Charlie Nesbitt closed out Hawk Racing’s 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship campaign with two points-scoring finishes at Brands Hatch over the weekend.

The season finale began in tricky wet conditions, with Charlie adapting well on board the MasterMac Honda by Hawk Racing to qualify an excellent third for the opening BikeSocial Sprint Race. With the track still damp, the race then saw Charlie looking strong in sixth before a fall cost him a result.

Sunday brought a complete change in the weather as the circuit was bathed in autumn sunshine. Charlie rode well in both races to finish in eleventh and then tenth place.

It left him eleventh in the final championship standings, just half a point off the top ten, at the end of his first full Bennetts BSB campaign.

Reflecting on the season, Charlie said: “I’ve been learning every step of the way this year and there have been a lot of ups and downs, but overall I’m happy with how it’s gone.

“The three podiums at Thruxton were a big highlight and there were a lot of other meetings where my pace was strong too, so I’m confident there’s a lot more to come in future.

“I’m really grateful for the support I’ve had from the team, sponsors and my family throughout the year.”

Josh Owens had been due to return from injury to ride at Brands Hatch on the Crendon Honda by Hawk Racing, but sustained serious injuries in a racing incident on his own practice bike the previous weekend.

While Josh now faces an extended recovery period, we are pleased to say that he is making good progress following successful surgery. We wish him a quick return to full health.

Looking back on the 2023 Bennetts BSB campaign, team manager Steve Hicken said: “We came into the season with two young riders and a brand new bike, having just switched to Honda, so there was a lot of learning ahead for the whole team.

“Charlie performed brilliantly at times, including his second-place and two third-places at Thruxton, and has established himself as one of the most talented young riders in the series.

“Josh’s season was disrupted by injury but he showed his talent on a number of occasions and brought a great attitude to everything he did. We hope to see him back on his feet very soon.

“As a team we’ve grown through the season and now have a familiarity with the bike that will stand us in good stead for 2024, so we’re already looking forward to the new campaign.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported the team this year - all our team members, sponsors, families and the fans. We couldn’t do it without you.”

Bennetts BSB returns in 2024 with another 11-round schedule kicking off in April.