Hawk Racing’s new-look team got off to a steady start as the Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) got underway at Silverstone.

Charlie Nesbitt, on board the MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing, registered his first points of the season with 12th place in the first of three races that took place over Easter weekend.  

Meanwhile Josh Owens, on the Crendon Honda by Hawk Racing, also grabbed a point finishing in 15th place in Race Two.

Qualifying for Saturday’s Bennetts BikeSocial Sprint Race saw Nesbitt and Owens bounce back from those initial difficulties, placing themselves in 15th and 16th on the grid. Nesbitt enjoyed a strong race from there, much of it spent in a group of riders chasing the leading pack, before eventually sealing 12th place and 4 championship points. Owens was also well-placed until an excursion from the track, from which he rejoined the race and recovered to come home in 24th.

Race Two saw Nesbitt off to a strong start, progressing to 10th in the opening laps. However, a collision involving Christian Iddon, ended both riders’ race early, with the team expressing their apologies to Iddon and his team. Owens, meanwhile, enjoyed a steady performance to finish in 15th and secure his first championship point of the year.

The young duo had a tough task in the third and final race of the weekend, starting from 18th and 19th on the grid. They spent much of the race in close quarters and both rode well albeit finishing just outside the points, with Owens in 16th and Nesbitt 17th.

Reflecting on the weekend, Charlie Nesbitt said:

“We had a few tough moments but there are plenty of positives to take from it as well. It was good to get some points on the board straight away and I think there’s plenty more to come. I’m already looking forward to getting back out there and showing what we can do in the next round at Oulton Park.”

‍Josh Owens said:

“I’m fairly satisfied to come away with three finishes and my first point of the season but the main thing is we’ve learned a lot over the weekend and have something to build on. Everyone in the team is working hard to get used to the new bike and all the laps we’ve done in the races and practice sessions will help us make progress next time out.”

‍Steve Hicken, team manager, added:

“We’ve got two young riders on bikes that are new to the team, so it was always going to be a steep learning curve at the start of the season. Charlie and Josh both did a good job against a very competitive, experienced group of riders and it was a bonus to pick up some championship points. Our aim is to move up the field as the season progresses and I’m confident we’re heading in the right direction.”

They weren’t the only Hawk Racing riders on track at Silverstone, as Michael Dunlop appeared on the Hawk Racing Honda in the Pirelli National Superstock with Santander Consumer Finance championship. Dunlop, who placed 17th in the second of two races, is appearing in the early rounds of the series as preparation for his road racing campaign. One of the most successful riders of all time in the famous Isle of Man TT, he will ride the Hawk Racing Honda at both the TT in June and May’s North West 200 in Northern Ireland.

Hawk Racing would like to thank all our sponsors for making it possible for us to compete in 2023, our 25th anniversary season.  

We look forward to the next Bennetts BSB round at Oulton Park in Cheshire from Saturday 29 April-Monday 1 May.