The Quattro Group British Supersport Championship will feature a new team on the grid this season as Scars Racing unveiled their Ducati V2 today (Thursday), signing 2015 champion Luke Stapleford.
The new team will make their racing debut when the season gets underway at Oulton Park over the May Bank Holiday weekend (May 2/3/4), with Stapleford ready to battle for a second crown after celebrating success with multiple manufacturers.
Stapleford said: “I’m excited to be joining the new Scars Racing team for the 2026 season, onboard the Ducati. When the team approached me a few months back and spoke about their plans, I’d hoped it would all come together and here we are! It’s another new start for me and having raced against the Ducati now for a few seasons, I’m curious to see how I can perform on it. I think we’ll be able to adapt in no time at all.
“Although everything is new, all the guys have been around for years and we’re all on the same page when it comes to expectations. I’ve been clear over the past couple of seasons that I only enjoy the racing when we are competitive, that’s exactly what we plan to be. I have no doubt we’ll be at the from the word go and be challenging for race wins and ultimately the Championship. A massive thank you to the guys for putting this together and their trust in me for the season, I can’t wait to get going.”
Leigh Finlay, Team Co-Owner said: “I’ve worked in the BSB class now since 2007 and this came as a perfect opportunity for me for a fresh start. The footings are all in place and we know Luke is eager to have a great season. The whole team has a vast amount of knowledge and experience within the paddock and together I really do think it will all gel well and we’ll have a fantastic season.
“I’m very thankful of this new challenge and it has come at a really good time for myself, and I know we will develop together, and all have the same aim to win.”
Dale McElveen, Team Co-Owner concluded: “This is such a great opportunity for us and one we’ve been working extremely hard at behind the scenes to put it all together. We didn’t want to enter this Championship without a chance to win and that is why we have picked Luke to work with us. We have the same goal and will be pushing hard to achieve it.
“This would not have been possible without all the sponsors who have come on board, and we are very grateful to them and look at providing some fantastic results together. We have a great team around Luke, and we strive to have a great season ahead.”
British Superbike Championship Series Director Stuart Higgs: “It is fantastic to welcome a new team onto the grid for the 2026 Quattro Group British Supersport Championship. As the leading support class to BSB, the class has continued to produce some incredible racing in recent seasons and as a previous champion, Luke has played a part in much of those. The Ducati V2 has been a proven race winner in the class, so I am looking forward to seeing what the team can achieve this season.”