R&G-protected GR Motosport Ltd. has announced a two-rider line-up in the National Superstock 600 championship as part of its 2015 Stauff Connect Academy.
The Academy was launched at the last round of the 2014 British Superbike championship with a clear view of developing young riders through the tiers of motorcycle racing. The concept is the brainchild of GR Motosport Managing Director, Brent Gladwin, and Stauff’s Head of Marketing, Iain Stansbie, in co-operation with WD-40.
It will see the Stauff Connect Academy bikes run by GR Motosport becoming an integral part of Team WD-40 with the aim to develop riders in all areas of the sport to help them achieve their goals from a clear structure, running from Mini Moto through Motocross and into the British Superbike Championships.
In the Stauff Connect Academy livery in the National Superstock 600 class for 2015 will be Tarran Mackenzie and Joe Irving.
Both Tarran and Joe were Championship contenders in the British Moto3 Championship and the last few champions from this class have come the same route. Tarran stays with the Team for a second year, where in his first he took podium finishes and one pole position. Taz knows the Team and in return they enjoy that beaming smile that hides the warrior within.
Welcoming Joe back to the Team is like re-uniting with lost family; 20 years ago at the inception of GR Motosport Joe’s father, Mark, was one of GR Motosport’s first sponsors. Joe has developed into an extremely fit and focused young rider and being teammates with Tarran is sure to bring the very best out of both of them.
Tarran Mackenzie: “I’m really happy to be staying with GR Motosport for the second year in succession! Last year was my rookie year in the Superstock 600 class and I managed to secure 2 podiums and a pole position. I learned lots along the way so with a great bike and fantastic team around me again in 2015 my plan is to go out and challenge for the win every weekend.”
Joe Irving: “I am really looking forward to a part of the Stauff Connect Academy. Moving out of the Motostar class up to the stock 600 is going to require a lot of learning in a short space of time as I want to be ready and capable to run at the front for the first round. Coming in as a rookie will make it harder for me than my team mate Taz who already has a season under his belt. The four previous Champions did it in their rookie year so it can be done and that is my aim in 2015. Watching the class in previous years I know that they key to success is consistency and my main aim will be to finish every race shiny side up!”
R&G Blog 