CHANGING OF THE GUARD AS WALKER AND BUCHAN SIGN FOR BOURNEMOUTH KAWASAKI Bournemouth Kawasaki has strengthened their line up for the 2013 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship with a mix of the old warrior and the young gun as Chris ‘Stalker’ Walker is joined by Danny Buchan in the race-winning team, combining youth and experience. The team scored an emotional maiden victory at Oulton Park last season as Walker secured his first race win in a decade to a rapturous reception. The fans’ favourite was in contention for a position in the Showdown until a crash at Knockhill left him with broken heels but he fought back to claim top ten finishes on his return from injury later in the season. 19-year-old Buchan joins the team after making his debut in the Championship this season and he instantly impressed with a strong fourth place finish at only his second event. The former title contender in the National Superstock 1000 Championship is now relishing the challenge of his first full campaign in the Superbike class. Walker said: “I love racing in BSB and I am absolutely chuffed to be back on the grid in 2013 with Kawasaki. The numbers tell the story; Kawasaki won the BSB and both Superstock titles which is a massive achievement and I feel that we can only continue to move forward. Last year was the team’s first season in BSB and we won a race, which was an amazing feat. I think if it hadn’t been for the crash at Knockhill we would have been in with a shot of the Showdown so that bodes well for 2013. It is great to be team-mates with Danny as I think we will be able to push each other all season and to have someone young and talented like him in the garage means I can pass on some of my experience as I was fortunate enough to have that at the start of my career. It will be the youngest versus oldest, tallest versus smallest in our garage but I can’t wait as it should be a great season!” Buchan said: “I am so happy to be back riding a Kawasaki, especially to be in BSB full time as that has always been one of my goals. It will be my first full season in the championship but I think working with the Bournemouth Kawasaki team and Chris will help me make progress all the time. I wasn’t very lucky last season but I think we can turn things around next year and we know that the Kawasaki is capable of winning races so we need to get ready and come out with a big boom at Brands Hatch!” Team owner Pete Extance concluded: “2013 is a very exciting year for Bournemouth Kawasaki having secured the title of the official Kawasaki UK BSB team and it is now down to us to put together a complete package and team worthy of the title. We have entrusted Chris Walker, who this year gave me 110 % every time he rode the motorcycle, and we felt unlucky not to make the Showdown. He is a true professional and will be a great asset especially to Danny Buchan, who despite his young age has already shown great potential on a Superbike. We feel that it won’t be long before he is knocking on the door of podium finishes. I also want to thank all of our sponsors and look forward to working with them again in 2013.” For more information please visit www.britishsuperbike.com