Centurion Honda retain Hobbs and Cooper

Centurion Racing will field a two-rider line-up in 2009, retaining both Dennis Hobbs and Dan Cooper.

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Centurion’s top points scorer from 2008, James Westmoreland, made a switch to NCT Yamaha this week that inevitably reduced the three-man squad.

Both Hobbs and Cooper had difficult years in 2008.

Hobbs suffered a serious shoulder injury in a crash with Padgetts Honda’s James Webb at Thruxton that tarnished his 2008 season, while Cooper DNF’d in four of the twelve races last season.

Team Owners, Paul Rees and Gary Stubbington said:  “We’re delighted with our ’09 line up. 

“We have built a strong relationship with these two riders over the last season both personally and professionally, and they have shown 100% team spirit throughout both on and off track. 

“Despite serious injuries, Dennis has been around the paddock flying the Centurion flag and supporting the rest of the team from the wings. 

“He is a serious contender for the Championship in ’09.
 
“Although Daniel suffered one set-back after another beyond his control this year, he did so without complaint and came back hard and fast and showed us what he’s truly made of towards the end of the season. 

“We were delighted that he found his form in the last two races. We have high expectations of Dan finishing on the podium next year. 
 
“For Centurion results are just half the package – we give our riders 100% commitment. 

“These boys have demonstrated that they are not only good riders, but also committed to the team.

“Back in April we offered all three riders the opportunity to ride with Centurion again in ’09, but after nearly three race seasons we explained we would no longer offer free rides in the Supersport and asked each of them to demonstrate their total commitment to us by bringing something to the ‘party’ for the first time. 

“Dennis and Dan immediately responded positively and we’re delighted to retain them and to be racing with them again. 
 
“Although we had a number of offers from other riders for the third ride, we want to build on the relationship with Dennis and Dan and the success this team has experienced since we began racing just three years ago.

“We now look forward to our extensive testing schedule abroad, and an exciting ’09 season with new bikes and a renewed commitment from everyone involved in Centurion Racing to win.”