Pr1mo Bournemouth Kawasaki racing all set for BSB season The Pr1mo Bournemouth Kawasaki Racing team had their official launch on Saturday at the Sharnbrook Hotel, Bedford with riders Chris Walker and James Hillier both eagerly looking forward to the start of the 2012 British Superbike Championship season. Fans’ favourite Walker will spearhead the team and despite turning 40 later this month, there’s no doubt he still has what it takes to run with the front pack particularly with the rule changes for 2012 putting the emphasis back on rider ability rather than electronic aids playing a significant part. Having ridden in a previous era when this was the norm, the changes should give him a greater chance of finishing in the top 6 on a regular basis, something he’s firmly aiming at achieving. For team-mate Hillier, it’s a golden opportunity to enhance his short circuit credentials and learn from one of Britain’s finest Superbike racers. Just as Walker learnt in his early career as team-mate to Terry Rymer and Niall Mackenzie, the 26-year old will be looking to tap into all of Walker’s experience and climb up the BSB results sheets to become a regular points scorer. He also has a busy roads campaign in 2012 and is expected to be a front runner in all classes at both the Isle of Man TT Races and the North West 200. Meanwhile, the team will also be running 17-year old Kyle Wilks in the National Superstock 600cc Championship as well as Maria Costello at the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and selected Irish National road races. Walker said; “It’s been a rollercoaster winter for me but I’m delighted to be back with the same team for another crack at the BSB Championship. I haven’t had the luxury of continuing with the same bike and team for about 5 years so to be back with Kawasaki is great especially with the new rule changes. I’ve got over 200 BSB races under my belt and will be the oldest rider on the grid this season but the hunger’s still there and I want to give the team the best results possible. We missed out on the Showdown in 2011 and the goal is to be there in 2012, which I don’t think is beyond the realms of possibility. There are some new teams and some exciting, World class riders in this year’s series so it’s not going to be easy but I’m really looking forward to getting started at Brands over Easter I’m confident happy times lie ahead.” Team-mate Hillier commented; “I’m really excited about the new BSB season and whilst it’s not going to be easy with such a formidable line-up of riders, the new rules will make it more of a level playing field and it’s going to be down to the rider on the day. Riding with world class opposition can only improve my riding whilst having Chris as a team-mate will be of huge benefit to me and I’m hoping to learn a great deal from him. I’m hungry to prove what I can do and get some good results, both on the short circuits and on the roads, for both myself and the team.” Team principal Pete Extance added; “The team’s gradually been evolving and with us now running two riders in BSB, as well as our roads campaign, an exciting year lies ahead. This year’s BSB Championship is a new starting point for all of us and whilst last year’s series was very close, I’m expecting 2012 to be even closer – and that’s before we’ve even got to the Showdown! Everyone knows who Chris Walker is so to have a rider of his ability and stature in our team is going to be a huge help to all of us, especially James, and the aim is to be in and around the Showdown positions before we head to Assen in September.” “With Ray Stringer as chief technician, the team have worked wonders preparing all the bikes and I’m sure the meticulous preparation will pay off. I’d like to thank Joe and Enzo from Pr1mo for all their input and whilst there were a few issues over the winter, everything’s come together now to make us a really strong team.” A number of test sessions in the UK have been pencilled in, including the official BSB tests at Brands Hatch and Snetterton later this month, prior to the opening round at Brands Hatch over the weekend of April 7-9.