Hopkins joins BSB with Crescent Suzuki
Added on Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Hopkins joins BSB with Crescent Suzuki
John Hopkins has ended months of speculation after signing to race in the 2011 British Superbike championship with Crescent Racing.
The former MotoGP rider, who has seen his career in limbo following the collapse of the Kawasaki MotoGP team in 2008, has signed up with Crescent Suzuki for the 2011 BSB championship – a considerable coup for a team that has itself had a difficult winter after losing factory support from Suzuki.
Hopkins moved to WSB with Stiggy Honda in 2009 but injuries and the eventual collapse of the team due to financial problems forced the American to go back to the AMA series in 2010.
But Hopkins, who is looking to become the first rider from the USA to secure the British Superbikes title, is looking to put the last two years behind him and succeed in a hugely competitive championship in 2011.
“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,” he said. “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 have been unlucky with injury in past seasons – that comes with the territory but I can honestly say that I am fitter than I have ever been before, both mentally and physically. I know I had a reputation in the past, but it has all changed and my focus is on racing and I am really enjoying it. 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. My style really suits the Suzuki and I am looking forward to riding the full-blown Superbike again, as in the U.S series the bikes are more restricted.
“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. Physically and mentally I am fit and ready to roll with a great bike and a great crew behind me. I want to be up there from the get go, I know there will expectations of me from fans and critics but at the end of the day I want to get the maximum from both myself, the team and the bike to get results this year.”
