We’re old enough to remember when Suzuki ran factory-backed teams in the headline classes at World and British Superbike racing. And with the GSX-R1000 back in the firm’s line-up for 2026, we might see that again. But in the meantime, Suzuki GB has launched an official entry into the Pirelli British Sportbike championship, the support class for BSB, which it won this year. Kas Beekmans won the 2025 Sportbike title on the VLR/NIWA Racing Suzuki GSX-8R by a decent margin, with the Suzuki twin being a strong performer in its maiden year.
Suzuki has signed up Powerslide Suzuki as its factory team for 2026. The team will field four GSX-8Rs in the class, with Asher Durham returning to the team, joined by Finn Smart-Weeden, Australian Brodie Gawith, and 2025 British Superteen champion Henry Snell.
Jak Tyrrell, Suzuki GB’s motorcycle marketing manager, said: “It was a logical step for us to work more closely with the team at Powerslide in 2026. The team did an excellent job in 2025; the bikes looked great on the way to taking wins and podiums and fighting right at the sharp end of the championship.
“The 8R has been a hit on the racetrack and on the road since its launch, winning awards and receiving widespread acclaim. We’re looking forward to another title challenge in 2026.”
Brad Clarke, Powerslide Suzuki team principal, said: “It’s nice to be recognised for our work representing the Suzuki brand in the British Superbike paddock. We’ve got a strong rider line-up, a good package, and the aim is definitely to battle for the championship.”