BSB: Charlie Nesbitt and Josh Owens join Hawk Racing

Hawk Racing has confirmed that Charlie Nesbitt and Josh Owens will ride for the team in the 2023 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

Nesbitt has been promoted from within the Hawk team after spending a single season in the Superstock class, one in-which he picked up a sole victory at Cadwell Park as well as podiums at Thruxton, Oulton and Donington.

The 2021 GP2 Champion made his Superbike debut with Hawk at Donington Park last season, standing in for the injured Christian Iddon, and Nesbitt remained with the team at the season finale at Brands Hatch.

During his six-race stint, Nesbitt, who is also a former British Moto3 Champion (2016), recorded five points scoring results with a best finish of eighth in Race Two at Brands Hatch.

“I’m really happy and excited to be riding for Hawk Racing for a second year,” Nesbitt said. “It’s a great team to be part of and their experience and support really helped me make the step up to National Superstock and then Bennetts BSB last season.

“The opportunity they have given me is like no other and I can’t wait to be able to repay them the best I can.”

Meanwhile Owens, himself the British GP2 champion in 2018, joins the team having spent three full seasons with Dean Hipwell’s Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki team.

The 2015 British 125 Champion secured a best result of 11^th at the 2022 season finale at Brands Hatch – his best result so far in the Superbike class.

“I’m super happy and excited to be joining the Hawk Racing family,” Owens said. “They have brought on so many talented riders over the years and given them the opportunity to do well.

“I can’t wait to get out for the first test and get working with everyone and seeing what we can achieve together this year.”

The team is expected to announce its manufacturer and sponsorship deals for the upcoming season next Wednesday (February 15), with MCN’s paddock sources suggesting that the team may switch from Suzuki to Honda – bringing an end to a six-season partnership.

Steve Hicken, Hawk Racing team manager, concluded: “Charlie and Josh are two of the most talented young riders on the British scene and we’re delighted they’ll be lining up together for us this year.

“They’ve known each other since a young age and risen through the junior ranks, winning two British championships each along the way, and bringing them on board continues our track record of backing younger riders who have the potential to make a big impact in Bennetts BSB.”

The team celebrates 25 consecutive years in the paddock this season. Hawk Racing was founded by Team Principal Stuart Hicken 1999 and has enjoyed success both on short circuits and on the roads.

“Hawk Racing is actually a few years older than both riders are and I’ve no doubt our experience in the paddock will help them to unlock their potential,” Steve Hicken continued.

“What I will say for now is that I can’t thank old and new partners enough for their support for the coming season. We’re excited to start our 25th consecutive season and hopefully spring some surprises along the way.”