Milwaukee Yamaha have stepped in ahead of this weekend’s MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship round at Assen to sign Tommy Bridewell to join the 2011 title-winning team for the final three rounds of the Showdown.

The team already have their position in the Showdown confirmed with James Ellison and after it looked like Bridewell’s season had ended prematurely the team have sensationally lined up the double podium finisher to join them this weekend. Bridewell has showed his impressive pace in recent rounds, mixing with the lead pack and proving that he can be a regular podium contender. The Devizes rider has meteorically risen up the standings over the past three rounds and in the last seven races, only Shane Byrne, Alex Lowes and Josh Brookes have eclipsed his points haul.

Bridewell said:

“I need to thank Shaun Muir and Milwaukee Yamaha team for this incredible lifeline that they have given me and I am over the moon to be in this position and riding for such an established and respected team. Without a shadow of a doubt Shaun’s team is one of the strongest in the BSB paddock and this is what I have worked so hard all my life for. I have had a strong run of results recently and I hope that I can do a good job because believe me I am grabbing this opportunity with both hands! I feel I have grown as a rider over the past seasons and I now I just need to move forward, progress and to do the best job I can for Milwaukee Yamaha.”

Team owner Shaun Muir concluded:

“We have reached a critical time in the season now and every point will count towards the championship. James obviously has his position inside the top six and for us the second rider in the team at this stage needs to be acting as a wingman and upsetting the results for the other riders in the Showdown. It has been a difficult season for Josh and despite the best efforts, the results haven’t been forthcoming and we cannot afford to be losing valuable points now. We have mutually agreed that we need to change the line up for this weekend and with Tommy becoming available this is the ideal opportunity for him to play a huge part in the outcome of the championship and utilise our second bike to its full potential.”

.