Linfoot given BSB opportunity
Added on Saturday, September 19th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Linfoot given BSB opportunity
Dan Linfoot is set to make his British Superbike debut at next weekend’s Silverstone double-header, replacing Jon Kirkham on the Node4 Yamaha.
Having contended the Supersport championship as a front-runner for much of this season, Linfoot has been offered the opportunity to show what he can do in the main championship, on a Yamaha R6, after an injury at the Snetterton round ruled him out of the title fight.
The 21 year-old has attracted a lot of attention throughout his rookie season, after so far achieving three podium finishes in the first four races, to earn him a shot to secure some valuable mileage on the BSB Yamaha.
Despite being a rookie in the BSB championship, Linfoot has already tested the bike – which was previously ridden by Kirkham, Michael Rutter and Karl Harris.
When asked about his opportunity, Linfoot said: “We tested at Silverstone on Wednesday and it all went really well; there were a few other BSB riders out there but I just kept focused on what I was doing. It was my first go on the 2009 Yamaha; I rode a Superbike last year at a test for a few laps so it wasn’t the first time I had been out on one but it did feel different. We just worked on basic setup for me and we did around 40 – 50 laps and now I am really looking forward to next weekend.
“I am under no illusions of how tough BSB is as there are so many fast, experienced riders out there but the whole thing is exciting for me. I really wanted to win in Supersport which I haven’t yet, so I still have unfinished business there, but of course I want to move up to BSB and this is my opportunity.
“My aim is to go out there and enjoy it; I want to be as close to Chris (Walker) and Graeme (Gowland) as possible. It is a big ask for me to get straight out there on a Superbike but as long as I make progress all weekend and keep improving I will be happy. I am just so excited by the whole opportunity and I can’t wait to get out there at Silverstone.”
