Image: Deus Images.

Crazy Dogs Kawasaki rookie Mike Jones continued his strong form in the opening round of the 2014 Australian Superbike Championship on Sunday, finishing second behind multiple-time champion Glenn Allerton.

Despite missing the opening session of the weekend, the Queenslander rebounded to claim second in both Superpole and the opening 17-lap race of the weekend.

“I thoroughly enjoyed riding the Crazy Dogs Kawasaki ZX10 at Queensland Raceway this weekend,” Jones reflected. “I’m excited with the result and happy with my performance. Being only my third race meeting on the Superbike, it’s been great to gain further experience and develop my skills.

“I had some bike difficulties early on Saturday morning which meant I missed the first practice session. Fortunately though, my home circuit advantage helped and I made an impressive effort in Superpole. The 17-lap race on the Superbike was a first for me and I surprised myself with my performance.

“I remained calm and smooth for the entire race and was pumped with the second place result. In addition to that, my best lap time was under the Prostock lap record, proving the XXX Rated Race Suspension can make a standard rear shock work well.”

A monsoonal downpour prior to race two prevented the completion of the race meeting with the officials deeming the track to be unsafe to race on, with Jones ultimately respecting the decision of race officials.

“It was slightly disappointing that the second race was not run in the wet weather,” he added. “I knew I had a good chance as a week prior I spent a full day gaining wet weather practice on the circuit.

“In saying that though, it was fantastic to catch up with local supporters and sponsors which included the team at Link International, A1 Race Paint, Race Art, Easy Vac, and Superbike Supply. I thank all of my sponsors for their support and I’m glad to have given them a successful weekend.”

Jones’ next event will be round two of the 2014 Swann Insurance Australasian Superbike Championship at Mallala Motorsport Park, South Australia, from 16-18 May.