British Superbikes: Aussie star wants British Superbike ride

Leading Australian Superbike rider, Russell Holland is looking to make the move overseas and wants to race in British Superbikes. 

The young Australian is adamant it is time for him to make the move and is ready and willing.

Running as a privateer in the Australian Superbike Championship in 2005 and 2006 he was runner up in the 206 series, with three race wins, three lap records and eight fastest laps – a feat never before achieved by a non-factory rider.

Those results led to him being secured by the official Teknic Honda squad for this year’s Australian title to compete in the Superbike class, as well as debut the new CBR600RR in Supersport.

In preparation for the 2007 season, Russell Holland underwent reconstructive surgery to a problematic shoulder, which ultimately affected his 2007 prospects as the season started almost two months earlier than normal.

With no opportunity to test, and little strength in his shoulder, Russell Holland continued to race.  Despite this setback, he qualified in second position in each one of the first three Superbike rounds, but could not hold on for race distance, and was unable to finish better than 11th until mid-season, and the seventh race of the year.

“I really am disappointed for Honda, myself and our sponsors that this year started like it did,” he said. 

“There was great potential with the bikes and the team but a lack of strength really let me down, and it was only towards the end of the season that we showed what we were capable of.”

It was in the second half of the year Russell Holland started showing his potential, taking pole position on the Superbike at the final three rounds, and finishing sixth overall in the championship.

The 600cc machine, although taking some time to develop, gave Holland three pole positions, two race wins and a lap record in the second half of the year, for a final standing of fifth.

Russell also competed in the Suzuka Eight Hours with the Sakurai Honda team, where they were running in a clear sixth place up to the final lap, when they were caught in the pits and suffered a disappointing DNF.

Now, with the Australian season over so early, and in peak fitness, the New South Welshman is looking to test the water overseas, and demonstrate his skills in the lead up to next year.

“After winning in the US Suzuki Cup and a recent strong showing at the Suzuka Eight Hour I’ve demonstrated that I can compete at the front on the world stage, I know that BSB is one of the most hard-fought series in the world, and that it provides fantastic opportunities to move onto the World Championships.  

“But I’m 23 years old now and I have three years experience racing Superbikes and it’s time to move on.

“I know there are a number of quality teams and many good riders looking to fill those teams in BSB.  It’s a tough series and tough to break into but I’m confident that given the opportunity, I will be able to run at the front.”