Four-time British Superbike race winner Steve Plater will join Rizla Suzuki as a replacement rider for the injured James Haydon at the ninth round of the Championship at Oulton Park this weekend. The 2006 North West 200 winner who lives in Lincolnshire will join regular Rizla Suzuki racer Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne at the 2.69-mile long Cheshire circuit. It is the Championship’s second and final visit to the picturesque Oulton Park venue this year. During the team’s first visit to the track in May Shakey scored two podiums and was just a whisker away from winning a race despite suffering from a severe stomach bug.
James Haydon continues his road to recovery and will be at Oulton Park lending his support to both Shakey and Steve. Superbike racing starts at 13.15 on Sunday, July 23rd and will be televised on ITV1 at 1500 and Sky Sports at 21.00.
Shakey:“Last time we visited here I finished second and third despite suffering from the most horrendous gastro enteritis. I like the circuit, my Rizla Suzuki fits me like a glove and I want to win and make up for earlier in the year.
“I’m enjoying my racing and having fun at the same time. I’m relaxed and really happy after the win at Knockhill. Life is good in my world and the only thing that could improve it is a victory at Oulton Park so that’s what I’m going for.”
Steve: “The chance to race the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 at Oulton Park this weekend is a dream come true. I have been down to the team HQ and been measured up for the bike and I am champing at the bit to get racing.
“I’ve won at Oulton Park twice before in 2002 and 2003 and know the Rizla Suzuki is a very quick bike round the circuit. It’s a huge opportunity for me to show what I can do on a competitive bike. My collarbone is completely healed and I can’t wait to get out in first practice on Friday.”
Robert Wicks, Team Manager:“The euphoria of Shakey’s race win at Knockhill is still fresh in our minds but with back-to-back races for the team there is a great deal of preparation to get through before heading off to Oulton Park.
“Steve is a welcome addition to the team and I know he is looking forward to the opportunity of riding the GSX-R1000. He’s a tremendously capable rider, very professional and brings a great sense of humour to the garage. We look forward to working with him at the weekend and putting him in the best possible position to achieve a good result for Rizla Suzuki.”
www.rizla-suzuki.co.uk
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