Joe Sheldon-Shaw will make his Bennetts British Superbike Championship debut this weekend at Donington Park, joining the grid with the Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki team, to deputise for Josh Owens as he continues his recovery from injury.
22-year-old Sheldon-Shaw has been competing in the Pirelli National Superstock Championship this season, but with Owens still sidelined from action following his Knockhill injury, the Sheffield-born rider will get his first opportunity to debut in the Bennetts BSB class.
Sheldon-Shaw said: “I am overwhelmed that I have been given the chance to ride for the CDH Racing team while Josh is away. I can’t thank everyone enough who has made this possible. The plan is to go into each weekend with an open mind; myself and the team will be putting in the work to achieve the best results we can. I am ready for the challenge ahead.”
Team Owner Dean Hipwell commented: “We had a great start to the 2021 Bennetts BSB season at Oulton Park with Josh. We had personal best results with top ten finishes in FP1, FP3 and making it through into Q2. Unfortunately, Josh suffered a crash at Knockhill resulting in his right hand needing an operation, which was a success. He is now on the mend at home, and we are wishing him a speedy recovery.
“So for Donington we look forward to welcoming Joe into the team to ride the Rapid CDH Racing Kawasaki ZX-10RR whilst Josh recovers. We are confident Joe will do a great job and we'll work together as a team to achieve the best results and exposure for our sponsors and supporters. I just want to personally say a huge thank you to all of our team partners for their continued support.”