Burns ditches 600s for 1000s

The decision comes after the 17-year-old made his race debut on the Splitlath Motorsport R1 at a NEMCRC club event at Knockhill in Scotland at the weekend.

Having tested the more powerful machine just a handful of times, Burns decided to race at the track where he scored his maiden Superstock 600 victory last month.

And it was to prove a weekend of domination, as he won all five races by a clear margin, and got just two thousands of a second off the lap record set this year by Alastair Seeley.

Following his success, Burns and Splitlath Motorsport owner John Dimbylow have decided to bring forward their plans for next year, and contest the 1000cc Championship.

"Some people may think it's strange to walk away from the 600 Championship when I'm in a strong second place, but I believe this is the right thing for me," said the youngster.

"For a while now I've been of the opinion that I'm too big for the 600, and racing the 1000 proved this to be true. I ride the R1 better than I do the R6 - I felt at home on it straight away and I love it.

"The big plan was to try and win the 600s this year and move up next year, but now I've seen how well I can go on the bigger bike, it seems silly not to throw all my time and effort at that. Splitlath and I were always going to go there next season, so it makes more sense to give it a go now. At the very least I can gain some valuable experience.

"I have to thank John Dimbylow for the opportunity. Having the support of Splitlath has made all of this possible for me, and I'm determined to go and prove that he's made the right decision."

John Dimbylow added: "This decision was made by all of us involved. We are of the mind that if you have the talent, it is a waste to hold back just because of age.

"We have a great belief in Joe's ability and are willing to back that belief up financially. This whole thing is gathering such a momentum that we dare not stop, and the whole team need to be leading with a fresh new image to match that of Joe's.

"We are all intending to present a whole new era of young talent, glamour and appeal to the greatest motorsport of all."

Burns' first outing in the hard-fought Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship will be this weekend, August 7-9 2009, at Brands Hatch in Kent.

Image: Joe Burns leads the pack in his first outing on the Splitlath Motorsport R1 at Knockhill.