Kent’s Alex Olsen will be back competing in the National Superstock 1000 Championship for 2019, after he put pen to paper to ride for Team IMR.

The Sittingbourne based rider finished fourth in the championship last year and will be looking to build on that in the coming season, the team from Manchester will run BMW Motorrad S1000RR machinery in the class, which is familiar to Olsen, who campaigned the German machinery to seven podiums last year – which included a double win at Silverstone.

Speaking about being back in the Championship for 2019, Olsen said: “I’m delighted to be back in the Superstock class and I think after a strong end to 2018, I certainly have a championship title fight in me for 2019.”

“Being back on the BMW is a big plus, as we can start where we left off last year, and as much as I like to be in control of my own destiny, I’m happy to be joining Team IMR, as I know all the focus will be on me in this one rider team.

“I had been chatting to team owner Ian Moffitt throughout 2018, so it’s great to finally get it done. Looking ahead, it’s all about consistency in the class, and if we can be in around that top five every week; bang in regular podiums and a few wins, we will certainly be in the championship hunt this year.”

Team owner Moffitt, commented: “Alex has impressed me for quite some time and his consistency in the second half of 2018, and how he ruffled the feathers of the main title contenders made me realise quite early, that he was the perfect man for the job at Team IMR.”

“I also like the fact that he has a good work, life balance. He’s fully committed to his racing, but holds down a responsible job, which adds to his maturity both on and off the track.

“We will start the season on the current BMW Motorrad S1000RR, as we know the machinery very well and Alex has confidence in the package. Obviously, once BMW has released the new bike, we will look to obtain one and test it, with the potential of finishing the season with that option.”

“But for now the focus is on getting Alex out testing as soon as we can on the 2018 bike, and also start perfecting our team infrastructure for the year ahead. We have secured an excellent crew chief and set of mechanics for Alex that will give him the best opportunity to be competitive in 2019.”