Shaun Muir believes his Hydrex Honda team can challenge for the British Superbike Championship title in 2010 after completing its breakthrough season with four podiums at Oulton Park.
Five years after making its debut in BSB, Hydrex took its first pole position and victory in 2009 courtesy of star performer Stuart Easton, who went on to finish third in the overall standings.
Arguably the closest challengers to the dominant Airwaves Yamaha team, Hydrex also had the honour of displacing the factory HM Plant team as this season's top Honda representative.
Winning two races and a total of 18 podiums with what Muir maintains is a 'moderately funded team', the intention is now to progress further in 2010 and challenge for the title.
“It's been the team's most successful year ever and for a moderately funded team, we can all be extremely proud of what we've achieved,” he said. “It's been a tough championship once more but our results have been higher than expected and, like we did in 2008 with James Ellison, we've re-launched the career of Stuart Easton and he's moved on to a whole new level. He's done so much for the team and I think it's fair to say we've both complimented each other throughout the season and together we've reaped the rewards.”
“Tommy (Hill) deservedly won the 'Rider of the Day' award and for him to take two podiums at the final round, and be in contention throughout, was very, very pleasing. I think the decision to bring him in for the final third of the season raised a few eyebrows but that decision has been fully vindicated and he's proved that in the right team and environment, he can be a serious challenger for the BSB title in 2010.”
“I've got to say a massive thank you to all of our loyal sponsors and to the entire team, particularly to Mick Shanley and Pete Jennings for jointly managing and coordinating the team, and collectively we've proved that with dedication and support, it is possible to achieve results of the highest order.
“The challenge now is to get the riders, mechanics and funds all in place for 2010 so we can maintain the level we've got to now and improve our standing even further – the number one plate is what we'll be firmly aiming for.”
