Stapleford to ride third Smith’s BMW at Thruxton BSB

Reigning British Supersport Champion Luke Stapleford will get another taste of MCE British Superbike action at Thruxton this weekend when he lines up on a third Smith’s BMW S1000RR.

Stapleford had his first experience of Superbikes at the end of last season, when he joined JG Speedfit Kawasaki alongside his Supersport campaign, scoring a best result of 12th place at Silverstone. The Leicestershire rider will join Howie Mainwaring and Jakub Smrz for the team’s three-strong Thruxton attack.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to get back out on a Superbike again, especially with the Smiths Racing BMW team as we have always got on well together. I don’t really know what to expect as the BMW is a bit different to what I am used to,” he said.

“I really enjoyed my Superbike experience before but when I rode one last year I was racing in both Superbike and Supersport, so having one focus should make it a little bit easier compared to jumping from one to the other. “Last year I really enjoyed Thruxton on the Supersport bike and I can’t wait to see what the Superbike feels like there; I can imagine it will be a little bit more of a handful but I am under no pressure and I just want to see how I can stack up against Howie and Jakub.

“I know that BSB has been incredibly close this season, and Thruxton is naturally a place where everyone is even closer, so I just want to make the most of the opportunity, enjoy the weekend and do the best job I can for the team.”