BSS: Gearlink official Kawasaki Supersport team.

Running under the banner of Gearlink Kawasaki, the team has secured Chris Martin and Steven Neate to contest the 2008 British Supersport championship.

Martin picked up the Superbike Cup title in 2006, he then went on to ride in the main British Superbike championship for 2007, scoring points on a regular basis.

The 26-year-old rider from North Newbald in Yorkshire proved to be more than a match for the factory riders and is looking forward to his new venture.

"It's great to be riding for such a professional and friendly team. I am sure that we can be competitive and be challenging for race wins," said Martin.

After being sidelined through injury mid season, Neate completed 2007 with AIM Yamaha. Despite his youth, the 20-year-old rider proved he was more than comfortable running with the cream of the British Supersport riders and rounded off his season by scoring 12th place in the final two rounds at Donington Park and Brands Hatch.

"I am delighted to have secured the deal and am really looking forward to riding with the Kawasaki Motors UK officially supported team," said Neate. "I would like to say a big thank you to Norma and Michael and am looking forward to a successful 2008."

Team owner and manager, Michael de Bidaph said: "We are really looking forward to the 2008 British Supersport Championship. We have two highly professional and experienced riders in Chris Martin and Steven Neate, and with the backing of Kawasaki Motors UK will be striving for some top results next season."

Kawasaki Motors UK is seeing this as the next phase of their racing strategy as Racing Coordinator, Alex Brawn explained, ""We took an interest in Gearlink quite some time ago and have been working alongside the team putting the pieces of the jigsaw together in order for them to become our official entry in such a competitive championship. We're sure Michael and his close knit race crew will make a big impression at the sharp end of Supersport racing in the UK."