Rizla Suzuki puts GSX-R ace Kennaugh to the test RIZLA SUZUKI will put Hudson Kennaugh – the current leader of the Suzuki GSX-R European Cup – to the test when he rides John Reynolds’ race bike in a private track session at Donington Park later this month. The 24-year-old is the reigning South African Superbike Champion and wants to step his career up a gear by moving to Europe and securing a ride in either British or World Superbikes with a top team. His test ride on JR’s Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 gives him a big opportunity to show his talent. Hudson said: “I won the Superbike Championship in South Africa for Suzuki in 2004 and now I want to progress to a bigger stage. That means coming to Europe and trying to secure a ride in either BSB or WSB – that is my main focus this year. “Riding JR’s GSX-R1000 is brilliant as Rizla Suzuki is one of the top teams in the world. I will do the best job I can during the test. It’s pretty simple really – if I do well then hopefully doors will open up and if I don’t then they remain closed.” Hudson will join Rizla Suzuki at Donington Park in Leicestershire on June 14th and 16th to ride the GSX-R1000. The team will be testing at the circuit and JR will be on hand to offer advice to the eager South African. Triple BSB Champion Niall Mackenzie will also be in attendance to offer Hudson guidance. “The Suzuki GSX-R European Cup is a great way for me to show what I can do in front of big crowds and on television. It has also brought me to the attention of Rizla Suzuki – so thank you to Suzuki and the Rizla team for this opportunity,” explained Hudson. “Thanks also to Jonny Towers at MotoDirect, importers of AGV and RST to the UK, for helping to arrange this test.” Rizla Suzuki team manager Robert Wicks, originally from South Africa but now resident in the UK, said: “I have kept an eye on Hudson’s career for the past few years and I firmly believe he is a talent and future champion. “I first met Hudson at the GSX-R Cup event at Magny Cours in 2003 where he put in a great performance on a track he’d not raced at before. He’s built on that result back in South Africa by winning the national championship and leading the 2005 Suzuki GSX-R European Cup. Now Rizla Suzuki is happy to provide this test for Hudson to prove his ability on a factory-backed GSX-R1000. He’s part of the Suzuki family and we are always happy to bring new talent to the fore.” You can follow Hudson’s test on the Rizla Suzuki on www.rizla-suzuki.co.uk. You can find out more about the Suzuki GSX-R European Cup by visiting www.gsxrcup.com.