Image: Foremost Media.

The 2023 racing future of three-time Australian Superbike (ASBK) champion Glenn Allerton has been confirmed and he will join the newly-formed GT Racing Team for the remainder of the season.

Allerton, 42, finished fourth overall in the opening round of ASBK this year on a Shane Kinderis-prepped BMW M 1000 RR, with the plans of his previous team Next Gen Motorsports to take a step back from the championship from this year.

Prior to Phillip Island, Allerton had indicated his intentions were to source a Ducati V4 R with a Sydney-based team for 2023, however, difficulties in acquiring such a bike meant he competed in the season-opener on the familiar BMW platform, with the decision now made to see out this year’s campaign onboard the M 1000 RR.

GT Racing Team is based in Sydney and owned by Trevor Groeneveld, with the sights of both he and Allerton firmly set on securing the number 14 an unprecedented fourth ASBK premier-class title.

“I’m extremely excited and also grateful for the new opportunity with GT Racing Team, with the help of Trevor [Groeneveld] and his team we have been able to put together a lot of pieces from my old team and some exciting new prospects going forward, I would also like to thank the Next Gen team for being so helpful with this transition and our loyal sponsors Spectro Oils, Bitubo suspension, Motoverde and Steve Cramer Products who are staying on to be a part of our journey,” Allerton explained.

“Also, my personal sponsors, Di Candilo Steel City, for always sticking by me. I am extremely driven to put the GT Racing Team bike on top of the podium and with our home race just around the corner it couldn’t come at a better time. Also, I would also like to welcome a new partner to the team in MacArthur BMW Motorrad. They are the local dealer for me being from the MacArthur area and having them on board I couldn’t be happier.”

Team owner Groeneveld added: “I’ve been around superbikes now for a few years doing track days and some club racing. It’s a sport I really enjoy. I’ve also been helping Glenn now for the past few years as a personal sponsor and being part of the former team.

“When the opportunity came along to become a team owner, it was hard to say no. Looking ahead, the one part of the puzzle I have no concerns with is Glenn’s ability to fight for the top spot every time he pulls the helmet on. The challenge for this team is to ensure we give him the right support and equipment to do the job and to that, we are all 100 percent committed.”

Six rounds remain in the 2023 ASBK season, with Sydney Motorsport Park marking the next event on the national superbikes calendar between 24-25 March.