Rousing response to Superstock plan
BURNOPFIELD’S Chrissy Rouse has confirmed his plans for 2018 after signing for another season in the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship with Team IMR.
The Newcastle University student will spearhead the Isle of Man-based team’s first season in the leading series, and has his eyes firmly set on taking the title.
After narrowly missing out on finishing third overall this year, the 22-year-old ended the year fourth, and proved himself as a consistent frontrunner.
Now, following weeks of speculation as to whether he would remain in the series or instead move up to Superbikes, the team last night revealed it had signed the Geordie, and confirmed it was gunning for championship honours next year.
For Rouse, it will mark his third season in the series, and he is determined to make it his own, as he bids to take the title.
He will be joined at Team IMR by his 2017 and 2015 team-mate, Jordan Gilbert, who is moving up to 1000cc power after finishing second in Superstock 600 this year.
“I’m really excited to have signed for Team IMR and to have everything in place for 2018 so early is brilliant,” he said.
“This season I’ve really learnt a lot, and got close to the lap record at each track, but I know there’s plenty more to come.
“I knew if I was going to stay in Stock 1000 next year, I’d want to be challenging for the title, and with this strong package with Team IMR, I’m confident I’ve got the tools to do the job.”
Rouse will be back on board a BMW S1000RR next year, with a new crew chief in the form of former TAS Racing expert Philip McLaughlin.
But he has managed to retain the services of Steve Brogan, a former Stock 1000 champion himself, who will continue as his mentor.
“Keeping Steve is a massive boost as he’s been a tremendous help to me this year,” he explained. “I was very particular about keeping him with me as I genuinely believe he’s made such a difference.
“Now I feel like I’ve signed with a really strong, ambitious team whose ambitions match mine, and I think we can have a great 2018 together.”
Rouse’s ride came about after the team discovered he could be on the market for next year, and moved quickly to snap him up.
Team owner Ian Moffitt said he was delighted to be able to secure the former Triumph Triple Challenge champ.
“Chrissy will be a title challenger from the start,” he said.
“It’s great to have our plans in place so early and we’re looking forward to a good winter testing schedule that allows both riders plenty of time on the bikes so we turn up at the first round on the pace.”