Lee Jackson handed BSB opportunity

Lee Jackson is to make his MCE British Superbike Championship debut at Brands Hatch this weekend after being called up to replace the injured James Westmoreland at Buildbase BMW

The defending Superstock 600 champion, who currently sits third in the Superstock 1000 series with Buildbase BMW, will get an early debut aboard the full S1000RR Superbike as a replacement for James Westmoreland, who injured his hand in an accident last time out at Knockhill.

Coming into the team following its victory last time out in Scotland courtesy of Ryuichi Kiyonari - the first for BMW in BSB -, Jackson is thrilled to be getting an earlier-the-planned shot on the full bike.

"I am obviously really excited to be racing in Superbike this weekend as it has always been one of my ambitions, but I suppose I am also a little nervous at the same time! I am looking forward to the challenge of racing in both classes too and I am so happy that the team have considered me for this opportunity.

"I wasn't expecting to have the chance to ride the Superbike so soon so I just want to do the best I can and keep getting faster in every session. I have some experience of the bigger bike from the Superstock class, but obviously the Superbike is a whole new animal. I have ridden it for some demo laps, but that is it so I can't wait to get started in free practice on Friday."

Team owner Stuart Hicken was proud to be handing a lifetime opportunity to Jackson and has emphasised there is no pressure on him to perform.

"We are pleased to give Lee this chance at Brands Hatch whilst Westy continues his recovery. As a team we have invested a lot in Lee and we believe in his potential. We are looking forward to seeing what he can do on a Superbike as we are always looking ahead to future seasons.

"We know how he works and we have seen how well he has adapted to the bigger bike in the Superstock class, but there is no pressure on him at all this weekend. We just want to give him the chance and see how he