Westmoreland bids for title

By [cmullan]

JAMES Westmoreland faces the biggest season of his racing career as he prepares for the Fuchs-Silkolene British Supersport Championship.

The 21-year-old from Wyton has joined Came Yamaha after an impressive season last year that saw him finish third.

This year though, he has his sights set much higher as his window of opportunity on achieving world domination slowly closes.

"This is a very big year for me," Westmoreland told the Mail. "This is realistically my last chance to make the step towards becoming world champion.

"This will be my fourth full year of Supersport and there isn't a better chance for me to be crowned champion.

"I know who my rivals are going to be and I'm confident I can be the champion.

"There is no reason why I cannot win the title this year."

The new season may still be two months away but Westmoreland has been busy training for the new season.

When weather has permitted, Westmoreland has cycled around 150 miles for the last six weeks to get him up to the required fitness level.

Having been approached by Came Yamaha, he doesn't want to let anybody down, least of all himself.

"Came were the sponsors of the final race meeting last year at Oulton Park," explained Westmoreland.

"They asked me if I wanted to race for them after seeing how I had performed throughout the season. I'm delighted to be racing for them and hopefully I can deliver success for them.

"All being well, I should be able to improve on my third place finish last year.

"I've always had consistency in my racing and this year it's about getting the whole package right.

"It's a case of getting used to the bike and getting started."

Between now and the first race at Brands Hatch during the first weekend of April, Westmoreland will be busy testing his new bike in Almeria, Spain. Racing alongside Billy McConnell, Came Yamaha will expect results – fast.

Brands Hatch was where he won one of his two races last year, with Silverstone being the other.

Came believe they can fulfil Westmoreland's potential and the rider himself is keen to make the most of his chance to represent a title contender.

"To join the Came Yamaha team is obviously a great opportunity for me as they are a proven team who are ready to fight for the title," he said.

"The championship is always so close and competitive and I am sure this season will be no different. I know we have the package to win.

"I am now looking forward to getting pre-season testing under way and I just can't wait to get the season started.

"I would like to thank Steve Rodgers at Raceways and Came for giving me the chance to challenge for the title."