BSB: Jack Kennedy joins RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki for remainder of 2020 season

The RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki team have signed Jack Kennedy for the remainder of the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

The double British Supersport Champion will line-up alongside Ryan Vickers on the Kawasaki ZX-10RR at Oulton Park, Donington Park and Brands Hatch. 

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Kennedy was left without a ride for the remainder of this season when Santander Salt TAG Racing decided to withdraw from this year’s championship. However, like Dan Linfoot, the 32-year old was given permission by the team to seek an alternative ride.

“I’m really happy to be joining the RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki team and I’m extremely grateful that they stepped in with the offer to ride for them for the rest of the season, Kennedy said. “I’m equally thankful to the Santander Salt TAG Yamaha team for allowing me to ride for another team for the remainder of 2020. My first time on the Kawasaki ZX-10RR will be next Friday’s free practice session so I’ll take it step by step and see how I get on, but I’m fit and raring to go. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do on the Kawasaki particularly at Oulton Park which is a circuit I love but the next three circuits are all good ones for me and good for a Superbike too. The team have been really enthusiastic in all the conversations we’ve had and are excited to have me on board for the second half of the season and that’s given me a really positive feeling as well so I can’t wait.”

It’s not the first time that Lee Hardy’s team has competed with two riders. In 2016, Alistair Seeley and Jake Dixon both competed with the team. 

“I spoke with Jack once I had seen the news that he was no longer riding for the rest of the 2020 season; it was a great opportunity to look at expanding the RAF Regular & Reserve Kawasaki team back to two riders with a plan to carry this on into 2021,” Hardy explained.

“I spoke with Ryan and explained the situation and he was very supportive of my decision to bring Jack into the team. Moving to two riders will be beneficial for the RAF and generate added exposure for not only the RAF but all of the team’s sponsors. I am looking forward to the rest of the season and working with two great riders.”

Kennedy will ride the RAF Kawasaki ZX-10RR for the first time next Friday (September 18) during the opening free practice session of the weekend at Oulton Park.