Brands Hatch British Superbikes: James Ellison and Hydrex Honda part company

After a successful season on the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda, James Ellison is moving elsewhere for his 2009 racing season.

In a statement released by the team, Ellison was quoted as saying:
 
“It’s been a fantastic year and it’s been a lot more than I expected from the team, they’ve been like a family and it’s a bit emotional leaving this weekend. 

“They have taken me from the brink of extinction and put me back on the map again and I really wanted to get a couple of wins for them. 

“I’d like to thank Shaun and the whole team for a mega job in looking after me and wish them well in the future.”
 
Ellison’s team manager, Sean Muir, was sorry to be losing the former Tech-3 Moto GP rider, and had this to say:
 
“We’d like to thank James for his efforts this year, it’s been a pleasure working with him. 
 
“He’s brought a great deal of professionalism into the team. 
 
“We struggled with the new bike set-up and suspension but James buckled down and got on with the job. 
 
“He’s come from a MotoGP and AMA background and he’s brought that professionalism with him and it’s been a real pleasure. 

“Both myself, the team and sponsors wish him all the best in the future. 
 
“He will remain a great part of our development and we’ll look forward to battling against him next year!”
 
Ellison finished the season in seventh position, securing four podiums along the way.