From a press release issued by Hawk Kawasaki:

MCGUINNESS REPLACES INJURED RICHARDS AT HAWK

TT star John McGuinness makes his debut for British Superbike team Hawk Kawasaki at Brands Hatch this weekend as a stand-in for the injured Glen Richards.

McGuinness, who won both the F1 and Junior races at last week’s Isle of Man TT, will ride Richards’ Hawk ZX-10R in the BSB series until the Aussie’s broken arm, which he sustained in a spill at Thruxton two weeks ago, is fully healed. Richards is hoping to be back in the saddle for Croft, in August, so McGuinness also looks likely to deputise at Knockhill and Mallory Park in July.

“This is a great opportunity for me,” said John of the ride. “And I’m grateful to Stuart Hicken for offering me the opportunity to ride the Hawk Kawasaki. I’ve ridden in BSB before, so I know how competitive it is, but the Hawk ZX-10R looks strong and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

Hawk Kawasaki Team Principal Stuart Hicken explains why McGuinness is the man for the job. “I’ve watched John for a while and also rated him as a rider for quite some time. What I want him to do is get used to the bike and finish races. Whatever he achieves results-wise will be a bonus. I’m expecting John to be with us for a minimum of two meetings and a maximum of four, but I have said to him that if he gels with the team and I’m happy with the results I will look to run him until the end of the year, as well as Glen and Scott.”

The seventh round of the BSB championship starts at Brands Hatch on Friday June 18.