BSB: Rory Skinner returns alongside Davey Todd at Cheshire Mouldings BMW

Rory Skinner will be back in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship this season after signing for the new-look Cheshire Mouldings BMW team.

Cheshire Mouldings, previously seen on the FS3-Racing Kawasaki bikes in BSB and also the factory Kawasaki World Superbike machines, join TAS Racing as new titles sponsors for 2024. As a result, the team’s livery has been updated to a stunning blue, white and red design.

• Pick up a copy of this week’s MCN for an exclusive interview with Rory Skinner.

Skinner returns to BSB after a single year in Moto2 with American Racing. The Scot endured a tough learning campaign which included him missing races through injury and being told that he would not be retained for the second year of his contract.

He now returns home to the championship in-which he last competed in between 2021 and 2022 with FS-3 Racing. During that time, Skinner secured seven podiums and a best championship position of eighth.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started with the Cheshire Mouldings by TAS Racing BMW team.,” Skinner said. “The crew that Philip Neill has put together for me is very exciting, and to be able to bring my crew chief Stuart Shenton from Grand Prix is a major plus.

“Seeing the bikes for the first time at the launch just made it feel that bit more real, and I’m sure everyone will agree, they look absolutely superb. It’s going to be an exciting season coming back to BSB and being able to race in front of the British fans is always very special. I can’t wait to get underway.”

Meanwhile, Davey Todd will compete for the team in the Superstock class as he targets his second British title in three years. Todd had already signed for the team for his 2024 road racing campaign, and ended the 2023 BSB season with the team as a replacement for the injured Danny Buchan.

Todd will be working with crew chief and engine builder Stewart Johnstone throughout the upcoming season.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead with TAS Racing on the Cheshire Mouldings BMW M1000RR in the National 1000cc Superstock class,” Todd said. “Yes of course there was the initial disappointment of having to forego the opportunity of riding in BSB, but I understand the commercial decision and will now be giving my all to put in a strong title challenge in the class.

“I’m sure Rory and I will enjoy working together in the TAS garage and I’m just looking forward to getting on track and putting some miles in.”

TAS Racing celebrate their 25^th season of racing in 2024 and are targeting a return to the top of the British Championship after a tough few years in BSB.

“It’s been the usual winter rollercoaster getting everything in place, and with 2024 being our 25th year of competition under the TAS Racing banner, we wanted to make sure we did everything possible to get back where we belong – at the sharp end of all competition,” Team Owner, Philip Neill said.

“We are delighted to have been able to bring Rory back to BSB where I think everyone would agree, he was about to become a big star before he left for Moto2. We’re delighted he has chosen TAS Racing, where he will campaign the Cheshire Mouldings BMW M1000RR.

“And it’s fair to say he has already made a big impression on us with his commitment and desire. I’m sure it will be an exciting and enjoyable year ahead for us all.

“The deal with Davey was already in place from the end of last year, but we would like to thank him for taking on the Superstock role, after we had initially discussed Superbike for him. It shows his level of commitment and professionalism, but there are also many positives to take from it on a technical level, as he is in the unique position of having to mix British championship and International Road Racing this season. I’m sure he will have big aspirations of winning the title aboard the Cheshire Mouldings BMW.

• Pick up a copy of this week’s MCN for an exclusive interview with Rory Skinner.