BREAKING: Rory Skinner makes a shock BSB comeback with TAS Racing

Rory Skinner will return to British Superbikes in 2024 with TAS Racing

Rory Skinner will make a BSB comeback this year, riding for TAS Racing onboard a BMW M 1000RR. Skinner returns to the Championship that he last raced in 2022, after one year in Moto2.

Rumours surrounding Skinner’s ride have been circulating for months, and he has since had the opportunity to test and ride a BMW at Andalucía.

Rory Skinner previously signed to race for the American Racing team in Moto2 for 2023/2024. However, in November, it was announced that Marco Ramirez would replace the Scotsman.

The team’s reasoning behind this was due to a performance clause in his contract, which allowed the team to release him from his contract. The clause was for the Scotsman to be inside the top 20 in the standings – Skinner was 31^st at the time. Now with both Skinner and Sam Lowes leaving the Grand Prix paddock, it leaves Jake Dixon as the only Brit in the intermediate class.

John Hopkins (Rory Skinner’s manager) looked for rides in the JuniorGP European Moto2 Championship, but their sights soon switched to Superbikes.

In his two seasons in BSB, Skinner experienced great success with the FS-3 Kawasaki squad. He claimed seven podiums in two years with his 2022 campaign coming to an early end due to a crash at Oulton Park.

Take a closer look at the bike:

Skinner said: “I’m really looking forward to getting started with the Cheshire Mouldings by TAS Racing BMW team. The crew that Philip Neill has put together for me is very exciting, and to be able to bring my crew chief Stuart Shenton from Grand Prix is a major plus.

“Seeing the bikes for the first time at the launch just made it feel that bit more real, and I’m sure everyone will agree, they look absolutely superb. It’s going to be an exciting season coming back to BSB and being able to race in front of the British fans is always very special. I can’t wait to get underway.”

Philip Neill Team Principal, TAS Racing added: “It’s been the usual winter rollercoaster getting everything in place, and with 2024 being our 25th year of competition under the TAS Racing banner, we wanted to make sure we did everything possible to get back where we belong – at the sharp end of all competition.

“In the Superbike class we are delighted to have been able to bring Rory back to BSB where I think everyone would agree, he was about to become a big star before he left for Moto2. We’re delighted he has chosen TAS Racing, where he will campaign the Cheshire Mouldings BMW M 1000 RR.

“It’s fair to say he has already made a big impression on us with his commitment and desire. I’m sure it will be an exciting and enjoyable year ahead for us all.”

Image credit: britishsuperbike.com