National Superstock 600 front-runner Joe Burns will change up to the 1000cc class at Brands Hatch this weekend and give up his second place in the smaller-capacity class.
Burns tested a Splitlath Yamaha R1 at the NEMCRC meeting at Knockhill last weekend and lapped within fractions of a second of record holder and runaway series leader Alastair Seeley.
"Some people may think it's strange to walk away from the 600 Championship when I'm in a strong second place, but I believe this is the right thing for me," said the youngster.
"For a while now I've been of the opinion that I'm too big for the 600, and racing the 1000 proved this to be true. I ride the R1 better than I do the R6 - I felt at home on it straight away and I love it.
"The big plan was to try and win the 600s this year and move up next year, but now I've seen how well I can go on the bigger bike, it seems silly not to throw all my time and effort at that.
"Splitlath and I were always going to go there next season, so it makes more sense to give it a go now. At the very least I can gain some valuable experience. I have to thank John Dimbylow for the opportunity. Having the support of Splitlath has made all of this possible for me, and I'm determined to go and prove that he's made the right decision."
