SOUTHAMPTON racer John Crockford has rejoined the British championship racing scene with a new local team, owned by Alan Cook and backed by a cooperative of dealers and enthusiasts.

Crockford, pictured below and in action on bike No. 50, is contesting the Metzeler 1,000cc Superstock National Championship, which is a support class at the British Superbike race meetings.

He has previously been a front runner in this championship, having almost won it on a couple of occasions before switching to ride in the world endurance championships.

He tested for the Verwood and Romsey-based Team ACR by contesting the recent Thruxton round on a Suzuki GSXR 1000 and after qualifying in the top ten was unlucky to fall while charging hard in fifth place.

However Alan Cook, the owner of Team ACR, had seen enough and has now bought John his own Suzuki GSXR 1000 K8 and another for Robert Busher, a young and up-and-coming rider who completes the two-rider team.

The team have their first Superstock race this Sunday at the Brands Hatch round of the British Superbike Champion-ship where Verwood-based Worx Crescent Suzuki’s new stand-in rider Tommy Hill is hopeful of a podium in the main contest.

Alan says: “We have recently tested at Brands Hatch with both John and Robert and they both produced very encouraging lap times.

“Although both riders are still learning their bikes and the Metzeler regulation tyres, they are looking to get stuck in to racing in this championship and earning themselves, the team and our supporters some good results ASAP.” Team ACR are using the remainder of the 2009 season in preparation for a full title assault in 2010.

Consisting of local motorcycle technicians, business people and racing enthusiasts, Team ACR offer anybody who is interested in becoming involved with supporting a race team in the BSB paddock the opportunity to do so, from as little as £150.

For details of sponsorship packages available, email teamacrsuperstock@yahoo.co.uk or call 01794 367736.