Paul Lewis returns to racing in Harley-Davidson XR1200 cup

Former GP500 Skoal Bandit Suzuki works rider and Daytona Twins winner Paul Lewis is back in Britain and planning to race in the new Harley-Davdison XR1200 race series at BSB rounds.

The 48-year-old Australian – one of racing’s great characters – based himself in the UK for 26 years but after four years back home in Australia he is now back here, working for Thames Valley Harley-Davidson in Slough and Dockgate 21, another Harley shop in Southampton.

He’ll ride for the two shops in the Harley-Davidson XR1200 series and said: “I retired from racing in 1990 when my son Jackson was born but had a go again in 1996 and won the Bears (British European and American Racing Series) title riding the Raceco Guzzi.

“Okay, the competition wasn’t that great but I was riding a Guzzi!

“I’ve never raced a Harley but did have one celebrity ride in the 883 series years ago. I did practice and thought, ‘oh my, what have I let myself in for?’

“The bike was terrible to ride but Dave Leach blew a gearbox and I had to donate the one out of my bike so I never got to race it.

“I’m really looking forward to having some fun on the XR1200. It’s a totally different bike to the 883 hey? Although I’ve not raced recently, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

“I’ve been the retail general manager for Frasers Motorcycles back home, selling all sorts of bikes so I’ve kept my hand in on the track riding stuff like 1098 Ducatis around Phillip Island.”