The Optimum Bikes Racing Honda team have announced a two-strong rider line-up in the Pirelli National Superstock Championship this season, with Dan Linfoot and Brent Harran bidding for podium success.
Linfoot, a previous race winner in Bennetts BSB, returns to the Superstock grid with the team after appearances last season, which included a podium finish at the final round of the season at Brands Hatch.
Harran meanwhile returns for his second consecutive season with the team after claiming top ten finishes last year with a best result of fourth place at Silverstone.
Linfoot said: “I am really pleased to be continuing with Optimum Bikes Racing in 2023, after my four rounds at the end of ‘22. Those four events were always in preparation for a full season in 2023, and we can hit the ground running after those important rounds at the back end of last year.
“Optimum Bikes Racing really is like home for me, after almost 20 years of racing in this paddock, their approach and setup of past and current colleagues really makes me feel at home. I’ve never won a championship, fourth in Superbike in 2016 is the closest I’ve ever been, so the thought of fighting for a championship really excites me, and the team. Sure, it will not be easy, and we need some luck, but we have all the ingredients to give it a good go.
“Thanks to Ian, Claire, and all of Optimum Bikes and their partners for this incredible effort and I’m really excited to get started again.”
Harran said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Optimum Bikes Racing team for a second year running now. We had some fantastic results together this year as a new team on a new bike and I'm positive that leading into 2023 with a bit more experience under our belts, that we can take another big step forward next year.
“Missing out on a top 10 in the championship by two points at the end of this season really annoyed me - especially after how well our first half of the season went and I feel like I've got some unfinished business to settle going into 2023.
“I've got to say a massive thank you once again to Ian Wright - the man behind the Optimum Bikes brand - for giving me another opportunity to show what I can do and for believing in me and supporting me the way that he has throughout my short time here in the UK. Let's make 2023 the best one yet!”
Team Owner Ian Wright commented: “We are really pleased to have signed Dan for the 2023 season. After a strong end to the 2022 season it was only natural that we retained him for 2023 to really have a shot at the title! After some bad luck in Superbike we wanted to see Dan smiling again and enjoying his racing, this clearly showed when he jumped on our bike. It shows a good team of people and good package makes a happy and fast rider, so we look forward to the season and adding more silverware to the cabinet.
“Brent has been part of our family since his transition from the South African Superbike Championship to the UK and he’s shown real promise. We are very confident this year he will open a few eyes and show what he is capable of and cannot wait to see him at the sharp end of the grid.”