125: Maxtra names team manager.

The new Maxtra Racing team has announced the appointment of Howard Plumpton to the role of team manager ahead of its debut season of competition in 2009.

Plumpton will join the team having spent 19 years working as part of the Suzuki factory GP and MotoGP team, having held the role of operations manager for the past four years.

His appointment follows the announcement last week that Nicky Hayden's former crew chief, Trevor Morris, will head the pit crew of the team during its first year in the 125cc series.

"It's a great opportunity to work on a brand-new project in the most exciting class in racing," Plumpton said. "The team is already a who's who of racing and I am delighted that I will be working with a few old friends, as well as some other established top names."

Team director Garry Taylor was pleased to welcome Plumpton into the team and said he was the ideal person to fill the role.

"I worked with Howard for some 15 years at Suzuki and there is nobody with a better understanding of the organisational requirements of a World Championship class team," he said. "He is exactly who we need to smooth our transition from the design and development phase through to competing in the GP race series.

"We will be working closely together in finalising the 2009 Maxtra team and putting it firmly on the road to success."

The Maxtra 125 features a unique 'upside-down' Jan Witteveen-designed engine in a Harris Performance chassis and has already completed a number of tests ahead of its race debut in 2009.