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Luke Quigley has officially completed a deal to compete in the 2012 British
Superbike Championship with GBmoto Racing. Quigley will join Tristan Palmer
aboard a pair of Honda CBR1000RR as the team makes its first foray into the UK's
premier class.
GBmoto Racing has roots in both UK and World Endurance Championships before
making the switch to the National Superstock Championship in 2011. The team
impressed many last term with their professionalism, both on and off track,
leading to 3 race wins and 5 podiums.
Quigley impressed the team last year with his consistency and a stunning string
of podiums culminating in a thrilling victory, in what proved to be the final
race of the year, at Silverstone. That Silverstone triumph saw Quigley come out
on top of an exhilarating four-way scrap and should stand him in good stead for
what promises to be a hotly contested British Superbike Championship.
The series itself has undergone some significant rule changes for 2012, with a
view to making the series more economically viable. Stricter engine tuning
limitations have been brought in which, in theory, should make for a more even
playing field between those teams with and without factory support.
Quigley said: "You get nervous preparing to race but this winter has brought a
different kind of pressure with interest from different teams. When Mark came
with an offer to ride in BSB, well, it's where I want to be. Every rider wants
the best bike, in the best team, in the best possible championship, against the
best riders. It's been awesome really running my own team. It's good experience
doing things yourself, but Mark (Smith-Halvorsen - Team Principal) has given me
the opportunity to concentrate more on my racing."
"I think the series will be even more competitive. Hopefully there will be a
good mix of riders up front and I think the Honda will be a great bike to be on.
I'm looking forward to the opportunity. Mark's (going all out to prove a point.
He doesn't just want to be another team in the paddock. He wants to be right up
there and, being in a competitive team that wants to win, helps a rider's
confidence."
Team Manager Terry Liquorish concluded: "We signed Luke because we really
believe he will fit into our team well - and have watched first hand just how
well he can race this year. Whilst there is more power and less weight in
Superbike which alters the technique required, we will be making sure he adjusts
well to the extra grip, stopping power and balance that will be dialled into our
Hondas. The rule changes will suit both our riders, who can start the season
without any external pressure or heightened expectation - a little like we did
last year. We don't plan to be any less competitive this season. We are not
getting carried away with the task ahead of us, but neither are we at a loss as
to how to progress and develop things systematically. Luke has added another
reason for the team to feel happy and confident as we go about the job of
preparing for the premier class."
Quigley and GBmoto Racing are now well underway with their preparations for the
upcoming campaign. The official BSB test is scheduled to take place, in Spain,
during the first week of March before the season kicks off with the opening
round at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend, 6th-9th April.
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