Ex-British Superbike factory rider Tim Bourne returns as a wildcard entry into the class for the 2009 season opener this weekend at Brands Hatch.
In Bourne’s continuous racing career he previously rode for Team Green Kawasaki with John Reynolds under the management of Colin Wright in 1991.  In addition to racing, he was originally involved in the forming of the GSE Racing.
Recentl,y Bourne has been competing in the MRO Powerbikes championship, but is coming back to the BSB grid running in the Cup category just because he can.  Bourne said: “I want to show people that if they really want to do something they can and also my children were not born at that time and have not seen me race at this level.” 
He will be supporting himself carrying the sponsorship of his own company Kent Holiday Cottages riding a 2008 Honda which has been upgraded to 2009 BSB regulations. Returning to the BSB paddock places him back into the company of long term friends and a championship that has been a huge part of his career. 
Bourne said: “I just hope to qualify and not come last. At 48 I could just be Chris Walkers Dad so I hope he feels better about his age!  Colin Wright has offered to put a Horlicks on pit wall half way through the race and promised me Leon’s [Camier] number 1 bike for the next round if I beat him. Bring on the rain!”
Bourne ran in one of the support races at the rescheduled round of Brands Hatch last year in which he qualified on pole before taking third in the race, what will he be able to do this weekend? His return to the main championship of this racing weekend will certainly be a treat and a great trip down memory lane for all.