BSB: Danny Kent joins new Lovell Kent Racing Honda team for 2023

Danny Kent will switch to Honda machinery for his 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship campaign after joining new team, Lovell Kent Racing Honda (LKR).

The team will debut in partnership with L&P Lovell, a family-run specialist in the construction machinery sector and personal sponsor of Kent.

Kent has spent the last two seasons with Buildbase Suzuki but both campaigns have been hampered by injuries, including a dislocated and fractured hip last year, and punctured lungs this season.

Kent’s best result in BSB so far is third at Thruxton in 2021, the round before his maiden full-time season was brought to a premature end due to his hip injury. This year, Kent recorded a best result of sixth at the final round at Brands Hatch, where he also recorded two eighth-place finishes.

“First of all, I would like to say a big thank you to the whole Lovell family,” Kent said. “I’m looking forward to the new project. D&P Lovell have been a personal sponsor of mine for a few years now and I know they don’t do anything half hearted.

“I’m under no illusion that this isn’t going to be easy, but I believe we have the right people to do the job properly. I’m also excited to change manufacturer to Honda as it is a proven race-winning bike. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved in LKR and I can’t wait to get started.”

Kent will be joined in the LKR garage by younger brother Kieran Kent, who moves into the Pirelli National Junior Superstock Championship from the Junior Supersport class. Kieran finished fourth in the championship with eight podiums, taking a best result of second on four occasions.

 “I am super excited to start my debut season in the Junior Superstock Championship next year,” Kieran said. “It’s definitely going to be a year of learning, but I am more than ready for the challenge ahead.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Allen and his family at D&P Lovell, my family and all my sponsors for believing in me and taking my career to the next step. I wouldn’t be in this position without them, and I am very grateful. I can’t wait to get out testing on my Yamaha R6 early next year and get the season underway.”

Team Owner Allen Lovell concluded: “D&P Lovell Ltd are thrilled to announce the launch of LKR, a newly formed Superbike and Junior Superstock team for 2023. Having been involved with motorcycles for over 30 years, providing vehicles and personal sponsorship for four years, we are well placed to support riders across the different classes. We wish our riders and sponsors a successful 2023.”