Owens steps up to BSB for 2020

Josh Owens will make the full-time switch to the Bennetts British Superbike championship in 2020 with CDH Racing.

After replacing team owner Dean Hipwell as the team’s rider for the final four rounds of 2019, Owens has impressed enough to secure a full campaign in BSB next season. Owens is duly looking to build in his early experience in the Superbike class for a sustained effort in 2020.

“I am excited to be joining CDH racing for the 2020 season, I took part in the last four rounds of BSB with them and we did suffer a lot of bad luck. However, I kept learning each session and gaining confidence with how the Superbike works in comparison to the GP2,” Owens said.

“I’m looking forward to getting back out on the bike during pre-season testing as I’m confident this will help me learn more about the Superbike and how to ride them compared to the GP2. Thanks to the team for taking me onboard for next year and to all my sponsors for giving me this amazing opportunity.”

Hipwell has also confirmed he’s retiring from racing in order to prioritise his health as he looks forward to supporting Owens in 2020.

“2019 was the learning year for us at CDH Racing within the championship and unfortunately after Cadwell Park I retired for the year due to ill health and Josh took up the ride for the final four rounds,” Hipwell explained. “We continued to progress and learn more about the bike, although it was not without hiccups along the way but Josh showed his potential.

“I have decided to retire from racing completely in order to put my health first. I am excited to still be in the paddock for 2020, but now running the team instead of riding. I believe signing Josh to the team for the new season is an exciting result and we are hoping together we can show our full potential next year. A huge thank you to everyone who helped out in 2019 and their continued support.”