Franco Bourne will progress to the Pirelli National Superstock Championship for the 2023 season as this year’s title runner-up in the Junior Superstock class prepares for the new season with Marvel HCL Motorsport campaigning Honda’s championship-winning Fireblade.
Bourne claimed a total of nine podium finishes this season including four race wins this season and now joins the Superstock grid with the support package from Honda Racing UK. The team will also maintain the same team structure of crew chief Dave Hewson and Champions Flat Track School’s Pete Boast continuing his support.
Bourne said: “It's going to be a big step up from the 600 but I can’t wait to get going, learn the bike and the electronics. We have a good pre-season test programme planned and some realistic targets. I know what I am capable of and am confident we can continue the momentum from this year and have another strong season.”
Team Manager Matt Bainbridge added: “We all know how good Franco is. He was the only one consistently pushing Max Cook in races last year and had it not been for an unfortunate injury mid-season he would have no doubt pushed Max all the way for the Junior Superstock Championship. He has earned his right to step up to the 1000cc class and we believe the way he had to ride the Kawasaki last season will suit the bigger bikes.
“His feedback is very good, which will help he progression and bike development and off the bike he is always friendly and polite. We are proud to support Franco in his career and are excited to start this next chapter stepping up to the Pirelli National Superstock Championship in 2023.”
Havier Beltran, Honda Racing UK commented: “I’ve known Franco for many years having first met him in 2012 during the HM Plant days through the excellent Bikewise initiative. To watch his development and rise through the racing ranks winning the Honda British Talent Cup in 2020 and this year coming runner-up in the Pirelli National Junior Superstock Championship with MotoNovo has been fantastic to see.
“To go full circle and welcome Franco back into the Honda family on board the 2021 and 2022 championship-winning CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, we all look forward to seeing him showcase his talents and watch his racing career continue to flourish.”