Lowes set to make first appearance at show

Lowes, who will be at Festival on Saturday and Sunday, became one of the biggest talking points last year following his strong end-of-season charge when he not only made the British Championship Superbike Showdown, but he also won both races at Silverstone, beating his one-time hero Shane Byrne with a stunning last corner pass in one of the races.

He ended-up fourth in the premier British series.

Lowes’ plan was to stick with Team WFR Honda for another season, but the team dramatically capitulated several weeks ago, leaving him high and dry.

Luckily, Lowes already had some support for Honda in place for 2013 and, when WFR folded, he was snapped up by the Samsung Honda team.

“It’s obviously a great opportunity for me to join Samsung Honda for 2013 and I’m ready to give it everything,” said 22-year-old Lowes.

He added, “I had a great season on the Honda last year and my priority was always to stay with them for 2013. I think my style suits the Fireblade and I feel comfortable pushing it.”

“I think I surprised a lot of people last year, but I knew that we were capable and it wasn’t more than I expected.

“The Samsung Honda team have a lot of experience and obviously we want to win the championship.

“They are a strong team and I think we are in a really good position to try and win that back.

“I am still young, so I feel that this is the next way for me to progress and I want to be winning more races next season as I definitely think I am in a position now to be going for the title.”

Lowes says that he’s looking forward to the Belfast biking festival. “Given the enthusiasm for the sport in Ireland I’m looking forward to this trip,” said Lowes. “This will be a great opportunity to meet with some of my fans.”