It’s all change in the British Superbike paddock for 2017! With the championship giving us some of the most exciting racing on two wheels, we give you the lowdown on who’s where so far for next year…
BeWiser PBM Ducati:
No change in the reigning champions camp, with Shane Byrne and Glen Irwin lining up on those super trick Panigale R’s. It’s no doubt they’ll be a force to be reckoned with, as Shakey is a five time champ and Irwin a podium finisher in an incredibly impressive rookie season.
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JG Speedfit Kawasaki:
With the absence of GB Moto racing for 2017, the factory backed Kawasaki squad now falls under the guise of the Bournemouth Kawasaki (Formerly Quattro Plant), who have enjoyed two great seasons with Luke Mossey onboard. With the extra support this could be a breakthrough season for the young talent, and with multiple runner-up Leon Haslam on the hunt to go one better and win the title, both riders will be in undoubtedly in the fight for the title.
McCams Yamaha:
An evolution of Keith Flint’s Team Traction Control in the Supersport class, these guys have finally made the step up the big class; and they’re ready. Armed with the same factory support Josh Brookes had in 2015 when he won the title, both James Ellison and Michael Laverty are looking to take their first championships in the British premier class.
Tyco BMW:
These boys have had their share of bad luck, but no doubt they’ll be back stronger than ever. With the signing of former European Superstock champ and ex-WSBK rider Davide Guigliano the team show they mean business, and retaining Christian Iddon was an incredibly smart move after his awesome first half of 2016 – if he can keep that form out there is no doubt he’ll be a showdown contender.
Honda Racing:
Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past few months, you would’ve seen that awesome new ‘Blade on the way for next year, and after O’Halloran and Linfoot gave such a good showing on what is essentially an eight year old version there’s no saying what they’ll be capable of now. Keep your eyes out for these two…
Bennetts Suzuki:
After switching from BMW to Suzuki machinery for 2017, the reigning Superstock 1000 champions have promoted Taylor Mackenzie to the role of Superbike, while pulling out all the stops to sign former World Superbike champ (and likeable Frenchman) Sylvan Guintoli for a full-on title attack.
Quattro Plant FS-3 Kawasaki:
Running ex-PBM ZX-10R’s for 2016, the FS-3 team made a huge impact on the championship with former British Supersport champion Billy McConnell at the reigns. With the support of Team Green (Kawasaki’s UK Racing Division) and the experienced Aussie onboard for another year, they’ll definitely be on the hunt for a showdown spot.
Moto Rapido Ducati:
After a tough year for the team, they’re back on track (excuse the pun) and looking to get back to that blistering form they had at the end of 2015. By signing John Hopkins (who took them to the podium that year), chances are Wilf and the team will be tasting champagne before they know it…
Briggs Equipment Lee Hardy Racing BMW:
After making a mid-season switch from British Supersport, Jake Dixon settled in incredibly well before an injury finished his season onboard the Briggs equipment BMW. Having a second year will hopefully give the young chap some more time to find his way up the sharp end, and we’re sure he’ll be upsetting the established stars before they know it – and maybe even his manager, who is a certain Shakey Byrne.
Anvil Hire Tag Racing:
After just missing out on point scoring finishes this year, Shaun Winfield will be on the hunt for more as he climbs back aboard the Anvil Hire Yamaha with a year of development under his belt. With James Rispoli heading off to pursue new ventures, there is a spare seat as well…
Platform Hire Racing:
One of smallest yet hardest working teams in the paddock, the Platform Hire team are back for more in 2017 with Aaron Zanotti at the helm. Following on from their first year on the brand new Yamaha, they’ll be looking at chipping away at those point scoring finishes.
Now who’s excited? We are!
