GEARLINK Kawasaki have announced the signing of former British Supersport champion Luke Stapleford.

Following the exit of Eunan McClinchey from the team and a successful test at Cadwell Park, the Salisbury-based Gearlink team signed Stapleford for the remainder of the season.

Stapleford, 30, who won the British Supersport crown back in 2015, is looking to fight for the 2022 title aboard the Kawasaki 636, and certainly came back with a bang as he qualified for race one in third alongside teammate Zak Corderoy in an impressive P2 spot.

Stapleford said: “I’m really happy to be joining the Gearlink Kawasaki team, I’ve raced against them for many years but have never ridden for them.

"Whilst it’s been a few years since I’ve raced in SuperSport, it has always been my favourite type of bike to race.

"Although it’s not something that was planned, I’ll be working hard to get myself into a position to achieve the results that both myself and the team know we are capable of.

"I can’t wait to get going."

Team manager Ben Wilson said: “After a difficult start to the season we are really excited to have Luke riding the Gearlink Kawasaki.

"At the test, he looked comfortable on the bike straight away. Luke has a lot of experience and form in this SuperSport class."