Robbie Bugden on ZX-10R Superbike in 2016
SA Kawasaki BCperformance have recruited Robbie Bugden and Kawasaki backing for 2016 Swann Australasian Superbike Championship assault
As the 2015 Swann Insurances Australasian Superbike Championship prepares for its thrilling twilight finale this Saturday night at Sydney Motorsports Park, plans for the 2016 season are already in place.
SA Kawasaki BCperformance team are the first out of the blocks to announce their intentions for 2016 with the signing of Robbie Bugden and with the backing of SA Motorcycles, ensuring more support from Kawasaki Motors Australia.
Kawasaki Motors Australia has strengthened their relationship with the SA Kawasaki BCperformance team and this has already come to fruition with the team being the first in Australia to receive the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, allowing the team to start preparations immediately.
In addition, Kawasaki has also committed to provide the team with more support in an effort to assist in keeping the teams Ninja ZX-10R’s and Ninja ZX-6R’s on the podium.
Sales and marketing manager of Kawasaki Motors Australia, Rob Walker, expressed – “We’re really excited to be involved with the SA Kawasaki BCperformance team for the 2016 season. The combination of the signing of exciting new riders, the introduction of the 2016 Ninja ZX-10R and the team’s professionalism, we think it’s a winning formula and we wanted to support their efforts. “
Robbie Bugden will be joining the SA Kawasaki BCperformance team to ride the updated 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R alongside their incumbent superbike rider, Ben Burke.
This is a huge boost for the team as Robbie brings with him a wealth of superbike experience, in both national and international championships. Robbie spent nine years as a factory rider at Australian national level, as well as winning five New Zealand Superbike championships and has competed in the Suzuka 8 Hours, British Superbike Championship, Asian Road Race series, German Superbike and still holds the current outright lap record at Sydney Motorsport Park.
With Robbie joining the Superbike ranks, 2015 superbike rider, Evan Byles, will also ride a new 2016 Ninja ZX-10R in the Formula Oz championship.
Robbie mentioned that, “I couldn’t be happier to have an opportunity to be able to race the brand new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R with Kelvin and the SA Kawasaki BCperformance team. Kelvin and his team have shown they run a professional and very competitive team, now to be able to join the team along with the Ninja ZX-10R, I think together we’ll be a real force in the Australasian Superbike Championship. It sure is exciting times ahead and I can’t wait”.
Ryan Masri will be joining the immensely talented Kyle Buckley in the Supersport ranks, following the team’s philosophy of bringing up new riders from the 300 class. Ryan is currently locked in a fierce battle for second place in the Kawasaki Insurance FX300 Ninja Cup.
Ryan is very excited for the 2016 season noting that, “I’m really excited about joining the SA Kawasaki BCperformance team and moving up to the 600 category next year. Big thanks to Kelvin for providing me with the opportunity. I believe with the knowledge and expertise within the team, I’ll be able to improve my riding greatly and further reach my goals.”
Team manager Kelvin Reilly, was equally pleased , mentioning that “I’m excited with today’s announcements, having a rider of Robbie’s experience and speed complimenting Ben Burke’s ability on the superbike, as well as the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R gives us an enormous boost for the 2016 season. I’d like to thank Kawasaki Motors Australia and SA Motorcycles for their increased support and have already got preparations underway with the impressive new Ninja ZX-10R. I’m also happy to keep Kyle Buckley on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and pleased to welcome Ryan Masri onboard. I’d like to thank all of our sponsors and look forward to announcing some more exciting developments for the 2016 season.”
SA Kawasaki BCperformance look forward to competing in the final round of the Australasian Superbike Championship this weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park.
