[visordown.com] - McConnell moves up to BSB with Smiths Racing

[Ninjette Newsbot]

REIGNING British Supersport Champion Billy McConnell is to make his return to the British Superbike Championship in 2015 with Smiths Racing team on-board the BMW S1000RR.

McConnell has competed in the Superbike class before in 2006 and 2008 before moving to the Supersport Championship in which the Australian won in 2014 with the Smiths team.

The 27-year-old said: "I am really looking forward to stepping into Superbike again in 2015. It is really exciting to be doing it with the Smiths team as they are a family to me now as this will be my fourth season with them.

“I suppose I am a bit nervous stepping back into Superbikes as it is the biggest class and there are a lot of great riders lined up for next year, but that is where everyone wants to be.

Continuing, McConnell explained: "Going into the Superbike class as a British Champion is something I am really proud of. The BMW has been proven to be a competitive package this year in the Championship.

“It is something we are looking forward to and we want to keep pushing forward to get top tens and definitely try to make the Showdown, which is what everyone wants! I want to do myself and the team proud in 2015."

The 2015 season will be Smiths Racing’s debut season in the Superbike Class after two title wins in the Supersport Championship.

Team Manager Rebecca Smith said: "As a team we are really excited about the new challenge that lies ahead of us. Following our second British Supersport title in three years, we feel that the time is right to step up to the MCE British Superbike Championship.

“The BMW was an obvious choice for us and we can't wait to start the testing programme. The class is looking to be as strong as ever next year so our expectations of both Billy and the new BMW are high."




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