JG Speedfit Kawasaki boss Mark Smith-Halvorsen has confirmed he has pulled out of racing even after claiming the 2015 MCE British Superbike manufacturers’ title.

The Londoner experimented with a three-man team for 2017, won two races at Brands Hatch at the weekend and took second in the championship with Leon Haslam and bagged the riders’ cup with Peter Hickman.

“It is with a heavy heart, but for some fundemental reasons that I draw a line under not only this season, but cease the racing activities of GBmoto too,” he said in a statement.

“Fear not, for I am confident that all of our people will all go on to shine in all number of other places and different ways; because others want and need their talent, drive and determination.

“I want to thank all of our sponsors, suppliers and fans for what they have done to encourage and support us along the way. It has truly been a wonderful journey, one that is summed up so well in this picture; for me our finest moment in racing. We may not of won the championship - but we were the best team.”