Ben Burke was on the podium in his return to Australia. Image: Keith Muir.

BCperformance by Bikesconnect Kawasaki’s Ben Burke exceeded expectations in his return to national racing in the Queensland Raceway round of the Australian Superbike Championship.

After finishing second in the British Superstock 600 series last year, Burke made his 1000cc debut in the Prostock category last weekend, sweeping to 5-3-2 finishes for second overall.

“My first ASBK racing weekend was an exciting one and one that will not be forgotten,” Burke said. “Coming into the weekend I really did not have any expectations as I did not know if I was able to ride a 1000 well enough to be competitive in a national event.

“The whole weekend was a learning experience for the rest of the year. I really enjoyed being back in a team structure again and working with Kelvin and the team, the great results were simply just the icing on the cake!

“I would like to thank Kelvin for this opportunity and my teammate Joel Hughes for recommending me.”

Team owner Kelvin Reilyy was well pleased with Burke’s result in the BCperformance by Bikesconnect team’s first ASBK appearance. The round was won by fellow BCperformance-backed rider Matt Walters.

“I knew Ben was fast with lots potential, but to be fair I did not expect these results so soon,” Reilly said. “Ben rode outstanding all weekend and did not put a foot wrong.

“He is a pleasure to work with and I am immensely proud of our team’s achievement with its first podium. And for Matt to take the overall round victory and extend his lead in the championship just makes it a perfect weekend.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors and individuals that help get us on the grid, without them this would not be able to happen.”

Burke’s now ninth in the series despite missing Phillip Island’s season-opening round at the beginning of the year.