(Scotland) American Tom Kipp is riding for Demon Vimto Honda in the fiercely contested British Superbike Championship, replacing the injured James Toseland on the RC51. Glenn Le Santo spoke to Tom after he had finished eighth in the rain-lashed first race yesterday in Scotland. Kipp was the first Honda home.
AMA Superbike: How are you getting on with racing in the UK?

Tom Kipp: It's kinda a challenge, different race tracks, different country. But I'm back on a twin and the Honda, it's working really well. We're down on speed but the chassis seems to be really good. The first race was full wets in the rain but I ended up finishing eighth, top Honda. It was good, I felt I rode a good race. I was a bit out of shape at times (laughs) you know. But that'll come around real soon.

AMA Superbike: Are you enjoying the Scottish weather, when was the last time you had to ride in such weather?

Kipp: I haven't raced since last October - period - let alone in weather like this. Laguna Seca last year was the last time I rode in the wet. But the bikes coming along good and I feel really good about things. The team is fantastic, the two guys that I am working with on the bike are great. I'd like to be able to take them home with me when I am done here. I'm getting on with the Dunlop tires, but the bike's just a bit down on power, it's just a kit Honda. But physically I feel okay and I'm doing a good job riding it. I was pretty happy with my performance in the first race especially as I got some dirt on my visor and couldn't see where I was going.

Tom finished fourteenth in the second race prompting team-owner Paul Bird to comment: "We need to work on our performance in the dry."