Team Suzuki Alstare Brux is giving talented American Blake Young a ride on Max Neukirchner's GSX-R1000 K9 at the British World Superbike ninth round at Donington Park this weekend.
With Neukirchner still sidelined through injury, Team Manager Francis Batta has decided to give the 21-year old a no-pressure ride at the East Midlands circuit after discussions with Young and former World Champion Kevin Schwantz.
Young, from Wisconsin, is riding the Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing GSX-R1000 Suzuki in this year's AMA championship; has taken two podiums to date; and currently lies in eighth position behind team mate and sereies leader Mat Mladin.
He will join regular Suzuki Alstare Brux rider Yukio Kagayama, who is carrying on racing despite broken bones in his right heel; the gritty Japanese rider has already defied the pain to race in America and Misano and is determined as ever to battle for the podium.
Blake Young:
"I'm really excited to race the Suzuki Alstare Brux GSX-R1000 at Donington Park this weekend. I've been racing motorcycles for as long as I can remember. I always wanted to race Superbikes and I got the chance to do that with the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team in America. Now, getting the opportunity to do a World Superbike race with the Suzuki Alstare Brux team in Europe is like a dream come true. I'm looking forward to it and want to make the most of this opportunity."
Yukio Kagayama:
"For me, once I am on the bike I am a racer and I forget my injuries. I have many fans in England and I want to put on a good show for them and do well. Of course, this championship is not so easy and this year is much more competitive than last year. I hope the weather will be better in Donington than Misano and the results will also be better than last year."
2008 results:
Race 1: 1 Bayliss (Aus-Ducati), 2 Sykes (GB-Suzuki), 3 Biaggi (I-Ducati), 5 Yukio Kagayama (J-Suzuki Alstare), 7 Fonsi Nieto (E-Suzuki Alstare). Max Neukirchner (D-Alstare Suzuki) DNF.
Race 2: 1 Kiyonari (J-Honda), 2 Crutchlow (GB-Honda), 3 Corser (Aus-Yamaha), 14 Max Neukirchner (D-Alstare Suzuki), 19 Yukio Kagayama (J-Suzuki Alstare). Fonsi Nieto (E-Suzuki Alstare) DNF.
