Former Pirelli National Superstock 600 podium man Harry Hartley will make the jump to the MCE British Superbike Championship in 2014 to become the youngest-ever riders in the series history when he joins Lee Costello in the Halsall Kawasaki squad.

Hartley has previously been a podium contender in the British 125GP class before making his debut in the Pirelli National Superstock 600 Championship last season, building on his experiences to score a second place at the final round of the season at Brands Hatch.

Hartley’s progress has caught the eye of many and he is highly regarded for his ability to adapt to new machines and capacities. By the time pit lane opens at Brands Hatch on Easter Friday, Hartley at 17 years old will be the youngest ever rider to compete in the MCE BSB Championship.

“This is a really big opportunity for me and I need to thank Halsall Racing for making this ambition become a reality. I am going to take this year as it comes because I don’t want to overwhelm myself at the first round,” he said.

“I used to watch Hopper (Hopkins) for example race in MotoGP so to be on the same grid as some of the other Superbike riders is exciting, but I know I have a lot to learn at the same time. It is fantastic to be joining such a professional team in the Championship and after the results they achieved last year I really hope that I can learn a lot from them and develop as a rider.”