BSB: Hawk Racing switches to Honda

Hawk Racing will switch to Honda in 2023, as Suzuki officially leaves BSB.

Hawk Racing will switch to using Honda Fireblades in the 2023 British Superbike Championship. It comes on the same day that Suzuki announced they leave the Championship, after six years with the Buildbase team.

Hawk Racing will run two unique liveries on their two Honda Fireblades, in the British Superbike Championship. Nesbitt will run under the MasterMac by Hawk Racing Honda banner, while Owens will race under Crendon by Hawk Racing Honda.

They will switch manufacturers from Suzuki, after spending six years with the Japanese brand. Hawk Racing will also end its partnership with Buildbase, after 14 seasons, starting in 2009.

The announcement does not come as a surprise as Suzuki also leave both MotoGP and EWC. Suzuki had great success in both Championships, winning both titles, and would leave due to the ‘current economic situation’.

In a statement, Suzuki said: “Suzuki would like to thank the riders and fans for their support, and especially Steve and Stuart Hicken and everyone at Hawk Racing for their hard work and dedication over the last six years, without which none of those historic results would have been possible. Everyone at Suzuki wishes the team well for the future.”

Stuart Hickens founded Hawk Racing in 1996, before entering the British Championship in 1998. Hawk Racing’s first podium would come in 2003 with Glen Richards, riding a Kawasaki. They would have to wait another season before their first race win in 2004 with Scott Smart.

Hawk Racing would end the 2022 British Superbike Championship in 10^th position in the Teams Trophy. Danny Kent and Christian Iddon would end their seasons in 15^th and 16^th position in the Championship.

The team has also had great success outside of the British Superbike Championship with Suzuki. Michael Dunlop took the Hawk Racing Suzuki to the top stop of the Isle of Man TT podium. Dunlop would set a 132.903mph lap and would win by over 13 seconds, to add to their history.

Team manager Steve Hicken said: “Firstly I would like to thank MasterMac and Crendon for supporting us to compete in Bennetts BSB for what will be our 25th year in racing.

“It’s a tough financial climate for just about everyone at the moment so we’re particularly delighted and grateful that they’ve both joined the Hawk Racing family as our title sponsors, represented by two new liveries.

“We know it’s going to be a highly competitive series once again, but the fact a Honda finished second overall last season highlights the bike’s potential.

“With two very talented young riders in Charlie and Josh on board, together with our know-how and experience behind the scenes, we think it’ll be a competitive package.”

Image: britishsuperbike.com