BSB: Hopkins returns in 2023 with NP Racing

Luke Hopkins signs for NP Racing Kawasaki for the 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Season. The 21-year-old from Sittingbourne will make a return to the championship.

Hopkins will spend his third season in the championship with the Kawasaki ZX-10RR run by NP Racing. Previously Hopkins used the Honda Fireblade, with the privately run Black Onyx Security Honda team.

He made his debut in BSB at Oulton Park in 2021, having a best result of 14^th place, scoring points on his debut. Hopkins would spend the rest of the season learning in the championship, with the brand-new Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.

In 2021 Hopkins would also spend his year, competing in the No limits Racing Pirelli Super Series 1000 championship. He would take multiple race wins throughout the season and would win the championship.

NP Racing made their debut in the championship in 2020, using the BMW S1000RR and would be run by Neil Pearson. For 2022 NP Racing would have James East onboard their bike and would have a tough 2022 season.

Speaking about the season, Hopkins said: “2023 is going to be a good year, with a new team means new challenges, but we will give it our all. After the crushing disappointment of not being able to complete the 2022 season with my family run, privateer team due to a lack of funding, I’m excited to announce my plans for the new season and I am looking forward to working with the team and getting the season started.”

Team Owner Neil Pearson added: “I am excited to have Luke join the team for 2023. In the 2022 season, we switched to Kawasaki, which was no mean feat mid-season. Now we are looking forward to Luke’s input as he has a lot of experience on the Kawasaki. We are looking to build on last year and get into a regular point-scoring position.”

Image from britishsuperbike.com