CHANGE
OF DIRECTION FOR BEN
Ben
Wilson is to return to the National Superstock championship for 2007 where he
will ride the new GSX-R 1000cc Suzuki supported by Windmill Cars of Boston and
The Crescent Performance Centre, a subsidiary of Crescent Suzuki who run the
Rizla Suzuki British Superbike team. The newly formed team is to be called
Windmill Suzuki with Ben being the sole rider.
The
24-year-old rider from Kirton near Boston rocketed to fame when he won the
Junior Superstock title in 2001 before going on to compete in British Supersport
the following year where he completed the season in sixth place.
2003 saw
Wilson make the step up to Superstock where he rode to fifth place before being
signed by Vivaldi Racing.
After a
hotly contested season he completed 2004 in third place and was rewarded with a
British Superbike ride with Vivaldi in 2005.
Ben
completed his rookie year in 17th position and, as his experience
grew, went on to finish 2006 in 12th place with a string of top ten
results to his credit.
“I have
to thank all at Vivaldi Racing for giving me the opportunity to ride in the
premier British class over the past two seasons. I knew right from the start
that they were dedicated to bringing on young riders and so was set to move on
this year,” said Ben.
“However
nothing ever goes to plan in racing and I was disappointed to be let down by a
sponsor who pulled out at the 11th hour leaving me unable to secure a
British Superbike ride for the 2007 season.
“It was
the toughest decision I have ever had to make but it was just impossible for me
to raise the funds required to secure a Superbike ride this year.
“David
Hilton from Windmill Cars of Boston has very kindly stepped in to help me fund
the Superstock ride and I intend to repay him by lifting the winner’s trophy.
The Superstock championship is one of the most competitive series out there but
I am sure the new Suzuki will be up to the task. It is not released into the
showrooms until Saturday (February 24) but I would like to say a big thank you
to Crescent Performance and hope to have my two bikes up and running very
shortly after that. I intend to do a few test days as soon as soon as possible
and can’t wait to put the new K7 through its paces.”
Ben would
also like to say a big thank you to both Martyn James and Simon Buckmaster, for
all their help and encouragement.
"The
agreement we have with Crescent Performance is quite unique, the idea being to
aid as much as possible with the promotion of Crescent Performance Parts, which
I again thank them for the opportunity to do, and I will certainly be trying my
best to do just that".
The Team
would also like to thank the following for their support for the 07 season:
Moggstar, Promac, Dyno-jet UK, The Awning Company, Maxima Racing Oils, SportFX
Ltd and B & C Express.
To aid
our budget shortfall we are to hold a one-off fundraiser at the Four Cross Road
public house in Boston (A52) on March 12 commencing at 7.30pm. Your attendance
would be greatly appreciated.
Report by
Helen Pask
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