New Bogdanka PTR partnership joins WSS
LW Bogdanka is an undisputed leader in the Polish coal mining business while PTR is well known in racing circles as the force behind the Parkalgar Honda World Supersport team that has won 12 out the 25 most recent WSS championship races.
Bogdanka Racing Director Michael Igor Piasecki said: "This partnership sees Poland's first World Championship full-time race team and it is starting at the very highest level, with proven technical ability and a realistic chance to win a World Championship thanks to PTR. This is a partnership; it is not a sponsorship. PTR will help to operate and organise the team alongside Parkalgar Honda out of the same garage and there will be shared branding with the Parkalgar squad. Bogdanka PTR Honda is employing Polish staff to work on the project alongside British engineers."
Ellison, twice Superstock Champion who made his name in the WSBK paddock, said, "I made the choice to ride for this team and in this Championship because I know I have the ability to win the World Championship. I could have taken different rides but I believe in this project and my only aim is to win the title - that gives me a strong platform to advance my World Championship career."
Pawel Szkopek, a WSS runner in 2005, said: "This is my big break and I intend to take it. The Bogdanka PTR Honda bikes will be some of best on the grid and James will be an inspiration to me to learn from - and with time I want to race with him and challenge at the front of the races."
The team will debut at the official WSBK Portimao test in Portugal on 26-28th January before moving on to Aragon in Spain on 31st Jan - 1st February. At Aragon the team will also welcome Marcin Walkowiak on a Bogdanka PTR Honda Fireblade that he will campaign in the FIM Superstock 1000 Championship in 2011.
Previous reports of a tie-up between PTR and a Romanian team in World Supersport proved to be unfounded.