Andrews returns to TT with Penz13.com BMW

Simon Andrews will return to both the Isle of Man TT and potentially the World Endurance Championship in 2014, as he returns to racing from the crash at the Le Mans 24hr race in September that almost cost him his life.

Andrews, who has four top 15 TT finishes to his name, will ride for the Penz13.com BMW team, under the helm of former TT racer Rico Penzkofer, with a deal not only for the TT but also as reserve rider for the Bol d’Or and Le Mans 24hr races.

The Worcester rider will also have use of the team’s BMW HP4 machines for the North West 200 and Macau Grand Prix.

Andrews said: “I’m pleased to sign with Penz13.com BMW Racing Team for the Road Racings in 2014. I’ve raced against Rico and know his bikes are well built. I’ve had some success with BMW already when I started on the roads earlier in my career. With the help and support of BMW I believe the team will give me a good competitive bike. I’m looking forward to meeting all the team and really seeing what we can do together.”

Penzkofer added: “We’ve been in negotiations with Simon for a while and he was scheduled to ride for us in last year’s Macau Grand Prix before his accident at Le Mans last year so I’m really pleased that we’ve now signed him. The Isle of Man or Macau has been my greatest passion, my life, if you like. Over recent years we’ve built a special wealth of experience as a team and focused on the TT – not least because I raced the TT myself. I now want to use this experience and get closer to the sharp end. Steve Mercer delivered our team’s best TT result last year with an 8th spot. I am happy that we’ve signed Simon and that he has faith in our team as he’s a really talented road racer.”