Professional northerner Michael Howarth is set to make a return to the MCE British Superbike Championship in 2013 with a two-man team running Kawasaki ZX-10R machinery.
The former rugby league player, who was behind 2008's Tena for Men Honda squad, has all but ruled himself out of racing next season, preferring to take a more managerial role in the outfit.
"I didn't have the greatest of years in 2012 and I think it is time for me to take a desk job! Everything for the coming season is looking positive already. We have a couple of large backers in the pipeline already, so I'm more than confident," said the Todmorden, near Bolton, resident.
"We have elected to run with Kawasakis as they are fast out of the box and Birdy's mob have proven they are capable of getting some fairly decent results. I am looking forward to it and hope to be able to announce our rider line-up at Motorcycle Live."
