BSB: Lee Jackson and Rory Skinner to remain with FS-3 Racing Kawasaki next season

Lee Jackson and Rory Skinner will both remain with the FS-3 Racing Kawasaki team for the 2022 Bennetts British Superbike season.

Both riders have impressed on the all-new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR and, despite not making it into the Showdown, both Jackson and Skinner have stood on the BSB podium in 2021.

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Bad luck hampered Jackson’s chances of the Showdown, however a fantastic run of nine top six finishes in 14 races was finally rewarded at Donington Park. Jackson mastered the tricky conditions in race three to finish third and move up to ninth in the standings – which would see him lift the BSB Riders’ Cup if he holds that position this weekend at Brands Hatch.

2022 will be Jackson’s third year in BSB with the team, however he also competed in the National Superstock 1000 class with FS-3 Racing in 2019 – finishing third overall with two wins and seven further podiums.

Meanwhile, Skinner came into the Superbike class this year with some hype after dominating the British Supersport Championship last year. The Scot won 10 races out of 12 before making the move to BSB.

The rookie’s best performances came at his home circuit, Knockhill, with Skinner collecting a double podium with two second places. As things stand, Skinner sits 13th in the championship standings.

Despite rumours of a possible switch to Moto2 next year, Skinner will now remain in BSB for at least another season and will be looking to take another step next year after adapting to, and learning how to ride, the Superbike this campaign.

“Sticking with the same riders for next season provides important continuity within the team,” Nigel Snook, FS-3 Racing Kawasaki Team Owner, said. “After some disappointments and several very close finishes, Lee has had a strong end to the season and demonstrated his considerable riding skills in wet conditions at Donington, and we’re confident he’ll be a serious front-runner next year.

“Rory had a great weekend at Knockhill scoring two remarkable second places, and with a year of experience, we are sure he’ll take a big step forward next year!”

Next season also marks the sixth campaign for FS-3 Racing as the official Kawasaki team in the British championship.

“We have enjoyed watching FS-3 Racing grow as a team with Nigel and Darren throwing everything into it over the past few years,”Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department at Kawasaki UK, added. “We are delighted to reward them with official status for a further season and look forward to seeing how both Lee and Rory will develop in 2022.”