BSB: Michael Dunlop joins Hawk Racing for Oulton Park

Michael Dunlop will ride for Hawk Racing at Oulton Park.

Michael Dunlop will return to the British Superbike class and race for the Hawk Racing team for round nine. Dunlop will race alongside Charlie Nesbitt at the time, onboard the Honda CBR 1000 RR.

Michael Dunlop will replace the injured Josh Owens who continues to recover after a crash at Thruxton. Owens sustained a broken wrist and fingers in the crash last month with Owens still recovering. Due to Owens’ crash, there was only rookie, Charlie Nesbitt on the Superbike grid at Cadwell Park.

The Hawk Racing Honda team is currently 10^th in the British Superbike Teams Trophy and is ahead of Honda Racing UK. The highlight of the season came in race one at Thruxton where Charlie Nesbitt took their first podium of the year and the first of his career.

Hawk Racing and Michael Dunlop have had a great partnership, with great success in road racing. Most recently at the 2023 Isle of Man TT, where the partnership would rack up multiple wins.

At this year’s TT, Dunlop claimed a podium in every race he finished, including a third place in the Senior. He would race the Hawk Racing Honda in the Superstock, Superbike, and Senior. The highlight of his week came in the Superbike TT, winning for Peter Hickman and Dean Harrison.

His success at the TT allowed Dunlop to become the second most successful rider at the TT – surpassing John McGuinness. The only rider who is ahead of him in the history books is his uncle, Joey Dunlop.

Team Manager, Steve Hicken added: “We have a great relationship with Michael and, with Josh still unavailable, it was only natural for us to invite him back for a ride.

“He’s recognised as one of the biggest names in road racing, but Michael has also played a valuable part in our Bennetts BSB season, riding in the early rounds in preparation for the roads campaign and helping to improve the bike every time he’s been with us.

“We’re looking forward to his return and I’m sure he’ll be a draw for the fans too. It’s unfortunate for Josh to be missing out, particularly given this is his home race, but he’s on the road to recovery and we hope to see him back on the bike soon.”

Image credit: britishsuperbike.com