Despite newly announced title sponsor Samsung, British Superbike squad Crescent Racing will not enter John Hopkins as a wildcard entry for the Donington Park round of World Superbike racing as previously expected. Instead, both the American rider and his new teammate, reigning BST Champion Jon Kirkham, will be entered for the British WSBK round at Silverstone later in the season.
Originally, the team had announced that Hopkins would race at Donington, but with a rider new to the team testing today at Cartagena, it seems as though Crescent Suzuki has decided to wait to join the WSBK fray. They will continue their testing March 8th at Guadix, Spain in advance of the BSB opener at Brands Hatch on April 25th.
The addition of Samsung as a title sponsor is a real boon to the team, especially when so many others are struggling for sponsorship. “In such a tough climate it is extremely pleasing to work with a new partner from outside of the bike industry and with Jon we have a second rider with real pedigree,” said team manager Jack Valentine.
Though Hopkins has had bad luck with injuries and recent issues within the AMA Pro Racing series, it appears that his fitness is less in question now than ever in the last few years. “I can honestly say that I am fitter than I have ever been before, both mentally and physically,”said Hopkins when his contract was announced, adding, “The team had a great season last year and I am confident in them and the bike that we will be up there where we need to be. My style really suits the Suzuki.”
Source: Team Suzuki
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