Former GP2 champions Charlie Nesbitt and Josh Owens will spearhead Hawk Racing’s Bennetts British Superbike Championship challenge for 2023.

Promoted from within the Hawk team to a full-time BSB ride this season having impressed as Suzuki’s stand-in towards the end of 2022, 21-year-old Nesbitt, who was British GP2 champion in 2021, also celebrated a memorable National Superstock win at Cadwell Park last year.

Owens, himself the British GP2 champion in 2018, joins Hawk with several years’
development in Bennetts BSB already under his belt. The 22-year-old hails from Aintree in
Merseyside and has been honing his skills in the premier class since the 2019 season.

“I’m really happy and excited to be riding for Hawk Racing for a second year,” Nesbitt confirmed on the news. “It’s a great team to be part of, and their experience and support really helped me make the step up to National Superstock and then Bennetts BSB last season. The opportunity they have given me is like no other and I can’t wait to be able to repay them the best I can.”

“I’m super happy and excited to be joining the Hawk Racing family,” Owens added. “They have brought on so many talented riders over the years and given them the opportunity to do well. I can’t wait to get out for the first test and get working with everyone and seeing what we can achieve together this year.”

“Charlie and Josh are two of the most talented young riders on the British scene and we’re delighted they’ll be lining up together for us this year,” Hawk Racing team manager, Steve Hicken said.

“They’ve known each other since a young age and risen through the junior ranks, winning two British championships each along the way, and bringing them on board continues our track record of backing younger riders who have the potential to make a big impact in Bennetts BSB. Hawk Racing is actually a few years older than they both are and I’ve no doubt our experience in the paddock will help them to unlock their potential.

“What I will say for now is that I can’t thank old and new partners enough for their support for the coming season. We’re excited to start our 25th consecutive season and hopefully spring some surprises along the way.”

The Hawk Racing team unveil for the 2023 season will be on Wednesday 15th February.