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Inspired by the racing line

(22.07.09) British motorsport fans will witness a historic first at the opening round of the 2009 British Superbike Championship, when up to 35 Harley-Davidson® European-focussed XR1200® motorcycles take to the track in the world’s leading domestic series. Harley-Davidson UK & Ireland is entering the championship with a Henderson Insurance Brokers-backed premium one-make series next year.

The manufacturer is expecting valuable support from its 35-strong dealer network to ensure season-long full grids in the cost-effective 10-race series, which will run across nine events. Individual competitors – holding an ACU Clubman licence or above – will also be entitled to enter and high demand is anticipated with the promise of attractive prize funds.

Entry into the series will include a XR1200® motorcycle, a full race kit, branded BKS leathers and a season-long tyre deal. Harley-Davidson UK & Ireland is currently in talks with both Pirelli and Dunlop, but expects to work with the British tyre manufacturer due to the link with original equipment (OE) on the road-going versions of the bikes with Dunlop Qualifiers.

The aim is to attract a varied mix of experienced Clubman, Superbike and Superstock contenders and fresh, young talent looking to develop their race craft. It will provide an excellent opportunity for bright young stars to measure their capabilities against practiced professionals.

The XR1200® story is one of development – from a multiple championship-winning flat-tracker with the XR750 into a capable road-going bike for the European markets. The Henderson Harley-Davidson® XR1200® Trophy will follow that ethos with a mix of historical success and new additions to produce what promises to be one of the most exciting one-make race series the UK has ever seen.

“We believe that we have put together an extremely exciting and attractive proposition with the Henderson Harley-Davidson® XR1200® Trophy,” says Harley-Davidson UK & Ireland Marketing Manager Greg Willis. “It gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase the bike’s performance credentials to a wider audience and adds further variety to the existing British Superbike Championship line-up.

“We’re very grateful to Henderson Insurance Brokers for the early agreement of a title sponsorship deal, which will enable us to provide a substantial prize fund for competitors. That teamed with the promise of support from our dealer network should help to ensure that we maintain a full grid for the whole season.”

BSB Race Director Stuart Higgs shares the enthusiasm, saying “Harley-Davidson is probably the most iconic motorcycle brand in the world and the opportunity to create a partnership within BSB was one not to be missed. The prospect of a grid of thundering XR1200® motorcycles will be a great spectacle for both our trackside and television audiences.”

To register your interest in taking part in the series or to request further competitor information, email xr1200trophy@rbplimited.co.uk

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