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| Rutter Secures Sponsorship for Rest of the Season
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 Team Kawasaki will head North of the border for round
eight of the British Superbike Championship next
weekend, after securing backing for the rest of the
season from Tau Ceramica, one of Europe's leading
ceramic tile manufacturers.
"The news that Tau Ceramica have stepped in to back
the team for the remainder of the season is
fantastic," said Michael Rutter, currently lying fifth
in the championship standings.
"I'm grateful to Hawk
Racing for allowing me the use of their spare bike at
Oulton Park, but I'm looking forward to getting back
on the factory Kawasaki and reclaiming fourth place in
the Championship."
"We're testing at Knockhill on the Thursday before
race weekend, so we should be well up to speed by the
time qualifying gets underway," continued the 1998
Junior TT winner.
"The team have worked flat out to
get us to Knockhill and I'll be looking to repay all
their hard work with two good results on race day."
Team Manager, Simon Buckmaster: "Tau Ceramica and
William Taylor Pools have shown tremendous support for
the team, as have our other sponsors; Dunlop, Rock Oil
and WP Suspension. They, along with Kawasaki Motors
(UK), have been instrumental in getting the team back
on track for Knockhill and allowing Michael to reclaim
his seat on the factory Kawasaki ZX-7RR."
"With Steve Plater away on World Supersport duty,
Michael will be the sole factory Kawasaki rider on the
grid at Knockhill," continued the former Grand Prix
and World Endurance rider.
"Riding without a
team-mate isn't an ideal situation but, with Michael
being one of the most experienced riders in the
championship, I'm confident that he'll continue the
form that has seen him on the podium on two occasions
already this season. There is a chance that Steve
could ride for Kawasaki again before the end of the
season, but that will be dependant on the team
securing additional funding."
Allthough the team should survive until the end of the
year, it is unlikely that Kawasaki will be able to
field a works team in 2002 at British Superbike level,
without the massive finance required, and with the
class cc limit being opend up to accommodate the R1
Yamaha's, Honda Fireblades and GSXR 1000 Suzuki's next
term.
This could mean another switch of teams for Ruter,
which might see him return to the Road Races again in
2001.
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