No factory Kawasakis in 2002 BSB

KAWASAKI UK will not run a factory team in BSB next season.

The company says there is little commercial value in running their aging ZX-7RR against the new 1000cc four-cylinder machines and will instead put its marketing resources behind Chris Walker and the world team.

Kawasaki UK’s Marketing Manager Martin Lambert said: ” In light of the interest in WSB among UK fans we have withdrawn from the domestic series. The sterling efforts of the team in 2001 cannot be underestimated and the fact that Michael Rutter was the only rider to win on a four-cylinder machine is a fitting tribute to the team. ”

Kawasaki had a difficult 2001 season that saw them miss the second Oulton Park round in July and finish the season with just one rider following the collapse of a sponsorship deal. Kawasaki UK has fielded an official factory team in BSB since the 1997 season.

Rutter is believed to be in discussions with Virgin Yamaha while Kawasaki’s other rider from last year, Steve Plater, is negotiating with a number of teams including Renegade Ducati and Motopower Honda.