Buchan launches Pro83 Academy
BSB man looks to help future stars
It was a positive weekend on and off the circuit for Danny Buchan, with the SYNETIQ BMW rider dipping below the lap record at Snetterton before revealing his rider academy plans. Buchan worked with a new spec engine, which he believes works better at top speed, and spent the final day making it feel more usable.
Off-track, Buchan has created the Pro83 Academy with business associate Gary-Lee Hoebeeck, owner of Pro53 Sports Management and Partnership Agency. The duo will be supporting Zak Corderoy in the British Supersport Championship, and Evann Pendrill in the CIV R6 Cup in Spain in 2021, with the latter hoping to make select appearances in the British Supersport class.
Buchan and Hoebeeck will be working with companies to acquire funding for the academy, which will be passed on either directly to the riders, or straight through to their team depending on the situation.
Alongside the finances, academy members will have access to a training facility in Wales, with the duo hoping to create a VR46 Academy-esque atmosphere for the youngsters. Buchan will be onhand to offer support and advice having worked his way up the racing ladder, whilst Hoebeeck can provide commercial and sponsorship advice.
“Our mission statement is that it should be about talent,” the duo told MCN. “You get to a particular level in motorsport and the cost between doing stock 600 and stock 1000 or Supersport is astronomical. The paddock is losing talent every single year because of this.
“In the support paddock we’ve seen people winning championships and then not racing the following season, it’s just heart-breaking.
“We’ve chosen particular riders this year that are not always the fastest but have shown progression and good discipline. We want to create a culture where the athletes really support each other.”