Former National Superstock 1000 front-runner Howie-Mainwaring-Smart will step up into the MCE British Superbike Championship for his first full season in the premier class after signing a deal with MH Kawasaki.

The youngster, who had had a couple of one-off rides in the past, will partner Luke Quigley in the brand new team, set up by ex-rider and professional northerner Michael Howarth.

"This is a great opportunity for me and I can't wait to get started in the new team with a new team-mate. Luke has done a seaoson in BSB, so hopefully that experience will help but I already know the tracks, so it will be more of a case of adjusting to a Superbike," said Mainwaring-Smart, speaking to bikesportnews.com on Sunday.

"I'm not expecting to make a massive impression straight away, just to make use of the testing time we have, get used to the bike and start chipping away at some results. I've ridden a lot of Kawasakis, so I am used to them and I'm confident about the season ahead. None of it would have been possible without Walker Signs and Street Furniture."

Team boss Howarth, from Bolton, has decided to step away from competition and concentrate on running a successful team. He has a three-year plan to get to the sharp-end of the series and will announce a title sponsor in a couple of weeks.

"I thought it was time to actually hang up my leathers and approach racing from a different angle. We have managed to get some support from Kawasaki UK and it is looking positive for 2013," he said.

"A title sponsor is in place and we have set up shop in Leicester so it is easier to get to all the tracks, although it's a bit far south for me. When the team is up and running, we will then start to build up the workshop with a cafe and rolling road."