Pro Ride for 2010 WSBK Return?
Added on Sunday, November 29th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Pro Ride for 2010 WSBK Return?
The worldwide financial crisis has impacted the motorsport industry hard and the Pro Ride team struggled to retain their place in the World Superbike Championship as a result of financial difficulties. Due to these issues, Pro Ride was forced to withdraw from the 2009 World Superbike Championship but it is hoping to make a comeback in 2010 as a result of a new marketing agreement.
The financial woes which hit Pro Ride hard at the beginning of the 2009 season were unexpected as the team was initially one of the first to confirm a 2009 WSBK entry and took part in pre-season testing. Despite this confirmation, Pro Ride was forced to withdraw from the Championship before the season had begun, even after signing BSB champion Gregorio Lavilla.
Hoping to return in 2010, the Pro Ride team has signed a marketing contract with Speed of Japan. Speed of Japan has an enviable reputation for offering expertise in racing and the management of racing teams. With a strengthened financial grounding, it is hoped that Pro Ride will be able to return to WSBK for the 2010 season.
Commenting on the contract between Pro Ride and Speed of Japan, senior executive of Speed of Japan, Charles A Chen said:
“We are more than thrilled to sign the marketing contract with Pro Ride….the world economy is not as its best, as we all know, but we’ll try our best to find the budget for Pro Ride to be competitive in the championship.”
