Team WD-40 to race in three classes in 2014

Team WD-40 have revealed their 2014 MCE British Superbike lineup, with a three strong team across three different classes, as Barry Burrell joins the team on Superbike, Canadian Ben Young in Superstock 1000, and Tarran Mackenzie in Superstock 600.

Burrell, a previous podium finisher in the EVO class, joins the class after half a year in the series with the Quattro Plant Kawasaki squad where he managed four top ten finishes from the final six rounds.

Young comes from the AMA Daytona Sportsbike series, where he managed top ten finishes, and Mackenzie progresses to the Superstock 600cc grid after a successful 2013 when he scored three wins and a further seven podium finishes in Motostar.

Burrell said: “I am really excited about the chance to work with Team WD-40 as this is a great team with some big aspirations. This is only my second full season in BSB and I can’t wait to get out on the grid. The crew have been working hard behind the scenes ready for this year – their first in the Superbike Championship. I know that together we can push towards achieving our goals as we have a strong base to begin the season in the best possible way.”

Young said: “It is great to get the chance to race in the UK, especially after seeing the success of other American riders. I had raced once in the 125cc class in 2007 before moving to Canada and that gave me a taster. I am confident that with the team’s experience it puts us in a good position; I am aiming for the top ten and then the top five. I want to learn first and then really start pushing.”

Mackenzie said: “I am looking forward to getting on the bigger bike this year. It was a hard decision to make between riding in Moto3 or moving up to the 600cc and every morning me and dad (Niall) would talk about it first before anything else! There are lots of good riders like the Lowes twins, Jonathan Rea and Lee Jackson that have come through that route so it is a good chance for me. I want to be at the front and if we can aim for the top five and then podiums I will be happy!”

Team owner Brent Gladwin concluded: “We are a relatively young team in the British Championship paddock but with the success of 2013 behind us we have big ambitions for the future. We have taken our time to announce our completed line up and we are pleased that we can now confirm our 2014 team. With our three riders, we have a perfect combination of experience, determination and tenacity. Team WD-40 has a strong package with the Kawasaki and our loyal partners, so I am delighted with how we are kicking off for 2014 and we are looking forward to another great season of racing.”

The team were originally set to make their superbike debut with American Tommy Aquino, until the tragic accident last month that cost the Superstock race winner his life.