British Superbikes: James Haydon unsure on Hawk Kawasaki future

Motorcyclenews.com finally caught up with James Haydon this morning (Thursday) to discuss his signing for British Superbike team Hawk Kawasaki.  

But he says there’s some confusion over the matter.

Hawk Kawasaki team boss Stuart Hicken told motorcyclenews.com James Haydon would be racing at Cadwell, however, Haydon’s position is slightly different.

James Haydon said: “I’ve not actually signed anything. I’ve agreed that I’ll do another test on the bike and, if all is well, then I’ll come back and ride for them.

“My first race would be at Cadwell Park and we would take things on a meeting by meeting basis from there.

“Hopefully the test will go as well as I expect and then I’ll be only too happy to ride for them and I’ll be looking forward to coming back. But everything has to be absolutely right and that depends on a good test.”

The reason for James Haydon’s position is that if he wants to revitalise his racing career after his confidence-sapping time on the Pirelli-shod Virgin Yamaha earlier this year, everything hinges on good results.

Stuart Hicken reckons his bikes are top three material but their number one rider Scott Smart is still rebuilding his career and is finishing top 10 rather than top six at present, though the indications are there of steady progress every weekend.

Stuart Hicken sees James Haydon as someone who could put the bike nearer the front of the field – and possibly drag Scott Smart along with him.

James Haydon was impressive in his first test on the bike at Mallory Park recently but feels it would be a big mistake to jump straight back into the fray without some serious testing mileage to get the bike working exactly to suit him.

The date and venue for the test are yet to be decided.

James Haydon is at Croft this weekend, continuing his TV commentary work.