South African Rider Blaze Baker Lands 2025 BSB Seat
Two-time South African Supersport champion Blaze Baker has agreed to race for NP Racing Honda
The 2025 BSB line-up is continuing to take shape as South African rider Blaze Baker is the latest name to land a seat for next season, making him the ninth Honda rider on the grid.
Baker is a two-time Supersport champion back in his homeland of South Africa, but is no stranger to the British racing scene as he raced the one-make Ducati TriOptions Cup in 2023 until he was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign through injury. More recently Baker has competed in the Supersport class.
“I am first of all thrilled to be back on a motorcycle,” said Baker after agreeing to join NP Racing Honda. “The last 18 months have probably been the worst in my career so far, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
“I am excited to announce that I will be back on a bike next season and in BSB. This has been a dream of mine for a long time now and to finally be able to say I'll be racing Superbikes gives me the biggest smile.
“For sure it will be a tough task, but it's something that excites me. A challenge lies ahead for myself and the whole NP Racing crew with a change of manufacturer, but it will be exciting to work with the new programme and a change for the both of us. We have set out goals and look forward to achieving them as a team and really looking forward to what lies ahead for us in 2025. I cannot thank NP Racing enough for this opportunity.”
Honda’s efforts in 2025 will again be led by Tommy Bridewell and Andrew Irwin at the factory Honda Racing UK team, but Baker is one of nine riders set to ride a CBR1000RR-R.
NP Racing team owner Neil Pearson added: “NP Racing are excited to announce that Blaze Baker will be joining our racing family. After achieving what we set out to in 2024, we now look forward to setting new goals for the 2025 season.
“With a change of manufacturer, it is going to be a tall order, but we are focused on progressing and giving Blaze what he needs for his debut season in the Superbike class.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
