Lee Hardy Racing will take a year out of competing in the British Superbike Championship [BSB] in favour of fronting Kawasaki UK’s charge on the roads at the Isle of Man TT, North West 200 and Macau Grand Prix, it has confirmed.

The Norfolk-based team has been a question mark in BSB for some months after it confirmed it won’t enter into a second season in the top flight with Bradley Perie as originally planned.

With the two parties going their separate ways in November, it was unclear as to whether Lee Hardy Racing would seek to replace him.

Now it has been confirmed that Lee Hardy Racing - which has most recently raced under the VisionTrack Racing and RAF Regular & Reserves banner in BSB - will replace DAO Racing as Kawasaki’s operating partner on the roads, with David Johnson hired to assume riding duties.

“I am looking forward to being back on the roads, especially as the Official Kawasaki Road Racing Team for 2024. 

“I am pleased to have signed Davo for the North West, TT and Macau, and am sure he is going to be a great asset to the team. 

“I am also very proud to be supported by Kawasaki and it is an incredible opportunity for LHR to officially represent the brand, as you can imagine with all new projects we can't wait to get going!”