Splitlath, Hawk firm 2012 BSB places
Splitlath Redmond Racing and Hawk Racing have sealed its places on the 2012 MCE British Superbike Championship grid, bringing the number of confirmed teams to nine.
Neither team has announced its riders for 2012, but both will remain with the machinery it participated with in 2011. As such, Splitlath will persevere with the Aprilia RSV-4 and Hawk - run under the Buildbase banner for the last three seasons - continuing with BMW.
Though both teams struggled in the championship class in 2011, Splitlath - runners-up in the EVO class in 2010 - is confident about its chances ahead of 2012 thanks to the introduction of the new regulations.
"This season is perhaps going to be the most interesting and exciting in the history of British Superbikes, and with our new team structure as Splitlath Redmond, we're going to come out fighting," said team manager John Dimbylow, referring to the recent link with former athlete Derek Redmond.
"We will remain with the Aprilia RSV4 as we believe this bike has a lot of potential and we certainly are not going out there to make up the numbers. We're going out to run at the front. I can't wait for the 2012 season to begin."
Hawk Racing enjoyed mixed success in 2011 following its decision to switch from Kawasaki to BMW machinery, with the S1000RR proving uncompetitive in the full championship class. However, its EVO entry, piloted by Barry Burrell, was a race winner in its category, while Richard Cooper took the Superstock machine to title glory as well.
With the changes to the regulations set to favour the BMW - which has already notched up several successes around the world in stock trim -, Hawk team principal Stuart Hicken has renewed hope for 2012.
"The new regulations really suit our team and the BMW S1000RR and our aim is to make the top six in the Showdown. After winning the National Superstock 1000 Championship last season we will also be making a determined effort to retain our title. We are currently in negotiations with several riders and 2012 looks set to be another exciting year."
With BSB launching an 'Elite' system for 2012, offering up places for 16 two-rider teams, just six spots now remain on the grid, with no confirmation as yet from champions Swan, Rob Mac Racing, Quay Garage, Ridersmotorcycles.com, MSS Colchester, Sorrymate.com SMT and Jentin Racing.
