Ellison keen to get back in the saddle

CUMBRIAN motorbike racer James Ellison will be back in the saddle this season as he leads the newcomers at this year’s North West 200.

The Kendal rider will make his debut at the international road racing season opener this May, hitting the streets of Northern Ireland for the very first time.

Ellison, a former British Superbike Championship runner-up as well as a veteran of Motogp and America’s AMA series, has been on the safe side of the catch fence for a number of seasons in a management role with Powerslide Suzuki.

And while he’s dipped his toes back in with a few wildcard appearances, the 41-year – old is now ready to get back in the game for his maiden appearance on the road racing scene.

Fresh off a visit to the 8.9mile Triangle Circuit on the north coast along with the rest of the newcomers – who were due to take part in 2020 before the pandemic wreaked havoc – Ellison says he’s raring to go as he continues his preparations.

“I have been watching onboard laps every morning,” he admitted.

“Station corner seems daunting and I think it will blow my mind. The rest of the circuit looks fun too and I can’t wait to get here.

“If we are going to do the North West we are going to do it properly. I prefer Superbikes although Superstock bikes are more forgiving as they aren’t as harsh to ride.”

Ellison, who is set to contest both Superbike events on a GSX-R1000, will share a garage with good mate and fellow newcomer Brad Clarke, owner of the Powerslide Suzuki BSB squad.

Once a National Superstock championship rider, the 40-year-old revealed he will be relying on Ellison to bear the brunt of the glory when it comes to newcomer accolades.

“I want to come and do a good professional job with the team although most of the expectation will be on James rather than me.” Clarke said.

Meanwhile, Northumberland’s WH Racing will also be back in road racing action as the team fields its own newcomer, Julian Trummer.

The Austrian, who has been with the Prudhoebased squad for a number of years, is hoping to put his Manx Grand Prix, Isle of Man TT and IRRC experience to good use as he gears up for a busy few days this summer.

Trummer is set to take on nearly every class at the North West as he goes equipped with WH Racing’s Superstock, Supersport and Supertwin machinery.