Former MCE British Superbike Champion Tommy Hill has called a halt to his plans to run a team in the 2014 season as he doesn't want to go into a season without 100 per cent confirmation that everything is in place.
The Sussex rider has been putting together a strong, two-rider proposition for next year but feels that unless everything is right, he can't bring himself to enter without the full amount of funding in place.
"Over the last four months I have been working hard, to try and secure the full team funding in which I would need to be able to make a return to the British Superbike championship. I spent a long time working on a realistic development scheme, with a fully detailed business plan for which would of been a competitive BSB team," said Hill.
"I managed to retain and gain the backing from various ex-partners and sponsors as well as new companies that have been a major part of my career, with some very reasonable funding in place and confirmed. As I made clear at the start from any interview or publication, I wanted to develop a good strong team, and make sure I had the full funds in place to achieve a professionally run operation.
"I had to make a decision by early November whether or not I could do the job 100 percent with what funding I had in place. I had to be honest with myself, and not commit to something that was only around 70 percent there. As well as not letting any sponsor, mechanic or rider down in the process. I personally believe with the new rules being put into place over the last few years, it is possibly the best time to be competitive as a team or rider if managed well. I still very much want to be associated or have involvement in the sport in some way.
"I still want to continue my break from the sport, and possibly turn the page to a new chapter. I know I have had a good career the last few years, and still believe as good as it is winning races, winning titles, still having an everlasting impact in the sport I have grown up doing and love, is something I still want to achieve. Whether rider coaching to team direction, it would still be great to be involved in some way."