Image: Steve Thibou.

Crazy Dogs Kawasaki rookie Mike Jones is satisfied with his first true national Superbike appearance, finishing 14th overall on debut in the Australasian Superbike Championship aboard his privateer ZX-10R.

Jones finished 12th in race one on Sunday and 10th in the final outing, however a crash in the second race of the round when rain drops fell affected his overall result.

Saturday’s FX-Superbike round was more encouraging for the emerging Queensland talent, claiming sixth against a stacked field of the country’s finest premier class competitors – a factor Jones admits he underestimated.

“I knew it was going to be difficult based on the riders and teams that entered the first round, but I was surprised by the outstanding quality of competition during the weekend,” he reflected.

“I’m satisfied with my efforts and feel I have gained a lot of experience by being amongst Australia’s best Superbike riders. I’m pleased with the results from Saturday, I felt comfortable on the bike and made forward progress all day.

“I set my personal best lap time, less than four tenths of a second from the lap record, which gives me confidence that I can be competitive with more experience.”

After Sunday’s mixed Swann Series results, Jones has outlined the areas he will work on ahead of upcoming events.

“The races on Sunday really showed me where I can improve,” he added. “The results weren’t as good as Saturday, but I feel as though I achieved what I wanted to from the weekend.

“I’ve made a good start for my first year on a Superbike and I already can’t wait to be back on the bike again.”