Team IWR will return to the Superbike class next season after confirming its entry for the 2024 British Superbike Championship [BSB] with Alex Olsen.

A long-serving member of the BSB paddock, Team IWR - headed up by Ian Woollacott - will utilise the series’ new Pathway scheme to upgrade its Honda CBR1000RR-R machinery from Superstock to Superbike specification.

Marking a return to the Superbike fold having previously competed in the long-since discontinued British Superbike Cup during the early-2000s, Team IWR will be joined by Olsen in launching a BSB comeback.

The two parties joined forces to compete in the National SSTK Championship this season, Olsen ending the season seventh overall with one win and five podiums, despite missing a portion of the season through injury.

“I’m really happy to be staying with Team IWR going into 2024,” former Smiths Racing BSB rider Olsen said. 

“I’m looking forward to stepping up to the BSB Pathway class for a full season after completing in the last two rounds this year and I think we can be very competitive in the overall championship.

“2023 didn’t quite go to plan, but we showed that we had the pace all year and worked well as a team even when we didn’t quite get the results. I would like to thank Ian and James all the effort they put into the team and my personal sponsors for making it happen.

With Simon Reid taking over from Olsen as Team IWR’s steer in the Superstock ranks, team boss Woollacott paid tribute to the Pathway initiative for smoothing its route into the top ranks again.

“We at Team IWR are extremely excited to announce our 2024 plans. Last season saw us campaign the Pirelli National Superstock Championship with Alex and enjoyed race wins and many podium finishes.

“For the last two rounds we campaigned the new BSB Pathway class and it was clear to us that Alex had what it took to compete at the premier class. So it was an easy decision for 2024 to join forces with Alex again in BSB Pathway aboard the Honda CBR 1000RR-R and build on the information and experience we gained last season.

“Continuing with our 2024 plans, we are also excited to announce that we will also return to the Pirelli National Superstock Championship aboard the Honda CBR 1000RR-R with Simon Reid. 

“Simon had a good showing in his 2023 rookie season and after talking with him, it was apparent that he had the determination and passion, which we also have at Team IWR. 

“I know with the experience and knowledge we have the ability to take both riders forward to succeed next season.”