Calling time on a partnership which has yielded since 2014, five TT wins and in total seven international road race victories, Michael Dunlop announced this evening that he has parted company with Hawk Racing, ahead of the 2018 roads season.
Having tested the Buildbase Suzuki this month at Cartagena, Spain, many anticipated that the Mountain Course lap record holder would stick with Stuart/Steve Hicken’s Hawk team, for the Superbike encounters at the TT, North West 200 and MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix.
Whilst the news may come as a big surprise that he is seeking pastures new, Superbike wise at the international’s this year, we’ve seen over the years that the 27 times international road race winner, is not adverse to making bold decisions career wise.
His decision to not renew his contract with Hawk Racing/Buildbase Suzuki, also raises the question about whether the factory backed Suzuki team will return to defend their Pokerstars Senior race crown, at TT 2018.
Speaking via his Facebook racing page, about how his plans for this season are thus far, shaping up, Ballymoney racing legend Dunlop, stated:
“I’d like to clarify my current position regarding the upcoming road-racing season.
I will be contesting the Superstock and Supersport classes at the Isle of Man TT and other events, on my own MD Racing machines.
I have not renewed my contract however with Hawk Racing, I am currently considering my options for the Superbike class and will confirm my plans when something is sorted.
I’d like to thank Stuart and Steve for their support over recent years where we have shared a lot of success together.”
Words by Stevie Rial