Mathison’s hoping to be on right road

ROAD racer Daley Mathison is gearing up for his busiest season ever after adding a third team to his corner for his upcoming campaign.

Stockton’s multi-time TT Zero podium finisher has joined forces with Northumberland squad WH Racing and will pilot the team’s Superstock BMW, Supersport Yamaha and Supertwin Kawasaki for the international road races as he completes a full house of machinery.

Mathison revealed last month he would be partnering the Penz13 team for a Superbike-class assault on the Europe IRRC series, as well as the big three UK road events – the Isle of Man TT, North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix.

Alongside the University of Nottingham’s electric machine, on which he is expected to return, his deal with WH means the County Durham rider is in for a taxing TT with action planned in all six solo classes.

However, Mathison believes the team is exactly what he needs to make the next step in his career.

He said: “I am on the brink really, now is the time when I need to start breaking into the top pack and for people to stand up and take note.

“One of the biggest reliefs for me this year is not having to do everything myself, in terms of prepping the bikes, transporting bikes, all that, so I can just concentrate on my riding with WH.

“I would love to be a professional motorcycle racer and do it as a career eventually but I have a lot to prove before that is possible - and with the amount of track time I am going to get this year I should have a much better opportunity.”

WH Racing suffered the loss of one of its founders, Shaun ‘Holly’ Holliday, during the winter months but team boss Steven Watson revealed he and the crew were never going to pack in.

With the opportunities he and the Prudhoe-based squad hope to take hold of with Mathison on board, he believes it could be a perfect partnership.

Watson said: “We want to build a team, we want to be successful as a team and we need a high-calibre rider to bring our team forward.

“We think we are in a good position to help Daley and get him what he needs.

“We were never going to pack in, we have always wanted to move forward.

“Shaun, Holly, wanted this to go on.

“His son Jake is now taking over his team duties so we are all really excited for the season to get going.

“I said to Daley we are not gaining anything by pressurizing him.

“We just want to work our way into it nice and slowly, get to know everyone and get to know how everything works.”