DOUBLE British champion Luke Hedger from Yate has joined Tom Fisher and Kevin Van Leuven at G&S Racing Kawasaki to ride in the Superstock 1000 class at Thruxton at the weekend.

After last minute talks with team manager Mark Fisher, Luke was invited to ride for the team after leaving the British Supersport class.

Mark Fisher said: "I am building the bike for Luke as we speak and it will be ready for him by the time we get to Thruxton. It is a big step up for Luke in the middle of the season and a big ask for him to jump straight on for free practice with no previous time on the bike but he is a very capable rider and is up for the challenge.

“There will be no pressure for him this weekend, all we want is for him to gel with the bike and get his confidence up.

"At the moment it is a one off ride for Luke but depending on budget and his performance it could be that we will run him for the remainder of the season. I would like to welcome him to our team and look forward to seeing him at Thruxton."

Tom Fisher added: "Both Kevin and myself are pleased to have Luke join the team. His input will help us with the development of the 2016 Kawasaki ZX10R."

Hedger won the 2012 Monster Energy British Motostar Championship and Cup and the 2013 Pirelli National Superstock 600 championship.

He said: "I would like to thank Mark at G&S Racing Kawasaki for giving me this chance. It's been a tough time for me these last few days and I am so pleased to be back in the paddock so quickly. I am looking forward to meeting the team and getting to grips with the 2016 ZX10R Kawasaki."I would also like to thank all my sponsors especially SRS and Swindon Karting for supporting me.”

Hedger is also appealing to the community to find a sponsor.

Anybody who can help can contact him on email at luke_bushy95@hotmail.co.uk or contact Lee Hedger on 07886 280137.