“I’ve been really lucky to make a career from motorcycle racing, but without a doubt the highlight from it all for me was that victory in Assen. To take a World Superbike victory is incredible, but to do it in the way we did was even more special. It was a satellite team with factory backing and I was lucky enough to do some testing on it at Autopolis in Japan pre-season, testing the traction control which was introduced for the first time that year.

I remember at the start of the race we had some trouble on the warm up lap so I had to start from the back of the grid and then on the opening lap I was knocked into the gravel trap and was dead last. Chipping my way through the pack I found myself in the lead, conditions were treacherous and it just seemed to go on forever until the chequered flag came out! To take the very first win on the ZX-10R was something very special, something I’ll never forget.

I’m not sure if it would be possible for someone to go from last to first again, it would be entirely down to the conditions. I know the British Superbike Championship offered a prize for it this year at Brands Hatch, but given how competitive the series is nowadays I don’t think it was possible for anyone.

I’ve loved being back in BSB these past few seasons. When I first came back it was difficult to get into the groove but since then it’s been mega and the crowds are fantastic. I like to think I’m still capable of showing the young guys how it’s done too, taking a win in 2012 and making the Showdown (top six riders) last year!

I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be racing, I’d like to think at least one more season but we’ll see. I opened up my own Kawasaki dealership earlier this year and since April we’ve sold over 100 bikes which is incredible. It’s definitely where my future lies, but at the moment it’s a great way to forget about a bad weekend at the races!