Suzuki GB has announced its rider line-up for the 2007 GSX-R European Cup and, with two teenagers in the team, the company has signalled a clear intention to develop younger riders as part of its ongoing racing strategy. Alex Camier, 18, will be joined by 16-year-old Alex Gault in the three-rider SGB squad that will contest the six-round series in 2007. The team’s third GSX-R750 will be reserved as a wildcard for guest racing journalists.
Now approaching its third season, the GSX-R European Cup gives young riders the opportunity to race on equal terms against riders from other European countries on identical Suzuki GSX-R750 machines. The series is run in conjunction with the World Superbike championship at circuits in Spain, Holland, Italy, Great Britain, Germany and France.
Alex Camier, who won the British 60cc Grasstrack championship at the age of eight, comes to the SGB team after spending last year in the All-Japan Superbike championship, where he achieved top ten finishes towards the end of the season. Alex is the younger brother of British Superbike rider, Leon Camier.
Alex Gault, meanwhile, dominated the New Era CB500 Cup in 2006, taking pole position and the race win at each round. The schoolboy earned his ride by winning a ‘GSX-R Factor’ competition in Superbike magazine, which culminated in a test at Guadix in Spain alongside the Rizla Suzuki British Superbike squad. Gault also enjoyed top level mentoring from three-time BSB champion, John Reynolds.
Reynolds commented on Suzuki’s latest racing recruits, saying: “It was a pleasure to be at the test in Spain and to offer some advice to the youngsters. There’s some really exciting young talent there and I’ll be watching their progress with interest. Of course, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to ride Suzuki’s GSX-R750 in Guadix – just to help the riders, of course!”
Suzuki GB’s sales and marketing director, Nick Palmer, said: “The GSX-R European Cup is a fantastic formula of 750cc racing that allows us to develop some of the superb young racing talent we have in the UK. I’m really looking forward to seeing these two youngsters put the thoroughbred GSX-R750 through its paces this season.”
2007 GSX-R European Cup – Team Suzuki GB Rider Profiles:Alex Camier:Date of birth: 18 July 1988
Place of birth:Ashford, Kent
Career:1996 – British 60cc Grasstrack champion
1997 – British 60cc Grasstrack champion
2001 – Aprilia Superteen championship
2005 – Virgin Yamaha R6 Cup
2006 – All-Japan Superbike championship
Alex Gault:Date of birth: 14 December 1990
Place of birth: Lanarkshire, Scotland
Career:2001 – Junior Minimoto Scottish champion
2002 – ACU National Pocket-bike champion
2003 – JRA Formula 80 champion
2004 – JRA 125 champion
2005 – British 125 championship
2006 – New Era CB500 Cup champion
2007 Suzuki GSX-R European Cup calendar:15 Apr - Valencia, Spain
29 Apr - Assen, Holland
27 May - Silverstone, GB
17 Jun - Misano, Italy
09 Sep - Lausitz, Germany
07 Oct - Magny-Cours, France
Related Linkswww.gsxr-cup.com
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