News 13 Dec 2018

Buckley shopping for ASBK deal following BCperformance departure

Five-year partnership comes to an end for the talented Superbike contender.

Image: Foremost Media.

Following yesterday’s 2019 team announcement from Kawasaki BCperformance, Kyle Buckley has confirmed he’s still shopping for a deal in next year’s Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).

Buckley’s departure from BCperformance concludes a five-year partnership with the outfit, which saw him emerge through the Supersport 300, Supersport and Superbike categories with the New South Wales-based operation.

The number 83, who was ranked 12th in the 2018 ASBK championship standings, remains hopeful of landing an opportunity in the main game despite acknowledging there are a limited number of seats available.

“At the moment I don’t have anything solid, I’m just looking around – there’s a little bit happening, but I’m still just looking at this stage,” Buckley explained to CycleOnline.com.au. “It’s disappointing to leave the team, but it’s the way it is and I wish them the best for 2019.

“I’ve stepped back into 300s from 600s in the past, but it’s not something I want to do again. If nothing comes up, I suppose I’ll hang up the boots. I still think I’m fast enough to be in the game, but unfortunately it didn’t work out with BCperformance – there’s not much out there and it’s pretty cut-throat. I’m just sitting back and hoping an opportunity opens up.”

The 2019 ASBK field has taken shape over the last month, with Penrite Honda Racing, Yamaha Racing Team, Team Suzuki Ecstar and most recently Kawasaki BCperformance confirming their squads for the new year.

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