The 2008 British Supersport Championship, which is second only to the British Superbike Championship in terms of prestige, will be sponsored by the world's largest specialist motorcycle and motorsport lubricants provider, Fuchs-Silkolene. As well as the Supersport class title sponsorship, Fuchs-Silkolene also becomes the official oil and lubricants partner to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
Russell Kenyon, Sales and Marketing Director at Fuchs-Silkolene said: “This is an exciting time for Fuchs-Silkolene and we look forward to the forthcoming race season and our sponsorship of the British Supersport Championship. The continuing investment in the Silkolene range and this announcement of our new sponsorship deal will further demonstrate our commitment, and show how Fuchs-Silkolene continues to be at the forefront of the motorcycle lubricants industry.”
Stuart Higgs, BSB Series Director said: “Fuchs-Silkolene is a partner for a championship that significantly routes directly into BSB. They are a respected company across the sporting world and together we can grow this already thriving championship to new levels.”
This new announcement coincides with the release of the official series entry list which boasts 43 permanent riders, and for the first time official works-backed teams from five of the world's leading motorcycle manufacturers; Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha.
Ian Lowry, runner-up to his team-mate Michael Laverty last year, is back with the Relentless Suzuki team for 2008 and is regarded by many as the pre-season favourite for the crown, although the Padgetts Honda team, with the experienced John McGuinness and highly talented James Webb, would argue differently.
Steve Brogan should feature in the equation riding the HM Plant Honda, while the Gearlink Kawasaki duo of Steven Neate and former Superbike Cup winner Chris Martin have been fast in testing. BJ Toal, the Virgin Media Cup winner of last year, rides for the Virgin Yamaha team alongside Nick Medd, while South African Hudson Kennaugh rides the Raceways-backed Yamaha R6 with teammate Ronan Quarmby.
The entry of factory-backed Triumphs adds further interest, with the twin Hinckley-based manufacturer fielding a twin pronged Australian attack of Triumph test rider Paul Young and reigning Superstock champion Glen Richards.
Adding further depth and quality to the entry, expect to see wildcard appearances from World Supersport regular Craig Jones, riding the Parkalgar Honda.
