British Supersport: Raceways and Hudson Kennaugh in 2008 Supersport

Yamaha will have an even stronger presence in British Supersport next year with the Raceways Yamaha team stepping up from Superstock alongside the existing Virgin Media team.

Superstock star, South African Hudson Kennaugh has been retained by the team for next year to lead the team on one of the all-new R6s.

As well as the Supersport effort Raceways will continue to field two riders in the Superstock class and have already re-signed Jon Kirkham, and have left an option open to Gareth Glynn should he wish to return.

 Team manager, Steve Rodgers said, “We are thrilled to have this opportunity with Yamaha. They are giving us a lot of backing and putting their faith in us, and I am sure we can repay them with the result that they are hoping for.”

Hudson Kennaugh who has World Supersport experience can’t wait to start working with the new machines.

He said: “I’m really happy to be sorted out this early. It means we can start our development work now. It is a great feeling to know that Yamaha believe in me and the Raceways team.

 “It’s a new challenge and I know with track time and a strong team I hope we can win the title for them – it’s has been a long time coming.”

There had been talk that Raceways would be the only official Yamaha team in the class but Virgin Yamaha team owner Rob McElnea insists he will again field a British Supersport effort alongside their British Superbike team.

Rob McElnea said: “We’ll be in British Supersport again in 2008. We’ve a commitment to running this year’s R6 Cup champion in Virgin colours next year anyway.”

Virgin currently run former R6 Cup Champions Tom Grant and Billy McConnell in British Supersport.