The deal supports the ambitious GBmoto team, with an all-star line up for 2014, comprising of BSB favorites James Ellison and Maxxis brand ambassador Chris Walker; who have 30 series victories between them.  

James Ellison has been an integral part of the BSB paddock for many years, finishing runner up in 2009 and putting together a strong campaign last season, only to be hampered by some unfortunate technical DNF’s. The Cumbrian rider has also had several MotoGP and WSB stints so is not phased by the change of machinery; “I’m really excited about this deal as I know how good this team is, especially now with the Kawasaki machinery and support. I’ve been in contact with Mark since last year when I was coming back from GP’s and to be honest it was a close thing for this season, the only thing I wasn’t sure about was the overall package of the Honda. Since then I’ve watched the team progress and being up against the Kawasaki’s week in, week out, I know just how strong those bikes are, and that was probably the deciding factor for 2014. I’ve had lots of nice offers but I’ve done my research on the team and I genuinely think together we are capable of fighting for the title.”

Fans favorite, evergreen Kawasaki rider and long-term Maxxis brand ambassador Chris Walker isn’t there just to make up the numbers as he knocked on the door of a coveted BSB Showdown spot and only last year won a Superbike race. With 21 BSB wins and a WSB victory to his name, Walker also brings a wealth of knowledge of the latest ZX-10R with him. “It’s great to be staying on Kawasaki machinery and signing with the GBmoto squad who I consider one of the best up and coming teams. The ZX-10R is one of the most competitive bikes I’ve ever raced and with a super fast team-mate, plus my other Maxxis and Kawasaki commitments, it’s a perfect fit for me. After a competitive 2013 I’m really fired up for an even bigger year!”

The professional, experienced GBmoto squad are massively enthusiastic for their switch to the high-powered Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R machine, which won the 2012 British Superbike Championship and 2013 World Superbike series.

GBmoto Racing Team Principal Mark Smith-Halvorsen enthused,“This really is a ‘game changer’ for us as a team, as our first real experience of manufacturer support and also to secure riders who have won BSB races. We see the link with Kawasaki as fantastic on a number of levels, which really excites me to be honest. Technically, the bikes are second to none, our technicians deserve to work with a machine such as the ZX-10R and I believe this will produce a huge jump forward in terms of results.

To have been able to sign riders of the quality of James and Chris is another big shot in the arm for us, they bring with them a wealth of experience and know what it takes to fight at the front. James had a bit of bad luck last year but could have been there fighting for the crown at the last race, while Chris brings a massive amount of knowledge of the Kawasaki Ninja, having ridden one for the last few years. There’s lots of excitement about the camp and much work to be done now- but the whole team is raring to go!”

Maxxis International (UK) PLC Managing Director Derek McMartin commented, “We have a really exciting Racing Programme lined up for 2014 and we’re delighted to welcome the professional GBmoto Racing Kawasaki team into the Maxxis family. We’ve monitored their impressive progress in the BSB paddock both in terms of results combined with their off-track presence and dedication.

For them to have signed up two riders of the caliber of James and Chris really shows their ambition and they clearly intend to attack the BSB series next season.”