BSS: New name, new rider for top Yamaha team

Raceways Yamaha will return for another tilt at the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship in 2010 after announcing a new title sponsor and a revised rider line-up.

Rebranded as the CAME Yamaha team, by virtue of its all-new backer, this year's runner-up Billy McConnell will be joined by 2009 standout James Westmoreland in an all-star line-up.

Although they lost out to HM Plant Honda's Steve Plater in the fight for this year's crown, between them McConnell and Westmoreland won five races in 2009, the latter achieving his two victories aboard a year-old Triumph.

For McConnell, the opportunity to stay with the leading Yamaha team was too good an opportunity to ignore, the Australian vowing to win the title he just missed out on in 2009.

"It's obviously mega for me to stay with the team for next season as they are the top Yamaha team in the Championship and we proved this year we have what it takes to win the title. We have a strong package and we came so close to having that number one plate this year, so I know that we need to go one better in 2010. The team are one of the best in the paddock and I want to win the title for them and also our new sponsor CAME."

Having debuted the CAME brand on his JW Racing Triumph towards the end of the 2009 season, Westmoreland is thrilled to be joining a top team after his impressive turn on the Daytona 675 this year.

"To join the CAME Yamaha team is obviously a great opportunity for me as they are a proven team who are ready to fight for the title. The Championship is always so close and competitive and I am sure next season will be no different but I know that we have the package to win.

"I am now looking forward to getting pre-season testing underway and I just can't wait to get the season started. I would like to thank Steve Rodgers at Raceways and our sponsors CAME for giving me the chance to challenge for the title."

Having also finished runner-up with Hudson Kennaugh in 2008, CAME Yamaha team manager Steve Rodgers is full focused on going one better in 2010.

"We are looking forward to next year and we are delighted to have a new title sponsor in CAME for 2010. It is an important year for the team as we are focused on nothing less than winning the title after finishing runner-up for the past two seasons.

"We have unfinished business in the Supersport Championship and we are confident that we have two proven title contenders in Billy McConnell and James Westmoreland."

CAME, a leading supplier in automatic gates and access control equipment, will also become an official sponsor to the British Superbike Championship in 2010.