Wednesday, January 09 2013

The MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship will feature a new team on the grid for the 2013 season as established businessman Martin Halsall turns his ambition into reality by progressing the Halsall Racing team from the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 class, signing Lee Costello for their debut campaign.

Halsall Racing first debuted in the British paddock in the Superstock Championship last year and celebrated a maiden win at the Silverstone round, having scored top five finishes in their first season. Martin Halsall is now raising the bar to fulfil his aspirations of owning a successful team in the premier class, and is currently working on the development of the Kawasaki in preparation for the opening round of the season at Brands Hatch on 5/6/7 April.

Costello said: "It is really exciting for me to have this chance to race in BSB and I have to thank Martin for giving me the opportunity. We had a season in the Superstock class and we got up to the front and now we are making the move up to Superbike. We just need to start chipping away and work on the package throughout the season but we have experience with the Kawasaki from being in Superstock last year to build on. To be in the championship is really good for me; to be on the grid with riders like Shakey and Kiyo who have so much experience will make me progress further. You have to be thrown in as that is when you learn more; I will be doing the best job I can for Martin and the team."

Team owner Martin Halsall said: "We dipped our toe in the water in the Superstock class and now the next progression is to move into Superbike. That has always been my dream from the moment I started my team and now we are turning that into a reality. I know that there is going to be a lot to learn but we have goals and we will grow into the Championship. We have years ahead of us to become serious contenders in the future. I have signed Lee Costello for another season as I feel the time is right to give him the opportunity to be part of this progression with the team; the time is right to make the step up and all our efforts can be focused on him. We are new to the Superbike grid but I am serious about achieving our goals and I am excited to get the season started at Brands Hatch."

MCE BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs concluded: "I'm delighted to welcome Martin Halsall and his team into BSB.  Their decision illustrates that the current BSB technical rules allow ambitious privateer teams to confidently make the step up. Last year with Lee Costello the Halsall Racing team had an exceptional season in the ultra-competitive National Superstock 1000 class with an overall fifth place following five top five race finishes, including a hard fought debut victory at Silverstone.  Lee thoroughly deserves his BSB shot and it's great that he gets to advance along with three of the other Superstock race winners: Keith Farmer, Danny Buchan and PJ Jacobsen."