Ellison exits Smiths BMW as equal bikes fail to meet Thruxton targets

James Ellison and Smiths Racing BMW have announced they will go their ways following round seven of the 2019 Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Thruxton.

A stalwart of the BSB scene, Ellison has notched up 15 race wins over the 11 BSB seasons but has endured a tough opening half to the season adapting to the BMW S1000RR, his cause hampered severely by the late delivery of the new generation bikes and newer parts going the way of Hickman first.

With a best finish of tenth this season thus far – compared with Hickman’s perfect scoring record, including nine top ten results and a podium at Thruxton – Ellison had hoped a long-awaited swap to the same as Hickman’s would revitalise his fortunes.

Though he did show flashes of the form over the weekend, a best of 11th wasn’t enough to stop the team releasing him from his contract early.

“James was on an identical bike to Pete this weekend but unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get the results neither he nor we had hoped for,” Darren Jones, Team Co-ordinator said.

“As a result, we have had a chat and decided that we will go our separate ways so would like to thank James for his efforts this season and we wish him well in the future.”

As Ellison’s season hits pause, Smiths BMW has a competitive seat up for grabs ahead of the next BSB round at Cadwell Park.