The Tamworth-born rider spent time at the Ultimate Training Centre (UTC), in Erdington.

He was put through endurance training and martial arts sparring to improve his fitness.

His trainer, Vaughan Lee, is a renowned cage fighter, mixed martial arts combatant and instructor.

He will be fighting on the Saturday of BSB Round One at Brands Hatch and hopes to be in the paddock unscathed to support Mason on race day.

Mason told The Tamworth Herald: "I've really been put through the mill over the winter with a sustained programme of endurance from some of the toughest people I've ever met down at the UTC.

"I've also learned some important techniques from these guys like using full focus at times of crisis and also how to recover and bounce back quickly.

"They have to come back from injuries all the time, while fast recovery from accidents is so important in our sport.

"It's pointless moaning about the weather, if anything it's made me more determined in the gym and I just can't wait for the season to begin."

His trainer said it had been interesting to work with a motorcyclist.

Lee added: "We've concentrated on keeping him light for the bike and built up his grip strength, core and endurance, so he should be one of the fittest guys on the grid.

"He's a good ambassador for the gym and his racing background means he listens and puts things to immediate use."

The 2010 MCE British Superbike Championship will include a line-up of top stars who battle over 12 rounds and 26 races.

The MSS Colchester Kawasaki squad is now heading to Guadix, Spain, where Superbike riders Mason and Simon Andrews will put the new Magneti Marelli electronics-equipped Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R through its paces before the races start.