Sport

Andrews thrilled to be joining Penskofer

FORMER Honda TT Legends star Simon Andrews is to join forces with the Penz13. com racing team to ride a BMW HP4 Superbike at the Vauxhall International North West 200 on May 17.

Andrews has almost completely recovered from serious leg injuries he suffered in a crash at the Le Mans 24 hours race in France last September and will join the German team managed by former North West 200 racer Rico Penskofer.

And 29-year-old Andrews is looking forward to joining up with the team and riding what he is sure will be a good bike.

"I've raced against Rico and know his bikes are well built," said Andrews.

And he thinks he can be competitive on the Triangle road circuit.

"I understand the roads now and really enjoy it, so I am looking forward to meeting all the team and really seeing what we can do together," he said

The Worcestershire rider's career has been blighted by a series of horrendous injuries following crashes at Thruxton, the Isle of Man TT and Le Mans in recent seasons.

After recovering from his Superbike TT crash in 2012 at the Graham Memorial, Andrews battled his way on to the Macau Grand Prix podium on a Paul Shoesmith-prepared Ice Valley BMW.

"I've had some success with BMW already and with the help and support of BMW I believe the team will give me a good bike to be competitive on," said Andrews.

The Penz13.com team intend to start their testing programme in the next few weeks and Andrews will compete in the FIM World endurance Superstock Cup before making his road racing debut with the German squad at the North West in May.

Under the experienced tutelage of the former North West, TT and Macau rider Penskofer, Andrews will also compete at the TT in June and in Macau at the end of the year.

And Penskofer is excited about linking up with Andrews.

"During recent years we have built up a wealth of experience as a team and specialised in those races - not least because I raced the roads myself," he said.

"I've known Simon for a long time, I am happy he has faith in our team and that we are going to tackle the 2014 road races together.

"It is great that Simon is fit again after his misfortune last season and we will be delighted to see him back in action at Portrush on May 17."

North West clerk of the course Mervyn Whyte is looking forward to welcoming Penskofer and his team to the event in the spring.

"It will also be good to welcome back Rico Penskofer, who runs a very professional team that has BMW factory support," he said.

Further details on this year's North West 200 are expected to be announced later this month.