FRIENDSHIPS will be put to one side for two best mates when the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 series gets underway this weekend.

Mason Law and Danny Buchan have known each other for 17 years but the two will line up on the grid together for the first time this weekend.

Law, 21, has made the sidestep from the British Supersport Championship, with Buchan, 23, dropping down from British Superbikes.

And the Benfleet rider said it was down to Buchan that he races, ahead of Saturday’s first round at Donington Park.

“It was actually my dad Graham that got Danny into bikes and he and his dad Jim that got me into it a few years later,” said Law, who has spent the last two months testing in Spain.

“Our dads crossed paths and my dad has always had a motocross background so he said to Jim that I should give it a go.

“I wasn’t old enough to ride when Danny started but when I was I got to grips with motocross before I made the move to road racing.

“In terms of this season, a lot has been made out of the fact there is a rivalry but I just want to win, otherwise I wouldn’t put myself or anyone else through it. Danny is like a brother to me but he is also another racer.

“I am fortunate as I have seen him make mistakes and learned not to make them myself. But it is an exciting time.”

Buchan, who used to live in Basildon, echoed his friend and said, while Law was the only one on the grid he would help, he only had eyes for first place.

“Mason’s dad got me into it but once he was old enough we really got into it together,” he said. “It will be strange to race alongside him and he would be the only one I want to help but I am employed by my team and sponsors to win and that is all that matters.

“I won eight out of 12 races in 2014 and I want to do better than that this year.

“Last season was difficult and stacked with so many good riders. I didn’t gel with my bike and I called it quits as I didn’t want to tarnish my reputation.

“I am riding faster than ever and went 0.7 seconds quicker in Cartagena recently which is brilliant. I have not left any stones unturned in regards to this training. I am lighter and a lot stronger and I am in the best shape I can be.”

“I feel good,” added Law. “It is a new challenge and bigger bike but I feel really good.”