John Hopkins Returning to British Superbike Racing

American racer John Hopkins is ready to make his comeback after taking the entire 2013 racing season off to recover from a number of injuries.

The Ramona, Calif., native will make his return in the British Superbike Championship, racing for Tyco Suzuki on the TAS Racing GSX-R1000. Hopkins last raced in the series in 2011, finishing second overall in the championship that was decided in the final race when Hopkins finished 0.006 seconds behind the champion Tommy Hill.

“I’m really excited to be coming back to British Superbike in 2014 and delighted to be joining Tyco Suzuki,” says Hopkins. It’s been a long year away from racing getting my body healthy. I’m feeling good and I’ve also become a brand-new dad. I feel better than I have done in a lot of years and I’m really excited to be getting back out on track; especially on the Suzuki GSX-R1000.”

While it may be a challenge to get back to speed after taking a year-long hiatus, Hopkins’ previous success in BSB and his familiarity with Suzuki will help. Hopkins raced five seasons for Suzuki’s factory MotoGP team and several seasons in AMA Superbike, World Superbike and on the GSX-R1000.

“Hopper really was the man we wanted for 2014 and we are excited to announce this agreement,” says Tyco Suzuki Team Manager Phillip Neil. “John has been a part of the Suzuki family for many years and having him back on a GSX-R1000 next year provides a shot of motivation to everyone at Suzuki GB, our title sponsor Tyco Security Products; and indeed all our crew members at TAS Racing.”

[Source; Suzuki]

By Dennis Chung