Hopkins switches to Kawasaki for 2023 BSB return

Luke Hopkins returns to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in 2023 after signing for NP Racing Kawasaki.

Two years on from his Bennetts BSB debut, which saw the 21-year-old claim points in his first season, Hopkins is gearing up for a fresh approach in 2023. The new partnership will see him switch from Honda to Kawasaki machinery after a disappointing 2022 forced the Sittingbourne-based rider to sit out the second half of the campaign due to funding issues with his privateer-run team.

“2023 is going to be a good year,” Hopkins said on the news. “A new team means new challenges but we will give it our all.

“After the crushing disappointment of not being able to complete the 2022 season with my family run, privateer team due to a lack of funding, I’m excited to announce my plans for the new season and I am looking forward to working with the team and getting the season started.”

“I am excited to have Luke join the team for 2023,” Team Owner Neil Pearson added. “In the 2022 season we switched to Kawasaki, which was no mean feat mid-season. Now we are looking forward to Luke’s input as he has a lot of experience on the Kawasaki. We are looking to build on last year and get into a regular point-scoring position.”