After some very positive negotiations between GR Motosport and Ionic Balance Linxcel Racing, a new alliance has been formed to combine the best aspects of both teams.

Rider Hudson Kennaugh will return to the Aprilia RSV4 in this factory backed team. The former South African Superbike Champion’s results on the Aprilia speak for themselves having been on the Italian machine when he secured 2nd place in the 2010 BSB Evo Championship.

The bike was tested by Kennaugh on a track day at Oulton Park last week and was very close to the pace after doing just 4 sessions on worn tyres.

“I expected the bike to be good as the team have been working with it for 3 years but not that good. I was really impressed!” Hudson Kennaugh

The first outing for the new venture will be at the next BSB meeting at Oulton Park on the 6,7,8 July 2012.

“I’m delighted at the partnership we’ve forged. This is the natural progression for Ionic Balance in the BSB Series. We now have the support network of a factory team, the same great rider, the backing of another big sponsor WD-40 and the 18 years of expertise that Brent Gladwin brings to the table. To say I’m excited about the future would be an understatement!” Calum Liptrot – Ionic Balance

Brent Gladwin, Managing Director of GR Motosport added: “We have turned things around over the last two races and the whole GR Team are working very hard towards the remaining 6 races of the season. It is going to be extremely interesting working with Hudson, but if our recent test at Oulton is anything to go by we are quite excited and looking forward to it. I would like to thank the efforts of Calum Liptrot CEO of Ionic Balance for bringing the deal together, now in Hudson and Joe we have 2 very strong riders carrying the WD 40 Specialist branding and look forward to the results as we look at expanding the team further”

The next Top Gear Live show is in Durban, South Africa on the 16 and 17th of June 2012. Clarkson, May and Hammond will be joined by an array of stars and cars and well as the man they call “The Stig.”

Of special interest is the attendance of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team. One of the highlights of the weekend exhibition will be a race between the F1 “Silver Arrow” and a 1000cc Superbike around the street track. Negotiations have been underway with Yahama and Kawasaki to source the correct bike to give the rider a fighting chance in this unique race. Yamaha suggested the fully race prepped R1 that Colin Edwards rode last year but Kawasaki came up with the goods in the form of the ZX10R - the IBL Racing weapon of choice. So which rider would be up to the task? Organiser Clayton Francois contacted Calum Liptrot of Ionic Balance Linxcel Racing who manages rider Hudson Kennaugh to extend the invitation. Hudson has a unique tie to South Africa, being a previous South African Superbike Champion. Sadly due to visa issues Hudson would not be able to attend. After some discussion Calum persuaded Clayton to open up the invitation to other riders worldwide with IBL Racing covering the airfare.

 

“This is a truly unique opportunity for a top rider to take on this challenge and go down in the history books.” Clayton Francois

 

 

“I feel honoured to be a part of this exciting duel . Who will be driving the car? Well let’s just say the Stig isn’t visiting Durban for the sunshine!“ Calum Liptrot

 

The race won’t be a straight drag race but will be on a street circuit, adding to the danger and uncertainty. A world class rider is required ASAP as there are less than 9 days till the event. Interested parties can email racing@teamionic.com to apply.

“Hurricane” Hudson Kennaugh is set to take Brands Hatch by storm on the 6^th of April.

This year Hudson has chosen to team up with main sponsors Ionic Balance and Linxcel. Ionic Balance is new to the racing circuit but not to Hudson who has endorsed their products for years. With continued support and an eye on technology Linxcel are back for 2012. The weapon of choice is a white 2012 Kawasaki ZX10R. With help from the tuning experts at Bob Grant Racing / Complog Performance and Maxton Suspension the team will fly under the banner of Ionic Balance Linxcel Racing. With support from Blu Security & Storage.

"I'm happy to be invoved in bringing new sponsors into BSB, and looking forward to building on the enthusiasm. I'ts been a long winter and now it's time to get out there and burn some rubber!" Hudson Kennaugh

Viewers will be in for a treat with the combination of Hudson’s charismatic personality and riding style. With the backing of Ionic Balance Linxcel Racing it is sure to be an explosive season, full of high octane thrills.

"Everyone involved in this team has the winning attitude and we look forward to maximum performance and winning results!" Calum Liptrot, Managing Director - Ionic Balance.

Race fanatics can follow the action on ionic-balance.com’s Weekly Racing Blog and Newsletter and on www.facebook.com/teamionic

In 2010 he returned to the 1000cc machines of the all-new Mirror.co.uk BSB-Evo Championship. Starting the season with the MAR Kawasaki outfit, he was fast straight out of the box and was leading the championship by the time the series reached Snetterton. But just days before the event, he and MAR Kawasaki went their separate ways and Kennaugh joined Splitlath Motorsport, where he rode the Aprilia RSV4 machine for the remainder of the season. Dominating the final rounds he scored 30% more points than his main rival Steve Brogan in the final eight races, including five wins, two seconds and a third. He narrowly missed out on the title by just three points after winning the final race of the year at Oulton Park.

For 2011 Hudson moves into the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, continuing his relationship with Splitlath Motorsport for a second year. He will again ride the iconic Aprilia RSV4 machine. Look out for the Ionic Balance team at BSB tracks this year!