Josh Owens, Joe Francis secure spot on 2020 BSB grid

The 2020 British Superbike Championship grid continues to take shape after Josh Owens was confirmed with CDH Racing and Joe Francis re-signed with the PR Racing team.

Both riders made their BSB debut in 2019, Owens coming in for the final rounds of the season riding a Kawasaki in place of CDH rider-owner Dean Hipwell, who was suffering with Gilbert’s Syndrome, a condition which saps energy.

Confirming he will be stepping down from rider duties altogether, 2018 British GP2 Champion Owens will get a full season shot with the team for the 2020 BSB season.

“I am excited to be joining CDH racing for the 2020 season, I took part in the last four rounds of BSB with them and we did suffer a lot of bad luck. However, I kept learning each session and gaining confidence with how the superbike works in comparison to the GP2.

“I’m looking forward to getting back out on the bike during pre-season testing as I’m confident this will help me learn more about the Superbike and how to ride them compared to the GP2. Thanks to the team for taking me onboard for next year and to all my sponsors for giving me this amazing opportunity.”

Francis’ fortunes over the course of his debut BSB season improved aboard the PR Racing BMW S1000RR and will now get the chance to continue the progress made next season. 

“I am really excited for next year. We have made some great progress with the bike in the latter half of this season, so getting a full winter test program and another season on the latest bike will be good for myself and the team and help us move forward with the BMW.”

“My first full year in BSB has been great, I have learnt a lot and my confidence on the bike grew after each round. The aim for 2020 is to continue building on the progress we have made and to start collecting those championship points as early as possible.”