MSS Discovery Kawasaki is looking forward to 2008 with new bikes, a new signing and a new outlook.
After a tough baptism in the Superbike class in 2007, the MSS Discovery Kawasaki team is going to be going all-out for results in 2008. The team has a new-look, concentrating on the premier class of British Superbikes after many years of competing at the sharp-end of the British Supersport championship. The whole team is looking forward to running the sleek, new Kawasaki ZX-10R Superbike as well as two young riders who fully intend to take the fight to the opposition. For next season MSS Discovery Kawasaki retain the services of young Scot Stuart Easton. Stuart was the 2002 British Supersport title-winner and he is joined by 2005’s Virgin R6 Cup champion Billy McConnell.
Stuart Easton, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R“It’s nice to be sorted already for 2008. Sometimes as a rider, things still aren’t 100% at this time of year, so it’s great to have everything set for the season ahead. My broken heel is almost there now, I’d say I’m around 95% fit. I’ve had three pins, a big plate and a couple of screws in the heel but I’m going to make a 100% recovery. I’ll just have some metalwork in my foot, that’s all! I’m very pleased to be staying with the team and happy that they’re concentrating 100% on the Superbike class. I’m hoping I can really give the premier class my all in 2008. It’s going to be good to work in the same garage as Billy. He’s a real class act and I’m sure we will work well together.”
Billy McConnell, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R"It's always been my intention to return to the British Superbike class and take on some of the best riders in the World, as it really is an international grid! I've been given this opportunity with Nick and Kawasaki and I'm going to take it and do my very best. We've got a new bike which we're all very excited about and I know the team want to make a step up in performance from last year, as I know I can do too with my riding. I've got an experienced team-mate and ex-British champion in the garage alongside me, so we've got all the tools we need. I can't wait to get started!"
Martin Lambert, Marketing Manager, Kawasaki Motors UK Ltd“After their rookie year in BSB, we are delighted to see MSS Discovery Kawasaki not only commit to a two rider Superbike team, but also to invest in two young, promising and entertaining riders. As the official Kawasaki Motors UK entry in the 2008 Championship, we believe that Stuart and Billy will do a fantastic job representing us to the thousands of
Kawasaki fans all over the UK and add a further degree of skill, youth and excitement to one of the world’s most competitive racing Championships.”
Nick Morgan, Team Owner“For 2008 we intend to build upon our work from this year. It was a tough baptism of fire in the British Superbike class for us all, but we’ve learned so much and we’re going to take that forward next year. We have decided to streamline our operation to running in the Superbike class only as we feel this doesn’t dilute our effort and shows our sponsors that we’re committed to the premier class in the UK. We’re very excited, as we’ve got two very hungry, young, but very experienced riders in Stuart and Billy and an awesome new bike from Kawasaki, which we’re already working on. Stuart impressed us last year on the Superbike, so we really wanted to give him a proper chance on the big bike this year. We were all gutted when he injured himself testing a Kawasaki France Superbike in August, but we’re pleased to see he’s almost fully recovered and revved up for next season. With Billy we’ve all seen him grow and mature since he took the Virgin R6 Cup back in 2005. He didn’t disgrace himself on the Superbike in 2006 but has really come on in Supersport last year, so I feel he’s ready to make the return to the top class with us and Kawasaki.”
Stuart Simmonds, Joint Team Owner“We’re over the moon to have secured the talents of Billy – his end of season performances in British Supersport were very impressive. Stuart also done very well for us during his outings with us on the Superbike: he’s been around so long and is an ex-British champion, but he’s only 23! Billy is an ex-champ too, and he only turned 21 last Christmas Eve! Having such a young, but experienced team is something we’re looking forward to working with in 2008.”
