Splitlath Aprilia allowed back in BSB Evo

Splitlath Motorsport Aprilia will be back in the Mirror.co.uk BSB-Evo Championship at Croft this weekend after an agreement was reached with race organisers this week.

It means riders Chris Burns and Hudson Kennaugh will be able to once again battle for podiums on board the team's pair of Aprilia RSV4 machines.

After being excluded from the previous round at Cadwell Park and instead forced to run in the British Superbike Championship, ten days of talks between the team, MSVR, Aprilia and the FIM have ruled that the bikes are in fact eligible to run in the Evo class.

The exclusion followed an issue with the camshafts on the team's two bikes, which organisers deemed illegal, despite apparently being the only ones available to buy. Splitlath claimed the parts gave no power or performance advantage and that they remain up to 20bhp down on most of their rivals' machines.

However this week, further investigation has ruled that the problem was down to an admin error, and that the team had not deliberately or willingly added illegal parts.

"It has been a hard couple of weeks, and we were very upset to be disqualified over what realistically was an administrative error. However I am pleased we have been able to get a good outcome," said team principal John Dimbylow.

"We had not acted illegally, we were working with the only parts which were available to us, and it is good to see our names have been cleared over this."

The decision means Kennaugh, who had been leading the championship until Cadwell Park, can get back on the championship trail.

"It is great news that we have been ruled eligible for the Evo class," he said. "After Cadwell I was devastated that my championship was over, but now we have been allowed back in it means we still have a chance.

"Okay, I can't deny that being 48 points behind the leader won't be a tough mountain to climb, but you need to remember that this is bike racing, and this is a sport where anything can happen.

"If Chris and I get two wins and two seconds for instance, we could be looking at a very different points board at the end of Sunday afternoon, and that's what I am working on.

"I am looking forward to this round. I've had some strong races at Croft in the past and I am chasing two wins on Sunday. I can't wait."

Home hero Burns will be chasing two podiums in front of his local fans.

"I really like Croft as a track, but people are always surprised that I've only actually raced there once in its current layout," he said. "It's a great track, and one I always enjoy riding. I want two wins this weekend, that's where my sights are now and I will be doing everything I can to get them. I'm hoping the home crowds will cheer me on.

"The spectators here in the North are like no others, and are always extremely supportive to all riders. I'm hoping they can get behind me, and in turn I can give them something to cheer about on Sunday afternoon."