BSB: Liam Delves joins Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki for maiden Superbike campaign

Liam Delves will make his Bennetts British Superbike Championship debut next season after signing for Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki.

The 21-year-old will take the big leap from the Pirelli Junior Superstock Championship, following in the footsteps of current BSB riders Ryan Vickers and Storm Stacey. Delves ended his 2021 Junior Superstock campaign sixth overall after taking two podiums and a best result of second.

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“I’m really looking forward to stepping up to the Superbike class as this has always been a dream of mine,” Delves said. “I can’t thank Dean and the team enough for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I’m really looking forward to testing and getting the season underway. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I will put in everything on and off track.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to all my personal sponsors for not only believing in me, but for getting me here, also to my family, friends and followers for all their support.”

Delves finished fifth overall in the 2020 Superstock 600 class, whilst he’s also a two-time Formula 125 champion. Delves also competed in the British Motostar Championships on his way to BSB.

The newcomer will line-up alongside Josh Owens, with the Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki expanding to a two-rider effort in 2022.

“We are happy to expand our team with a second rider for the 2022 season; this will give us a bigger presence on and off track for our team sponsors and partners,” Team Owner Dean Hipwell added.

“Liam fits the mould of us helping young talented riders into the premier class and we are really looking forward to working with him and seeing him progression throughout the season. We’d like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors who are continuing with us for 2022.”

Nelves is the second rookie to be confirmed for the 2022 BSB season following Tom Neave’s promotion within the Honda Racing UK setup. Neave has been rewarded for his title winning Superstock campaign.