STK600: Gearlink signs Hedger and McAleer

Gearlink Kawasaki will compete in the National Superstock 600 class next year after signing this year's Motostar champion Luke Hedger and young Irish female racer Nicole McAleer.

The pair complete Michael de Bidaph's line-up for 2013 after Ben Wilson Alastair Seeley joined the team to challenge for the British Supersport crown on the Kawasaki ZX-6R.

Hedger (17) - a bright prospect who won the Motostar title in his second season in the British championship - is thrilled with the opportunity to ride for the team as he continues to learn his trade and climb through the ranks.

"I'm really pleased to be joining such an elite team as Gearlink Kawasaki in 2013, I think this will be really good for me to be part of such a professional team and to have Ben and Alastair as my team-mates is going to be awesome," he said.

"I can't wait for the first test on the Gearlink Kawasaki, I would like to say a big thank you to Norma and Michael for giving me this opportunity, also a massive thank you to Louise and Gary from www.1stchoice-flooring.co.uk for making this happen - April can't come soon enough."

McAleer (20), from Northern Ireland, is a former British 125cc rider who has also contested the Superstock 600 class in the past.

She took a year out from the British championship to compete in the Thundersport series but returns with Gearlink next year.

"I'm really happy to be riding for Gearlink Kawasaki in 2013 as I've always been close with Norma and Michael while I was racing at BSB," she said.

"I always knew it was a great, close working team and I have always wanted to ride for a team like that but never thought it would be possible."

Team manager De Bidaph is confident both riders will shine in 2013 after offering the young pair the chance to make their mark.

"I am thrilled that we have signed Luke and Nicole to compete in the Superstock 600 series next year.

"Whilst Luke is new to the 600cc bike he has certainly proved his talent in BSB, winning the Motostar British Championship this year, so I am sure that he will be a worthy contender in 2013," he said.

"We have known Nicole for a few years now and I am sure that she will be able to prove herself in 2013 riding for Gearlink Kawasaki."