British Superbike Champion Shane Byrne is teaming up with up and coming racing prospect Jake Dixon.
The five time champion is going to manage Dixon in his bid to take the British Supersport Championship, carrying on a partnership that started during the 2014 season.
It is quite incredible for the four time champion, as well as targeting an unprecedented fifth crown that he will mentor such a rising talent in mounting his own title challenge.
Dixon, from Dover, is hailed as a future champion and is without doubt one of this country’s hottest talents.
The highly-rated teenager started club racing back in 2010 before finishing fourth in the 2012 Metzeler Superstock 600 Championship. He’s spent the past two seasons in the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship whereby he finished eighth in this year’s series.
This year he’s teamed up with the title-winning Smiths Racing Team aboard a factory-backed Triumph Daytona 675R and with Byrne’s help, he hopes to retain the title for the Gloucester-based team.
Speaking about the partnership, Shakey said: “For the past few months Jake and I have been working together, he’s been training with me and we have seen vast improvements. At first he was being sick and couldn’t hack it but I’ve seen some real determination in him and he wants to win so badly.
“So as well as helping him with training and fitness, I’ve now agreed to take him under my wing from a full managerial point of view by taking care of his deals as well as his general approach both on and off the bike and at and away from the race tracks.
“I plan to get the very best out of him so everything I do, he will do. I’ll work him so hard he’ll wish he wasn’t born some days! But it’s an approach that has been successful for me over the years and hopefully, we can both celebrate with a championship each at the end of the season.”
It is clear that Byrne wants Jake to follow in his footsteps and it is quite clear that he is delighted to have the support of a legend in the British Superbikes.
Jake said: “It’s an absolute honour to have someone like Shakey offer to help me in my quest for success so I don’t plan on letting him down. He’s the complete package and I’ve often asked his advice in the past whereby he’s been very helpful.
“So when he offered to train me and help me, I jumped at the chance and already I’m finding a difference. I have a brilliant bike and a proven championship winning team behind me for 2015 thanks to Shakey so I need to be in the best shape both mentally and physically.
“I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity and whilst it’s going to be tough at times, with a four-time BSB champion in your corner, it’s all the motivation I need.”
The opening round of the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship and Motorpoint British Supersport Championship takes place at Donington Park on 4-6th April 2015.