BSB Donington: Naomichi Uramoto joins Buildbase Suzuki

Spanish Superbike Championship rider Naomichi Uramoto will make his Bennetts British Superbike debut at Donington Park this weekend.

The Japanese rider has joined Buildbase Suzuki for the penultimate round of the year, stepping in for the injured Danny Kent, who is still recovering from hip surgery.

Related articles from MCN

• Joe Francis joins FHO Racing for Donington
• Tommy Bridewell does the double at Oulton Park
• 2022 provisional BSB calendar unveiled

“I always find it exciting to race at a new circuit, or with a new team, or in a new championship, and this weekend will be extra-exciting as I have to do all three,” Uramoto said. “I am really grateful to Steve that he and the team have given me this opportunity. Building experience is important, but racers are always hungry for results, and I am looking forward to trying to do just that.”

Born in Tokyo, Uramoto is the 2016 All Japan Road Race GP2 champion and ended the 2020 Spanish Superbike season fourth overall with two victories. The 27-year-old also made a WorldSBK wildcard appearance at Catalunya earlier this season, securing a best result of 16th on his Suzuki.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Naomichi into the team this weekend,” team manager Steve Hicken added. “He’ll have a lot to learn, with both the bike and the circuit, but we’re confident we can give him the tools to give a good account of himself, gain some experience in BSB, and get the best results he can as a newcomer to the series.”

Uramoto follows in the footsteps of Tim Neave, Luke Stapleford, and Michael Dunlop, who have also raced for the Hawk Racing squad during Kent’s absence.