Sponsor sought for Island motorbike team

But team owner Mike Edwards learned last week that the deal is being reviewed, which means no money will be available until after the seasons starts - if they get it at all.

"It's hugely disappointing," said Mike. "Plans for 2010 began early last November with promising talks with both sponsors and potential riders alike.

"As time moved on an agreement was reached with a top level sponsor and plans continued with a view to hiring an established rider, someone of the calibre of former race winner Chris Walker for example, and other experienced staff who could help take the team to the next level.

"But in the past week we learned that the company that had agreed to support the sponsor's new business venture would be reviewing their partnership, which means that by the time any money is available, if at all, it will be too late to allow everything to be ready in time for the start of the season.

"It's a difficult position, with such a short time before pre-season testing is due to start. We want to be on the grid for the start of the season with a rider capable or proving what the team can do, so if there is anyone out there who can help, please get in touch."

Edwards hopes a generous Wharf reader might step in to help out, and he promises any benefactor unrivalled access to the front line of British Superbikes action.

He said: "This would be a great opportunity for someone with a bit of spare cash who loves motorbike racing. Not only would they get to be in the paddock and garage over the race weekends, they would enjoy presentations from and access to riders at race meetings, and hav the chance to bring clients along for hospitality events.

"Sponsors also get on-bike branding seen by over seven million tv viewers and 370,000 spectators during season, as well as in The Wharf, plus they'd get team and rider appearances at business events."

Mist had their first season in British Superbikes last year, after several years competing in Europe, but saw the season dogged by bad luck, including the sudden retirement of rider Matt Bond just as he was starting to challenge for podium places.

The season ended prematurely when their sponsor pulled out and, although not an ideal start, Edwards feels he and his colleagues learned a lot from it.

He said: "We had a massive learning curve in 2009. We've put that to good use over the winter as we continued to develop our Suzuki GSXR1000 bike.

"Preparation for 2010 has resulted in a vastly improved machine and we have the team and overall package in place to achieve podiums during the season, and a chance of race wins with the correct rider."

Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Edwards at mike.edwards@mistsuzuki.com.