MOTOGP ACE JOHN HOPKINS SET TO STORM BSB

Hopkins moved to the World Superbike Championship in 2009 with Stiggy Honda, but was sidelined through injury though he ended last season on a high with podium finishes in the American Superbike Championship and is now ready to make his mark on BSB.

“I am really looking forward to BSB and working with Crescent again, it will obviously be a different crew but I know they are a great group of guys and that will be a good foundation to start the season,” enthused Hopkins.

“I have seen BSB races before and I know that there is some tough competition there, so I am excited to get started - especially as I haven’t raced most of the other riders before. It is pretty much a level playing field in terms of the riders and their experiences, but that always makes for the best racing.

"Everyone says how close BSB is and I know that it will be the same this season, but I know I am joining one of the top teams and we will have been testing ready for the start of the championship.

“I wouldn’t be coming to BSB if I didn’t think I could be successful and I think it will be a better stepping stone for my future. The team had a great season last year and I am confident in them and the bike that we will be up there where we need to be,” continued Hopkins.

He has a clear target ahead of him: “I have been told that no rider from the U.S has ever won a BSB race and it would definitely be nice to change that and make history at the same time for sure. I want to be up there from the get go - I want to get the maximum from both myself, the team and the bike to get results this year,” said Hopkins.

BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs is delighted with the arrival of the high profile Hopkins: “Back in the 70s and 80s riders from the United States regularly graced the English circuits; legends such as Kenny Roberts, Randy Mamola and Freddie Spencer, so it is fantastic for BSB to restart that tradition. I’m sure John’s arrival will be nothing short of spectacular.”

That is a sentiment that Denning shares: "I've never been as excited about a BSB season as I am about 2011. It's great to keep the team together and to be working with John again is a real opportunity. This isn't about money or politics for either of us - it's about ambition and determination and John is putting everything he can into this. It's been a tough couple of months for the BSB team, but the loyalty and support of so many partners and friends has been superb. We're looking to repay them and I hope we add significantly to the excitement of the superb BSB series in 2011."