his class and ninth overall.

“I’m really pleased with this weekend, it was really good despite the slow start,” he said.

“I’d had no dry practice time, so it was not the best way to start my first 1000cc race around Cadwell Park.

“But once we got out there, it all went well. Each race we got stronger and quicker and that final one was great.

“It’s good to see that my consistency has improved and now I know I’m in a great place to start challenging for the podium.

“I’m working hard on my fitness now so I can improve even more on track.

“We’re moving forward every time we race and now I need to start pushing for podiums and wins.”