We’re going to see some epic racing in 2011 from the dizzying heights (and expense) of MotoGP through to the raw tracks in British Superbikes.
Now we’re stepping up a gear too as Splitlath Motorsport have just announced the signing of Jenny Tinmouth to contest in the 2011 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship.
The team, based at Hay-on-Wye, have just finalised a deal with Aprilia to provide the engines and technical assistance for the team’s two Aprilia RSV4 machines.
Jenny will make history when she takes to the track alongside team mate Hudson Kennaugh as the first female rider ever to race in the domestic series.
Jenny, from Ellesmere Port, has been racing at national level since 2003 when she first arrived on the scene in the British 125cc Championship. She raced in the 2010 British Supersport Cup last year so should be familiar with the tracks.
She became the first female to ever win a British Supersport Cup race on her way to third place last year and set a fastest lap by a female competitor at the Isle of Man TT, she also won the final round of the Hottrax British Endurance Championship at Cadwell Park.
Jenny is relishing the opportunity to fulfil her long time dream of racing a superbike. “I’m over the moon, I still can’t believe it,” she said. “My ambition has always been to race in British Superbikes and I’ve been trying to get on one for some time.
“I was so keen to get on a Superbike that I was looking at options of running myself in the Evo class, so to get a ride with a team like Splitlath is fantastic.
“After a couple of years in Supersport and a few TT rides, this is a natural progression for me, and it’s wonderful to get the chance to do it. I’m incredibly grateful to John for giving me this opportunity and I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do on a Superbike.”
Jenny has already tested last season’s bike in Spain, but it won’t be too long before she gets chance to get on board the new bike.
Team Owner John Dimbylow believes he now has a strong team with which to step up to the main championship. “Jenny is a very talented rider and we were very interested in speaking to her after seeing her performance in 2010.
“She is a proven race winner and is 100% committed to the season ahead. She is a fantastic rider and certainly has the potential to be a very strong competitor in the British Superbike Championship.
“I think she’s the perfect team-mate for Hudson and her arrival comes at the start of a very exciting time for the team. We are building a talented and strong crew and will be continuing our relationship with Aprilia after coming to an agreement to receive engines and assistance from Italy, and are lookingforward to making our British Superbike debut with a bang in April.”
We say congratulations to Jenny for the ride, it’s absolutely no-less than she deserves and we hope she has a great season.
The first round of the 2011 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship is at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend, April 22-25.
