Team WD-40 Two Superbikes in 2015 BSB and a mini Moto
Following on from Monday’s news, Sheffield based Team WD-40 reveal the 2 rider Superbike package with Jack Kennedy and Taylor Mackenzie for the 2015 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship. Both Kennedy and Mackenzie will make the transition from Supersport to the premier class with their target set firmly on success.
Jack Kennedy returns to the BSB after 2 good seasons in the World Supersport where he achieved podiums finishes in that ultra competitive Championship.
Jack has had some success on a superbike but being able to re-form a race winning formula he had in British Supersport, being reunited with his former Crew Chief Andy Jamison and Team mate Mackenzie was just the motivation he needed to join Team WD-40.
Jack Kennedy:“I’ve have had one off rides on Superbikes before and really enjoyed the experience. I have been looking closely at the transition into a full time Superbike career, and it was the chance to join Team WD-40 in BSB that really excited me the most because I know with what they have there we can have a real crack at it. I’m even more excited about the team they’ve got in place, with my old crew chief Andy Jamison and even my old teammate Taylor – it’ll be just like the old days! I know how good Andy is, and that we work well together, makes everything easier, because we don’t have to start fresh.
“We all know there is such a huge worldwide following of BSB, and I am looking forward to getting back out in front of those big British crowds again. The level of competition in BSB is very strong; if you look at the list of riders it shows the depth of field and I am excited to be a part of it. I couldn’t be more confident than I am now for joining this team with their package and crew. Every rider in BSB focuses on being in the Showdown and that is the same for me. I want to be pushing for the top six and then we can go hell-for-leather in the last three rounds! We want to be fighting for podiums – we are certainly not there to make up the numbers!”
Mackenzie will make his MCE BSB debut 15 years since his triple title-winning father Niall lined up on the grid. Taylor with guidance from father Niall has risen through the ranks, experiencing the Red Bull Rookies Cup and the World 125 class before returning to the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship .
Mackenzie achieved his first podium finish in the class last season and is ready for the progression. Joining his brother Tarran for the first time in a Team should enhance the family atmosphere we like where it will make it easier on Niall not having to change Team shirts every 5 minutes. The Guy’s won’t have long to wait until they get their first taste of the Team WD-40 ZX-10’s as testing starts soon.
Taylor Mackenzie: “I am over the moon to be making my British Superbike debut for Team WD40 this season. It’s a massive opportunity for me to step up to the Superbike class at the age of 21 so I really can’t thank Brent Gladwin and Geoff Crust enough for putting their faith in me. After spending some time with the team last year with my brother I am looking forward to starting work with my new Crew Chief Danny Wright and it feels like a seamless transition in to the team. It’s also good to have my old team mate Jack Kennedy back in the garage next to me we worked well together before and are good friends too. I have ridden big bikes a couple of times and really enjoyed it. I’ve got a steep learning curve ahead of me but I can’t wait for the challenge ahead. Taylor #11”
Mini Moto: We are very happy to welcome 5-year-old Mini Moto sensation Josh Bannister to Team WD-40. Josh was cheeky enough to approach the Team via PR Officer Clare Madin on social media after he had taken his first podium finish. Having seen Tarran’s Podium celebrations with our Grid girls Holly and Abigail, Josh recreated the scene with his fellow competitors 5 year old sisters taking the role of Holly and Abby. Josh went on to win his final race of the season taking 2nd over all. Josh is just like the Ever-Ready Bunny; full of go and looking to take the top spot in the championship in 2015.
David Whittome:- We are delighted to be involved for another season with GR Motosport and excited about this season’s line up. This team of talented riders have the potential to make a serious impression in the BSB series and put the WD-40 brand front of the grid and hopefully on the podium. The team mechanics have been working hard in pre-season preparing the bikes using our new range of WD-40 Specialist Motorbike products, which we are confident will pay dividends and provide the competitive advantage needed on the track.
Brent Gladwin: “Moving into our 20th year of racing we are looking for some celebrations. I have put together with Geoff Crust’s help a great Team with some of the best crew in the paddock. Andy Jamison, Danny Wright and Juan Basil led by Geoff are a formidable Team and with 2 strong young riders in Jack and Taylor we are aiming high for the future. What can I say about little Josh Bannister he is just brilliant and real fun to have around. He is just like a Tasmanian devil never stops! I have to thank all our partners for their support in this project and we are looking forward to rewarding their faith in us.”
Team Partners:- Stauff UK, – Cargolink Express, – L&A Reinforcements, – IKM – Lexelle, – Amtech, – MPS, – Optimum Fleet Management, – F&G Commercials,
Heavy Weight Air Express, – Knockhill Race Circuit,
Technical Partners:- Dymag Wheels, – Kawasaki, – Scorpion Red Power, – R&G, – Dynojet UK, – Pipercross, – Robby Moto, – NG Brake Discs, – Super B, – Ohlins, – Direct Computers,
– Signsxtra – Arni ProKustom – Mac Tools, – Swinton Motorcycles, – Focused Events
Rider Partners:- Dawn International, – VTL, – Megabikes, – Dixon International, – Caffrey International, – Harry’s Bikes, – Merit Merrell, – Borley’s Mini-Mix, – Motorpoint, – CoGri Group, – – Arai, – AGV, – RST,