British Talent Cup Champion Rory Skinner will make his debut in the Dickies British Supersport Championship this season, riding a Kawasaki ZX-6R supported by BSB legend Chris Walker.

Walker’s Grantham based dealership, Chris Walker Kawasaki, will provide a new-for-2019 ZX-6R for Skinner’s privately run squad, as the 17-year-old from Perth prepares for his first full season in the British championships.

“I’m really delighted to have the support of Chris for my debut supersport season,” said Skinner. “I raced a ZX-6R in the Scottish championships and some national superstock races last year, so I am happy to stay in the Kawasaki family and know that the characteristics of the bike suit me.

“With some of my other plans falling through, we found our options have been quite limited, so having the support of Chris and Kawasaki has really been a saviour for my season.

“Chris is a legend among British superbike fans and the respect he has within the paddock is immense. I’m very grateful to him for providing a bike and for giving me the benefit of his vast experience.”

Skinner will continue to run under the number 11 he used in 2018, and his family run team are now busily preparing the ZX-6R ahead of the official pre-season test, which takes place at Silverstone on April 9.

“I’m also appreciative of my family for their support in putting the team together. We’re still searching for a title sponsor to come in and take the pressure off us, but I want to thank the many individuals and companies who have helped us get on the grid, through their cash sponsorships and product support,” added Skinner.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do, and not a lot of time to do it in, but we should be ready in time for Silverstone.”