After the loss of Alex Olsen, the Astro JJR team have returned to the Pirelli National Superstock 600 class with Kiwi rider Shane Richardson.

It was a late decision to compete this season as the initial plan had been to sit out 2019 and return the following season but a chance conversation with Peter Hickman about Richardson meant a last-minute change of heart.

“The decision to run was only made on the 14th of March and by the 11th April, Shane was circulating around Cadwell park on his new Kawasaki 636 courtesy of Cradley Kawasaki,” said team spokesman Stuart Tromans.

“This and a fantastic response as usual from the team product sponsors who, for the second year running, created a bike out of nothing in a fantastically short time.”

Richardson is supported from home by the family joinery business his history includes brief spell in America last year racing in the stock class and prior to that in the tight-knit but unfortunately limited New Zealand road racing 600 class which is with Hickman’s help why he has packed his bags to join the BSB paddock.

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