OCBROOK'S Jon Kirkham insists his topsy-turvy British Superbike season starts now as he gears up for round six at Knockhill.

The 24-year-old – who took the Henderson Insurance R1 Cup title last season – began the season racing for the Jentin team but quit after a series of poor showings.

Kirkham was forced to sit out round four at Thruxton but after linking up with the North West 200 Yamaha outfit, he grabbed two top-15 finishes at Snetterton last time out.

A contented Kirkham is adamant his new arrangement is a match made in heaven – and is out to prove it in Scotland.

"I'm really excited about the race and I think this is effectively the start of the season for me," said Kirkham.

"At Snetterton, things weren't ideal because it was my first race with the team and I was getting used to everything but this week is, hopefully, going to go much better

"I was doing the same times as the eighth-placed rider at Snetterton but I unfortunately got stuck in a bit of battle down in 13th, so I couldn't really progress in a way I would have liked.

"But I've settled in brilliantly and we all working together to make this a successful season."

Kirkham has only 20 championship points to his name and is a disappointing 17th place in the overall standings.

But while many riders dread the trek to the less glamorous Fife circuit, Kirkham is relishing the long trip north

"Knockhill is always a hard race but, unlike many other riders, I quite like it," added Kirkham.

"Some riders complain about the trip up to Scotland but I don't think it's an issue.

"I'm hoping to have a top 10 finish but the real aim is to show steady improvement and keep progressing with the team."

British Eurosport 2 has live coverage from every round of the 2009 British Superbike Championship. See the action on Sky channel 411 or Virgin Media channel 525. Next race Knockhill on Sunday, July 5, and for updates head to uk.eurosport.yahoo.com