Reigning British Superbike Privateer Champion Gary Mason will be standing in for injured team mate Simon Andrews to tackle this year’s Relentless International North West 200 in association with Black Horse on his MSS Colchester Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Superbike.

North West 200 Race Director Mervyn Whyte MBE today confirmed Mason’s entry following discussions with team manager Nick Morgan during the week-end. “We’re delighted that Gary is able to compete on Saturday 15th May and I know he’s extremely excited about taking part and I’ve spent some time with him looking round the course in preparation for Race Week.”

Gary is looking forward to his first ‘road racing’ foray whilst Andrews recovers from foot and heel injuries he sustained at the World Superbike Championship in Valencia. The 30 year old from Lichfield stated, “I’m really excited about this, the North West is a legendary place and originally I was a bit gutted not to be going. Now as Simon has unfortunately injured himself the team have asked me to go out and I couldn’t be more keen!”

Team boss Nick Morgan added, “It’s another great opportunity for Gary and he’s the obvious choice after Simon’s injury. Although Gary has never been to the North West before, I think he will be strong as he’s a very precise rider and picks up tracks quickly. It’s also valuable extra seat time for the BSB season against quality opposition.”

Mason found great form in the 2009 British Superbike series, taking his privateer machine to a front row start and 13 top ten finishes, dominating the mirror.co.uk Privateers Cup and impressing many with his pace and consistency. He will join a strong MSS squad for the North West with successful Irish ‘roads’ specialists Ryan Farquhar and Stephen Thompson. Gary is also fighting fit for the tough racing having undergone a brutal martial arts training regime to prepare himself for the 2010 season.

The Relentless International North West 200 in association with Black Horse takes place on Saturday 15th May (roads close 10am). Official practice sessions are scheduled for Tuesday 11th May (roads close 5pm to 9.30pm) and Thursday 13th May (roads close 9.30am to 3.30pm). For more information visit http://www.northwest200.org