BSB Donington Park: James Westmoreland returns with Team IWR

James Westmoreland will make his return to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Donington Park after joining forces with Team IWR Honda.

Westmoreland jumps on the Pathway-spec Honda Fireblade previously ridden by Alex Olsen and Richard Kerr, marking his first appearance in the superbike class since 2017 (Gearlink Kawasaki).

Westmoreland’s best season in the premier class came in 2013 when he finished fifth overall onboard the Buildbase BMW S1000 RR. That year, Westmoreland secured 12 top six results, with a best of fourth at Thruxton, Brands Hatch and Donington Park.

Westmoreland’s one and only BSB podium came at Thruxton in 2015, whilst away from the superbike class Westmoreland has enjoyed plenty of success in Supersport. Onboard the CAME Yamaha, Westmoreland finished runner-up to Sam Lowes in 2010 with two wins.

In 2016, Westmoreland finished second overall once again, this time to Tarran Mackenzie. That year, Westmoreland won two races and stood on the podium on 11 occasions. Westmoreland finished third overall in 2009, 2018 and 2020.

Westmoreland has also enjoyed podium success in the Endurance World Championship, and was victorious in the Superstock class at the 2019 Le Mans 24-Hour.

“I am obviously excited for this opportunity to be back on the BSB grid,” Westmoreland said. “I have spoken to Ian from Team IWR for perhaps over ten years, but the stars never really aligned for it to happen until now!

“I am pretty familiar with the Honda as that is what I ride in the World Endurance Championship, although obviously it won’t be exactly the same specification but I am ready to just keep building over the weekend. I don’t have any real expectations, but I am looking forward to working with the team and improving throughout the weekend.”