Team Blackhorse Yamaha are pleased to announce that they have secured the services of Conor Cummins to compete on their R1 Superstock machine in next year’s BSB 1000cc Superstock Championship. The foundations for the deal were laid at the end of the 2008 series when the 22 year old Manxman raced for the team in the final two rounds at Silverstone and Brands Hatch where he posted strong ninth and twelfth place finishes respectively, in what for Conor was a ‘getting to know you’ period with Team Blackhorse Yamaha and their R1 Superstock machine. Additionally for 2009 is the introduction of new Team Blackhorse Yamaha sponsor, Solway Slate & Tile Co. Ltd. Based in Carlisle, Solway Slate & Tile Co. Ltd manufacture, import, stock and distribute a wide range of roofing materials to roofing & building contractors and merchants throughout the UK. As well as providing a full and experienced roofing supply service for the construction industry, “Solway” also has a manufacturing facility in West Cumbria. Team Boss Ian Lougher: “Conor is the one of the finest motorcycle racing prospects on the current scene and has proven beyond all doubt that he has the ability to compete at the highest level and we are delighted to welcome him on board for a full season in the BSB 1000cc Superstock Series. His two outings for us at the end of 2008, have shown that both Conor and Team Blackhorse Yamaha are more than capable of competing at the cutting edge and challenging for top honours. 2008 was our first full season within the BSB series and was an invaluable and enjoyable learning curve from which we can build upon and enable us to meet the new challenges of 2009 head on. I would also like to welcome Joe Grant and Solway Slate & Tile Co. Ltd. onboard with Team Blackhorse Yamaha for 2009. Joe has been a huge supporter of motorcycle road racing for many years and it will be a great pleasure for everyone at Team Blackhorse Yamaha to be working with him and Solway Slate & Tile Co. Ltd during the 2009 road race season.” Conor Cummins: ”I am really chuffed to be riding for Team Blackhorse Yamaha for the 2009 British Superstock Championship. I want to be a serious contender for the championship in 2009, and by riding with Team Blackhorse Yamaha I have a really good chance of doing so. They have a wealth of experience for me to tap into and make full use of so I’m really looking forward to getting the season underway and ‘unleashing the horsepower’. I had two outings with the team at the end of the 2008 season, and found it an extremely enjoyable experience, gaining some good results and knowledge along the way, and I am intent on doing the same for 2009!”