MOTORBIKE racer Luke Hedger has his eyes on glory when the British Superbike Championship commences in August.
The Hereford-based rider will remain at CPD Kawasaki after successfully completed his first season in the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 series last year and narrowly missed out on seventh overall, writes Camilla Davina Temple-Court
The British Superbike Championship is due to have 18 rounds starting at Donington Park on August 7 and running until Brands Hatch on October 18.
“We had a very fun and extremely good year in 2019 not only at British Superbikes but winning the No Limits Endurance Championship,” said Hedger.
“I am really excited to have Luke Hopkins as my teammate this season and I just can’t wait to get started now.
“It will be tough but I am feeling confident and that we can push for wins and the top three placings, that is not only my target but the team’s goal.”
Hedger, aged 23, has back to back championships under his belt taking the top spot in 2012 with the 125cc championship and then going on to win the Superstock 600s in 2013.
Now having spent three years fine-tuning his Superstock 1000 campaign he is confident he can join the title fight.
Hedger was preparing well for the season ahead when the country unexpectedly went into lockdown, but he has continued his fitness regime as best he could indoors. Now with the slight ease of the regulations, he has managed to get out on the new bike around Oulton Park on a track day.
Hedger said: “It was great to get out on the bike, I really felt like I had my wings again.
“It was the perfect time to get the Maxton Suspension all set up and ready to go. The day started out wet, with the afternoon being dry so we had the best of both worlds.
“I’m keen now to get out on the official test days and then the shorter, more compact race season.”
Prior to the Lockdown team owner and manager, Chris Cunnington added: “The 2019 season was a real eye-opener for me as to how much effort goes into the British Superbikes from all angles, I have got a team around me that I not only trust but I know they can get us over the line in top positions.
“After winning the No Limits Endurance Championship I’ve got that taste for glory so I am really positive about competing in the Superstock 1000 championship this year.
“I’m really glad that Hedger will be with us for a second season, he gave 100 per cent this year and I have no doubt he will bring his enthusiasm, willing and knowledge back to the table for this season.”
When asked if they could win the title with Hedger?
Cunnington said: “It depends on a lot of factors but I am confident we can move into podium positions and who knows.
“As ever I am thankful to Corby Kawasaki for their continued support as well as all our other sponsors that help the riders throughout.”
British Superbike race director, Stuart Higgs and his team have been working tirelessly to give all of the teams, sponsors and fans some news on a season restart that was released recently.
Whilst keeping in line with the Government guidelines they hope to have a season restart, with round one being held at Donington Park (August 7 to 9), running across six race weekends with a grand finale at Brands Hatch wherein 2019 we saw Scott Redding win the Superbike Championship.
If all goes to plan Hedger will compete for 10 races over the six weekends to see if he can get the championship he has longed for.
All the races will be televised live on Eurosport.
