Relentless Suzuki sign Ian Lowry for Superbikes

21-year old Irishman Ian Lowry will graduate to the Relentless Suzuki TAS British Superbike team next season.

The double race winner in 2008 will make the step up to the full-on Superbike team after running in the Supersport class in 2007 and 2008 with the Irish team.

Lowry will now partner Atsushi Watanabe in the Superbike team, meaning Michael Laverty will be looking elsewhere for a ride in 2009.

And as well as Lowry signing for the Superbike squad, Relentless Team Principal Philip Neill also revealed to MCN that his team will remain in the Supersport category with BJ Toal.

Neill told MCN: ““I think we’ll cause a few surprises with Ian next season.

“We’re looking at Ian to become the next wave of Tom Sykes’ and Cal Crutchlow’s to develop through the British Championship.

“He’ll be lining up alongside Atsushi, a Suzuki test rider for all his career, and Cameron Donald who’ll be running a Superstock bike for us in 2009 who is a dedicated professional.

“What Ian has is charisma off the bike and talent in abundance. We want to make him the complete package.

“BJ impressed us with a one-off ride at the Sunflower Trophy and we need to maintain a presence for Suzuki in the 600 class.

“He’s another talented young rider and will complete and young line-up for us in 2009.”