EVESHAM’S Simon Andrews lashed out at British Superbike’s movers and shakers after failing to earn a place at one of the top teams for next season’s championship.
The 25-year-old Lloyds British Jentin rider underlined his ‘Mr Consistency’ tag by finishing eighth and ninth in the final races of the season at Brands Hatch.
With a host of top riders vacating the factory garages to pursue their World Superbike ambitions, Andrews had been expecting the likes of HM Plant Honda and Airwaves Ducati to come knocking.
But, despite not finishing outside the top 10 since May, the 2007 British Supersport champion will have to prove himself all over again next year after he was overlooked in the end-of-season shake-up.
“It’s really annoying because I feel completely shunned and I’m totally gutted,” said Andrews. “I have been so consistent this year and was really hoping that my performances would have done enough to get me a ride with one of the big teams.
“But again they have chosen to recruit people from outside the British Championship, which is so disappointing.
“I have done everything I possibly could to get myself a place and, with most of the factory boys, I really thought I would get my chance.”
Bike troubles plagued Andrews in the first three rounds when he failed to finish three of the first six races.
But, after ninth and 10th-place finishes at Donington Park in May, Andrews did not look back — finishing inside the top 10 for the rest of the races.
After failing to secure a dream ride, the multiple schoolboy motocross champion is shifting his focus to a spectacular 24-hour race in Qatar to put himself in the shop window.
“For a team that has been famous for still turning up in a Transit van, we have done everything we could this year,” added Andrews.
“I could stay with my team next year but I really felt like that would be a backwards step for me and I really wanted someone to push me forward as a rider.
“So I’ll spend the next few weeks talking to everyone and anyone and try to get something sorted before I head to the World Endurance in Qatar next month.”
Tune into Eurosport Two for Bennetts British Superbikes season review on Sunday or, to read more, head to uk.eurosport.yahoo.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here