Trickbits FBM Performance have announced that John Simpson and Tom Weeden will be leading their attack on two major Championships in 2012. The young pairing will spearhead the team’s assault on their first foray into Europe with the squad targeting success in the European Superstock 600cc Championship on Triumph 675R machinery. Simpson will also challenge for glory in the British Supersport 600cc Championship.
21-year old Simpson dominated last year’s British Supersport Cup, taking no less than 9 race wins and 16 podiums before clinching the crown with a round to spare, whilst he was also a regular points scorer in the Championship proper. The Northern Ireland youngster is expecting to be amongst the front runners on the domestic scene whilst also looking to make a major impression on the European Championship with the long term aim of moving onto the World stage.
He will be joined in the Trickbits FBM Performance squad by former GP125 rider Weeden who will focus his efforts on the European Superstock 600cc class. The Maidstone rider finished 8th overall in last year’s Triumph Triple Challenge and, after finishing 11th in the final round of the National Superstock 600cc Championship, he’s now relishing the opportunity to further his career in the 600cc division and on the European circuits.
In what promises to be an extremely busy season, the duo will also be contesting selected road races during the year with Aberdare Park and the International Gold Cup at Scarborough featuring heavily. Simpson dominated the Welsh meeting in 2011 and also impressed on his Oliver’s Mount debut so is eagerly looking forward to furthering his real road racing credentials whilst Weeden will be aiming for a solid debut on the public roads.
The team will be heading out to Imola on the 16th March for testing in readiness for the first round of the European Championship at the Italian circuit at the end of the month. In between, there’ll also be out on track at the two official BSB tests at Brands Hatch and Snetterton on the 21st and 22nd of March.
Speaking about the year ahead, team principal Paul Jinks commented: “We’re delighted to have John and Tom on board for 2012 and moving into Europe is the next logical step for us to take. We’ve secured some good support the year and are extremely pleased to be continuing with FBM Performance again who helped us to win the Supersport Cup in 2011. Kevin Brown’s engine work and technical knowhow will be a great benefit to us in Europe and with John and Tom, we believe we have two excellent riders who can carry us to the forefront in both of the Championships we’re contesting.”
