TEAM WD-40 DOUBLE MCE BSB LINE-UP WITH KENNEDY AND MACKENZIE

Courtesy of BSB British Superbike

Team WD-40 Kawasaki have strengthened their MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship line-up by doubling their efforts for their 2015 campaign, signing Jack Kennedy and Taylor Mackenzie.

Kennedy was previously a contender in the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship, narrowly missing out on the title in 2012 after being forced to retire in the final race of the season. The Dublin-based rider has since spent two seasons in the World Supersport Championship.

Kennedy said: “I have been looking at the transition into Superbike for a few years and it was the chance to join Team WD-40 that has excited me the most because I know we can have a real crack at it.

“I know there is such a huge following of BSB, more so than the World Championship, and I am looking forward to getting back out in front of those big British crowds again. The level of competition in BSB is unreal; if you look at the list of riders it shows the depth of field and I am excited to be a part of that. I think I am coming back to the UK as a stronger rider for my World Supersport experiences and I am really excited about this opportunity.

“I couldn’t be more confident than I am now for joining this team with their package and crew. Every rider in BSB focuses on being in the Showdown and that is the same for me. I want to be pushing for the top six and then we can go hell-for-leather in the last three rounds! We want to be fighting for podiums – we are certainly not there to make up the numbers!”

Mackenzie will make his MCE BSB debut 15 years since his triple title-winning father Niall lined up on the grid. The former British 125 contender has risen through the ranks, experiencing the Red Bull Rookies Cup and the World 125 class before returning to the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship in 2012. Mackenzie achieved his first podium finish in the class last season and is ready for the progression.

Mackenzie said: “I am very excited about joining Team WD-40 and moving into the Superbike Championship – I have to say I grabbed the opportunity! It has always been my goal to step up to Superbike. I have ridden the bigger bike before and I think after being on the podium this year in the Supersport Championship it is time to step up.

“My first goal is to score points consistently and keep pushing forward so that I can be finishing in the top ten before the end of the year. I think that is a good goal as the pace is so close and there is so little between the top 15 riders in every session. In Supersport I kept pushing on and then last year I was on the podium, so if I can do that in BSB I will be happy.”

Team Owner Brent Gladwin said: “The team has moved forward for 2015, our 20th anniversary season, and we want some celebrations!  It has always been our aim to run two Superbikes and the valuable experience learnt in our debut season will be important this year.

“We are delighted with the 2015 line-up. We have high ambitions for Jack; he has been successful on the bigger bikes in Ireland already and in both the World and British Supersport Championships. With Taylor we want to see him progress throughout the season and learn the job like he has done in the other classes.

“I think we have a great opportunity and bold ambitions with our line-up and we are all looking forward to the season,” added Gladwin.

For more information please visit www.britishsuperbike.com

 

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