The world's most successful private racing team is facing a race against time to secure its place on the 2013 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship grid.

The Batley-based outfit, founded by Peter Padgett and his brother Don in 1958, is one of the most successful and established motorcycle dealerships in the UK. In conjunction with Honda Japan, the company established the first Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) shop in the world outside of Japan in 1993. Padgett's has a strong association with Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha and is a longstanding dealer of all three manufacturers.

The Padgett's Racing team's unrivalled heritage spans three generations of British Racing Legends. From Hailwood, Ivy and Read to Haslam, McElnea and Fogarty, to Camier, McGuinness and Hutchinson; they all feature in the company's roll of honour.

The return to the premier class in 2012 saw the team take the most popular race victory of the year with Ian Lowry topping the podium at Thruxton. Building on this, but against the backdrop of difficult trading conditions for the motorcycle retail sector, the team is working hard to source commercial partners for this year's campaign.

Team principle Clive Padgett said:

"The bikes are ready, the infrastructure is ready and we are ready. Racing motorcycles is what we live for, but we have to be cautious as the bike retail business can't fully underwrite a race team. Our record speaks for itself, we are proven winners and we want someone to share that success."

MCE BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs is keen to see the team return:

"A grid without the Padgett's rainbow livery is a bit like a Formula 1 entry without a team like Williams. Their pedigree and Clive's (Padgett) passion is unrivalled. Last year working with Clive sourcing riders I was amazed at the level of detail that he drills into, it made a job interview with Alan Sugar on The Apprentice seem like a stroll in the park. We are pursuing leads for them as it's a project we really believe in. Their sporting success over so many years makes it such a good partnership proposition and we are working hard to help them secure their place on the grid."



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