Optimum Bikes Racing has announced it will not embark on a 2024 racing programme in the wake of the team being stripped off its 2023 National Superstock title win when it was excluded from the results of the final round.

In a statement released by Optimum Bikes Racing, its manager Ian Wright gives more details about the events that led to an ‘illegal’ brake master cylinder being fitted to the Honda CBR1000RR-R of Dan Linfoot during the Brands Hatch season finale.

Apportioning responsibility to an identified member of the team, Wright also moves to ‘clear the name’ of others he feels have had reputations tarnished by this event.

“Firstly we at Optimum Bikes Racing would like to reflect and publicly clear the names of Alec Tague (crew chief) Fred Morton (chassis mechanic) Steven Hill (chassis mechanic) and Graham Ward (tyre technician),” he said. 

“All these men have impeccable reputations for over 20 years in the BSB paddock, and do not and have not had any involvement in building and preparing our race bikes.

“The reputations of these team members and families should not be tarnished in any way.

“Mark Sayers (who builds the bikes for Optimum Bikes Racing) will take full responsibility for the events that lead to the whole team and Dan Linfoot been currently stripped of the Superstock championship in 2023.

“Mark Sayers with no consultation with any team members whatsoever changed the master cylinder in question, this was for the Donington Park inspection which ultimately led to the MCRCB making their decision as the homologation of this part was still in question.

“The master cylinder fitted to the bike at Brands Hatch final round was sent to Brembo for analysis after the event and was stripped and measured and a full report was presented to MCRCB, it was found to be internally and externally identical except for a 6mm bolt hole for a reservoir bracket, 

“Homologation ultimately was still questionable at this point even after providing printed and documented evidence to contradict this from our side. Ultimately this led to the decision to be made.”

Optimum Motorbikes Racing were originally confirmed as 2023 National Superstock title winners at Brands Hatch after Linfoot’s double victory - his ninth and tenth of the season - put the championship out of reach for his one remaining rival, AMD Motorsport’s Richard Kerr.

However, the result was made provisional after a protest was lodged to challenge the legality of the brake master cylinder on the Honda CBR1000RR-R, prompting MCRCB governing body to launch an investigation. 

After a month of deliberation, Optimum Motorbikes were ruled to be in breach of the Sporting Code, leading to Linfoot’s exclusion from both Brands Hatch races. The subsequent swing in points - an outcome compounded by the finale awarding a higher points’ value than at previous rounds - would allow Kerr and AMD to move ahead of Linfoot and Optimum Motorbikes Racing in the final standings.

Describing the verdict as a ‘bitter pill to swallow’, Wright confirms Optimum Motorbikes Racing will not be returning to the track in 2024.

“Not for any performance enhancement in anyway but still questionable on homologation as stated in the MCRCB decision, this is something that has currently cost us as a team a lot and a very bitter pill to swallow.

“As a team we had an absolutely impeccable season in 2023 with Dan Linfoot currently finishing runner up giving the team eight wins, five lap records, 12 podiums and incredible memories that cannot be taken away.

“With the 2024 season fast approaching it is with heavy hearts I will clarify that Optimum Bikes Racing will not be taking part in any capacity in the BSB Championship, this is a very hard pill to swallow with how the whole situation was handled at the end of the 2023 season.

“We wish everyone competing in the 2024 season the best of luck.”