Relentless Suzuki Sign Lowry for 2009 BSB Campaign

We are very pleased to announce that 22-year-old British rider Ian Lowry will join Atsushi Watanabe in the Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing British Superbike team for 2009.

In addition to our already confirmed road racing line-up, consisting of Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald, Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing will also support 19-year-old Irishman BJ Toal in British Supersport, continuing TAS Suzuki’s strong presence in the class.

To complete the 2009 British championship programme, Australian Cameron Donald will compete in selected rounds of the National Superstock series. This will complement his international road racing exploits in Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing colours.

We can also confirm, with some sadness, that our successful partnership with Michael Laverty will not continue into 2009. Michael has been a perfect ambassador for Relentless, Suzuki and TAS Racing throughout our two year association, which delivered the perfect result in 2007 when Michael lifted the British Supersport title. I would like to thank Michael for his commitment and everyone at Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing wishes Michael well with his 2009 racing plans.

Ian Lowry:

“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity, not only to stay with Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing, but also to get a crack at the British Superbike class. I watched BSB on TV as a kid and to be racing in it next year is unbelievable. I do believe I can deliver for the team and I’ve set myself achievable targets. To be working with a factory supported team like Relentless Suzuki is the icing on the cake and I’m sure Atsu’s experience will prove invaluable. It will take a lot of hard work and dedication but I’m up to the task and highly motivated.”

Philip Neill – Team Principal

“After completing three successful supersport campaigns for Relentless Suzuki, I believe Ian has a very bright future in the superbike class and will prove to be the perfect partner for Atsu, combining youth with experience. I also firmly believe that Ian’s style and physical presence is better suited to riding a superbike, and although he has limited experience in the class at this stage, we have already planned an extensive training and testing programme; this will give Ian the best opportunity to succeed at the highest level of British championship racing.

I would once again like to welcome Atsushi Watanabe to our team for 2009; I trust he is enjoying his winter break back in Japan before returning to his new base in Northern Ireland early next year.

I would also like to welcome 19-year-old BJ Toal into our team for 2009. I believe it is very important to remember your roots, and British Supersport is where we began our circuit career in 2004. I am excited and pleased to continue into 2009, and I am confident that BJ will impress on the GSX–R600 Suzuki. An added benefit, is the fact that track time and continued development with our GSX–R 600 is essential to our NW 200 and IOM TT programme.

Finally a big thanks to Suzuki, Relentless, Beacon and all our loyal sponsors for their continued support.”

Aussie Cameron Donald will also return to his UK base in January 2009. After a strong podium debut at Thruxton in 2008, Cam is looking forward to putting the all-new 2009 GSX–R 1000 near the front of the pack, at as many rounds as his road racing commitments will permit.