Kirton Supersport racer Ben Wilson is to return to racing with Gearlink Kawasaki in 2019 after a long lay-off following his 2016 crash at the NW200 in which he suffered severe leg injuries.
Wilson has endured numerous operations and been in and out of hospital every few weeks, the most recent operation was to remove a broken titanium plate and replace it with a rod which, after removing some of the marrow, was placed inside the femur.
After a few days of rest, Wilson was once again back on his feet and after a few days he was walking normally.
He has been working hard to build up the muscles in his leg and made a significant breakthrough earlier this year which saw him return to the track at Cadwell Park to test the leg.
Since then, he has been training hard and working with his physiotherapist to regain his race fitness.
Wilson raced for Gearlink Kawasaki for a number of years in the British Supersport championship, his best result being a very close runner-up spot – missing out on the title by just one point.
He finished every season within the top five and since his accident has been working within the team over the last 18 months and feels the time is now right for him to make his return to the race track.
He will contest the 2019 British Supersport championship with Gearlink Kawasaki and is intending to make a serious challenge for the championship.
Wilson said: “After the longest break I’ve ever had from motorcycle racing, it’s great to be returning and riding a Kawasaki.
“I’ve waited until now to make a comeback because my leg has not been ready for me to run at the sharp end, but I know with a good testing program over the winter months I will be right where I need to be.
“I can’t wait to get out on the new Kawasaki and get the 2019 campaign under way.
“Big thanks to Gearlink Kawasaki and Kawasaki UK for standing by me and giving me this fantastic opportunity.”
Kawasaki Motors UK Senior Racing Coordinator, Ross Burridge is pleased with Wilson’s decision to pick up where he left off.
He said: “I am so happy to see Ben back racing for 2019! Ben has been a big part of the Team Green family for many years, and I for one have always wanted to witness him take the Supersport title.”
