Halsall Racing withdraws from BSB

Halsall Racing has ended its participation in the Bennetts British Superbike championship following team owner Martin Halsall’s decision to withdraw the team.

Following the 2018 campaign which ended with Danny Kent on the Movuno.com Halsall Suzuki machine, the team will be disbanded and not return to the series next season.

Halsall confirmed the decision in a team statement after ‘a lot of soul searching’ and explained the call came down to business and enjoyment reasons.

“It is with regret that I have taken this decision, but after a lot of soul searching and head scratching over the last few weeks, I’ve decided that the team will no longer be a part of the championship,” Halsall said.

“There are a number of reasons which have led me to this decision, but it’s no secret that this has been a very difficult year. As a businessman, I have to look all aspects of where my investment is going and at this point I feel it is no longer a viable interest.

“Racing is expensive and while I have always loved the sport and being part of the paddock, certain things that have occurred this season have taken a lot of that enjoyment away and this has all contributed to the decision.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the team this season. The boys have worked tirelessly all year and I want to thank them publicly along with all of our loyal supporters, many of whom have followed us since we first arrived in 2012.”

Halsall hired iconic team boss Colin Wright midway through the 2018 campaign and while he regrets not making the desired impact on the team’s fortunes he understands the decision.

“Today’s news is very unfortunate but I am very grateful to Martin for giving me the opportunity to return to the BSB paddock this year,” Wright said. “I am somewhat disappointed that I wasn’t able to make the differences that we all believed were possible, but this is Martin’s team and I respect his decision not to continue.

“Since arriving at the squad in June, I have built a great relationship with the team and have enjoyed being part of it, even if things haven’t always gone our way.

“I wish to extend my gratitude to everyone involved with Halsall Racing for all of their commitment and hard work, and I wish everyone the best of luck for the future in whatever they choose to do next.”

Halsall Racing joined the BSB grid at the start of 2013 running Lee Costello’s Kawasaki, before expanding to a two rider line-up midway through the year, with Costello claiming the team’s maiden podium in the penultimate race of the year with second place in race two at the Brands Hatch finale.

In 2015, Halsall Racing switch to running Suzuki machines with title sponsorship backing from Bennetts for two years before returning to the British Supersport championship for 2017.

Halsall made a comeback in BSB for 2018 with a one-bike outfit but after sacking Tommy Bridewell the team struggled to find success with replacement riders Chrissy Rouse, Tom Neave and Danny Kent.