James Ellison and Michael Laverty will join forces in 2017 after the duo both signed for the new Yamaha supported team – McAMS Yamaha.
McAMS, a 24/7 Motorcycle Accident Management Service, have featured in the paddock since 2014 and for the forthcoming season have increased their presence by announcing a new partnership with Team Traction Control (TTC) as they make their debut in the premier class after several successful years in the Supersport class.
Ellison was left without a place on the grid following GBMoto Kawasaki’s decision to leave the MCE British Superbike paddock.
The former Moto GP rider has rode for Yamaha in the past, finishing as series runner-up in 2009 and then fourth in 2013.
About the move, Ellison said: “This is a new challenge for me. I have raced with Kawasaki for three years and now to return to Yamaha is something I am really excited about. I feel that the Yamaha suits my style and we finished second together in the 2009 season so we have good memories to build on.
“We all know how strong the series is so I had to go for what I thought was a championship-winning package and I strongly believe that the TTC Team with the might of Yamaha behind them is exactly what I need to deliver the title.”
Laverty meanwhile joins the team after a couple of season with the Tyco BMW team. The Irishman narrowly missed out on a Showdown spot this season but is looking forward to next year having used Yamaha machinery in the past.
Laverty said: “I’m really excited to be joining the McAMS Yamaha team for the 2017 season. The R1 is a fantastic motorcycle, it’s a bike built for the race track in many ways! I have very fond memories of my previous tenure on Yamaha machinery in 2011, the DNA of the R1, both in terms of power delivery and chassis performance suit a smooth rider, something that is well aligned to my natural riding style.
“I will have a great team in my corner; working with PJ (Pete Jennings) as my crew chief again is great as we worked together at Swan Yamaha in 2011 so the plan is to pick up where we left off making the transition as seamless as possible.”
The team will also continue to line up in the British Supersport Championship alongside their MCE BSB commitments, as defending champion Tarran Mackenzie brings the number one plate to the team for his title defence.
