Billy McConnell on Yamaha for BSB 2016
Anvil Hire TAG Racing unveil striking new Yamaha for McConnell, Rispoli and Winfield
Anvil Hire TAG Racing has revealed a switch to Yamaha for the new campaign, announcing their three-strong rider line-up of ex British Supersport champion Billy McConnell, American James Rispoli and Shaun Winfield.
The team switch to the Yamaha YZF-R1 for the 2016 season, running the new machines in the striking Yamaha Motor 60th anniversary livery with title sponsorship from Anvil Hire, a national tool and plant hire company based in Burton-on-Trent. The team’s campaign is further supported for the new season by West Midlands-based Tamworth Yamaha.
McConnell will be reunited with TAG Racing and Yamaha in 2016 as the 2014 British Supersport champion returns to the team. The Australian has high hopes for the new season after scoring his first podium finish in the premier class at Cadwell Park this year, adding to a string of top ten finishes.
McConnell said: “I’m really happy to get back on the Yamaha and to rejoin TAG Racing. I have a big spot in my heart for Yamaha and we have seen what a great package it has been this season. I have some history with the team after riding for them in 2011 in Supersport and so it’s familiar territory.
“Everyone says the same, but I really want to make the Showdown this year. I think we will always aim for the top ten and top five. We proved last year that if everything goes right we can make the podium so I can’t wait to get testing ready for the season.”
24-year-old Rispoli from Florida made his first appearance in the British paddock during the final round of 2012 in the Superstock 600 class before joining Keith Flint’s Team Traction Control to contest the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship over the past two seasons. Rispoli moves into MCE BSB after a strong 2015 season in Supersport, where he celebrated six podium finishes.
Rispoli said: “I’m really pumped for 2016! Anvil Hire Yamaha have already put a lot of work into 2016, and to have signed for the new season, onboard a championship-winning bike is really awesome. I’m really happy that Rob and Tracy have given me the platform and I want to be the top rookie.
“This is a huge opportunity and something that I have been working towards for years. Racing in British Supersport has done wonders for me. To have come over from America and to be moving into the premier class in the toughest domestic series in the world is a huge accomplishment. It’s really cool to be the next American in the series alongside John Hopkins, and hopefully in the future I can be the top American in the series.
“I have no doubt that it is going to be extremely tough; the times were on lap record pace and so close this season and there are so many top calibre riders out there, but I feel we are up for the challenge. I believe we have the package to be fighting for the top six at the end of the season if we take it step-by-step at the start. We have to set realistic goals, but if we can be consistently in the top ten and then aspire to move towards the top five then that is the goal – the Rispoli Revolution is coming!”
Winfield will complete the 2016 line-up as the 22-year-old prepares for his second season in the premier class. The Swadlincote-based rider completed a positive rookie year and is now aiming higher for the forthcoming campaign as he targets top 15 finishes.
Winfield said: “I’m over the moon to be staying in Superbikes for 2016; I can’t wait to get going because it’s exciting for everyone involved. Last year we learnt a lot and I improved during the season. I just want to carry on the momentum I created at the end of the season onto the winter tests onboard the new Yamahas before 2016 where I want to hit the ground running. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved as a team this winter, the bikes look mega and I can’t for the new season.”
Team Owner Rob Winfield said: “This is a great start to the new season. To see Anvil Hire stay onboard with us is wonderful and great news for everyone involved. To have Tamworth Yamaha come onboard is great and we’re over the moon to welcome Jonathan and the team for what should be a great season. We wanted Billy back in the team and he wanted to return, so for both parties it’s a perfect fit, the Yamaha should suit his style and we should see him up the front.
“We’re so excited to welcome James, he has proved so much in the last two years in Supersport, and we feel he’s ready to step up to Superbikes. There is no pressure on him this year, we just want him to settle well in the class and challenge for the rookie of the year title, which I believe he can achieve.
“Shaun has done so well this year, in his first full year. He’s adapted well to the superbike class and I think he will be running in the top 15 most weekends. We have an extensive testing programme in place, which in theory will see us hit the ground running from the first round at Silverstone in April.”
The team is now set for an extensive testing programme in Spain ahead of the opening round of the 2016 season at Silverstone on 8/9/10 April.
