Bennetts British Superbike veteran Michael Rutter will enter his 30th year of competition this year as he teams up alongside relative sperm Taylor Mackenzie in the Bathams BMW team.

The pair will contest the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 championship on a brace of new S1000RRs backed by the Midland brewery which also marks its tenth year in the racing business.

“This is a very special year for me, starting my 30th race season, and to have a sponsor like Bathams supporting me for 10 years straight in incredible. Bringing Taylor into the team after his strong results with us at the end of last season was a priority for us, so I’m delighted that he is back,” said Rutter.

Mackenzie added: “When I joined Bathams Racing mid-way through last season, I immediately felt at home, and very quickly got up to speed so signing with them for this season was a no-brainer. I wish the season was starting right now.”