Alex Lowes will make a dream debut in the World Superbike Championship at Brno in July after being offered the opportunity to deputise for Jonathan Rea at Castrol Honda.
It marks the latest step in a meteoric rise for the 20 year old, who started 2011 competing in the BSB EVO class with the WFR Honda team, winning five out of six races in the class. Lowes then moved to the MSS Colchester Kawasaki outfit to fill in for the injured Stuart Easton and took a stunning pole position on his debut at Thruxton.
With the Brno round of the World Superbike Championship falling outside of the BSB calendar, MSS Colchester Kawasaki team owner Nick Morgan admitted the team couldn't stand in the way of such an opportunity.
“Alex stood in for the team at the last minute and immediately gelled with the bike and squad, we've been really excited with his performances. A shot on a World Superbike is a fantastic opportunity and he goes with our blessing, albeit with a word of caution also!”
Lowes will continue with the team in the BSB with the next round coming at Snetterton on July 3rd, and remains committed to the Kawasaki squad. The youngster also thanked the team for allowing him to compete on the world stage.
“To first be offered the MSS ride, then an opportunity in World Superbikes is incredible and I'd like to thank Nick and the team for being so understanding. My main focus is still on the BSB Championship and getting into that top-six Shootout for Kawasaki. Snetterton is up next before the WSB round so that is the priority.”
Lowes' chance comes at the expense of the unfortunate Rea, who suffered a fracture and ligament damage to his arm and wrist after an accident at Misano two weeks ago, and it is uncertain as to when he'll be fit to return.
