The Smiths (Gloucester) Racing team has today (Wednesday) confirmed their 2012 line up for the British Supersport Championship as experienced Australians Glen Richards and Billy McConnell will be joined by young British rider Luke Mossey aboard factory-supported Triumph 675s.

Richards is a former British Supersport champion and after securing the BSB Evo title last year is ready to fight for a second title as he joins his friend McConnell who is a regular title contender in the series. McConnell switches to the family-run team after finishing third aboard a Triumph 675 in last year's championship.

Mossey will continue for a second season and the former Metzeler National Superstock 600 runner-up will be hoping he can secure his first victory in the class this season. The team will also be competing for the Metzeler National Superstock 600 Championship with Johnny Blackshaw, who finished seventh in last year's series.

Richards said: "For me the reason to move back into the British Supersport class was because I wanted to have the complete package of competitive bike, team and somewhere I could have some fun - that is what I have with the Smiths (Gloucester) team.  I have this fantastic opportunity in Supersport and I feel happy as it is with a great team who are putting a lot into making it happen. You have to remember that in the last five years I have won three championship titles so I am not giving up yet!"

McConnell said: "This year is a big one for me, to prove what we are capable of and I think the team will make the difference this year. I am feeling the passion from the Smiths family and after a frustrating season in 2011 I want to change that. It is important to get everything perfect with the Triumph as Glen has proved before in the championship, but I know that the Smiths team are doing that and that really does get me excited about this season."

Mossey added: "It is great for me to come back for a second season with the Smiths team. I had a crash last year that wasn't great, but at Snetterton I got the monkey off my back with the podiums. The bike is great and I was disappointed not to have won a race last year, so that is what I am aiming for now, with regular podiums."

Team Owner Alan Smith said: "We showed last year what we were capable of with five podium finishes in the ultra-competitive British Supersport Championship and had it not been for serious injuries to all three riders at some point, we could have finished a lot higher up the standings. This year we are serious about winning the title for both ourselves and Triumph and in signing Glen, Billy and Luke, I believe we have the strongest line up out there. Johnny has the capability to challenge for the Superstock 600 crown too and with the Triumph 675 Daytona at our disposal, we are very confident going into the 2012 season."

References

1. ^{^} www.brandshatch.co.uk (www.brandshatch.co.uk)