British Superbikes: James Ellison signs for GSE Racing

James Ellison has landed what he called his ‘dream move’ to the four-time British Superbike Championship winning team, GSE Racing.

The former MotoGP and AMA Superbike ace penned a deal with the factory Yamaha outfit for 2009 last weekend at Brands Hatch.

Ellison spoke exclusively to MCN about the move.

He said: “It’s a mega deal – absolutely perfect.

“It’s a deal that’s emerged late in the season but one I was hoping would come off.

“It wasn’t until recently that I knew Shane Byrne was moving on and before then I knew Colin was happy with both Shakey and Leon Camier.

“At that point I was content staying where I was. But the offer to join GSE is one that I couldn’t refuse.

“They’re the best team In the paddock and they’ve proved that by winning championships.”

Ellison comes off the back of a productive return season to BSB with the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda team.

And even though the 28-year old rider has spent much of the season developing the new Honda Fireblade, he says he can’t wait to get his teeth into working with a new bike.

“I don’t mind developing a bike.

“We had a new bike at the start of this season but had no testing beforehand.

“I know Colin [Wright] likes to have a strict testing regime – he always aims to do half a seasons worth of laps in testing.

“Personally I love testing and there are no worries with developing a new bike.

“I’ve tried not to get too excited as I’ve wanted to concentrate on this year and to payback Shaun [Muir] and the team’s hard work this season with some good results.

“So I’ve tried to push the GSE deal to one side.

“But even on the drive home from Brands Hatch I couldn’t help but get excited about next season. I’m raring to go.”

Ellison will line-up alongside Leon Camier who earned himself another season with Darrell Healey’s GSE Racing squad following a highly successful year that’s seen him score three race wins. 

For the full story on Ellison’s move to GSE Racing, grab a copy of today’s issue of MCN.