Matt Walters to race with Team Pedercini Racing at the island – By Russell Colvin
MCNews.com.au can deliver some breaking news this morning and that is that Cessnock’s Matt Walters will be lining up on the eni FIM Superbike World Championship grid at the 2015 Phillip Island Swann round in a few weeks-time, after being handed a ‘life-line’ from Lucio Pedercini, the team owner of Team Pedercini Racing.
Walters, 22, signed the deal early yesterday evening after a deal was placed on the table that was too good to refuse.
“I’m pumped to be back in it to have another go at it,” Walters told MCNews.com.au. “Obviously last year didn’t go to plan, so fingers crossed I can keep the rubber side down this year.”
Last year Walters scored the ride with Team Pedercini at the eleventh hour after replacing Luca Scassa’s seat, as he fractured his pelvis in testing on Tuesday before the event got underway.
However a heavy crash during Free Practice three for Walters meant he was forced out of the proceedings and went back to racing his Kawasaki Connection/Rover Coaches ZX10-R in the national Phillip Island Championship.
“I’m really grateful that Lucio is giving me another go, seeing what happened last year,” explained the 2013 Australian Prostock and Australasian Superbike Champion. “To be able to head on the track with the best riders in the business is big, big buzz, however I do know that it won’t be an easy task. But I will give it my best shot and hopefully I do the Team Pedercini and Australia proud!”
So what are Walter’s goals for Phillip Island? Well, pretty simple, his goals are to get as far up the time sheets as he can and have fun while doing it!
And the expectations from the team?
“I’m happy to confirm that Matt will ride for us at Phillip Island,” Pedercini told MCNews.com.au early this morning. “Matt is a very good guy, and last year he was not very lucky. I’m sure Matt will be better this year. I want him ride without pressure and with that I’m sure the result will come.”
For 2015, Team Pedercini Racing is a Kawasaki Satellite Team within the World Superbike Championship, the first time Kawasaki have had a Satellite Team. Walters will share the pit box with Spanish rider, David Salom who will make his 75th WSBK race start in race one at Phillip Island.
Walters will join Race Center’s Jed Metcher on the WSBK grid to again make it two Aussies to cheer for at the island.
