BSB: Luke Hedger joins CDH Racing Kawasaki ahead of 2024 season

Luke Hedger will make his full-time debut in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in 2024 after signing for CDH Racing Kawasaki.

Hedger finished 10^th in the Pirelli National Superstock Championship this year, ending his campaign as the best-placed Kawasaki rider. He secured a best result of fifth at Oulton Park and Brands Hatch, and finished inside the top 10 on 11 occasions.

“I’m mega happy to be signing with Dean and CDH Racing for the 2024 season – it will be my first season in the Superbike class, and I cannot wait to get started,” Hedger said. “I know it’s going to be hard, but I am ready for the challenge and enjoy every minute of it. Thanks again to my sponsor and supporters for giving me this chance and thank you to Dean for this opportunity.”

Hedger clinched the British Motostar title in 2012 before being crowned British Superstock 600 Champion the following year. The Hereford-based racer also made a wildcard in the Moto3 class at the 2015 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, crossing the line in 18^th for FPW Racing.

Whilst 2024 marks his first fill campaign in BSB, Hedger has raced in the Superbike class before. Hedger competed at Brands Hatch, Thruxton and Silverstone for PR Racing in 2018, taking a best result of 18^th.

“We are delighted to announce that we have signed Luke Hedger for the 2024 season,” CDH Racing Team Owner Dean Hipwell said. “After finishing top Kawasaki in Superstock last year, it’s good progression to join us and ride the CDH Racing Kawasaki in 2024.

“We look forward to welcoming Luke into our team and are very keen to start testing, plus heading over to Spain for round one will be good experience. I would like to say a huge thank you to the people who continue to support us.”

Hedger is the sixth Kawasaki rider to be confirmed for 2024. The factory-supported Completely Motorbikes Kawasaki team (FS-3 Racing) will continue with Max Cook ahead of his sophomore campaign, whilst Jason O’Halloran joins the team following the departure of the Raceways Motorcycles-run McAMS Yamaha outfit.

Danny Buchan returns to ‘Team Green’ with DAO Racing after three seasons with TAS Racing BMW, and will race alongside Aussie Brayden Elliot. Meanwhile, Storm Stacey stays with Starline Racing Kawasaki for a fifth BSB campaign.

Bradley Perie look set to stay with Lee Hardy Racing for 2024, but has now returned to the Supersport class with Gearlink Kawasaki. A replacement has not yet been announced.