John Hopkins to Return to British Superbike
Cycle News Staff | October 29, 2013
Californian John Hopkins is set to make his comeback to racing in 2014, heading up Tyco Suzuki’s 2014 British Superbike Championship efforts aboard the TAS Racing GSX-R1000.
Hopkins, a former factory Suzuki MotoGP rider, is making his return to racing after taking a season off to fully recover from various injuries and reparative surgeries. “Hopper” was the 2011 British Superbike runner-up, who narrowly lost the title at the final race of the season at Brands Hatch by 6/1000ths-of-a-second.
“I’m really excited to be coming back to British Superbike in 2014 and delighted to be joining Tyco Suzuki,” Hopkins said in a news release issued by Suzuki. “It’s been a long year away from racing getting my body healthy. I’m feeling good and I’ve also become a brand-new dad. I feel better than I have done in a lot of years and I’m really excited to be getting back out on track; especially on the Suzuki GSX-R1000.”
Looking at the challenge ahead, Hopkins added: “I really feel like I’ve got a point to prove in the British Superbike Championship, so as I say; I can’t wait to get out there on track and do some riding.”
Team Manager Philip Neill said: “Hopper really was the man we wanted for 2014 and we are excited to announce this agreement. John has been a part of the Suzuki family for many years and having him back on a GSX-R1000 next year provides a shot of motivation to everyone at Suzuki GB, our title sponsor Tyco Security Products; and indeed all our crew members at TAS Racing.
“BSB is such a high-profile championship and produces some of the best racing in the world, and I sincerely hope the return of John Hopkins is positive news for all the BSB fans. From a Tyco Suzuki point of view, we simply can’t wait to start the new season.”
Another announcement is expected in the near future regarding any further Tyco Suzuki riders.
