After two ‘long-haul’ races to start the 2023 season, at Phillip Island and Mandalika, the European stages of the WorldSSP Championship begin at the famous TT Circuit Assen, between 21-23 April.
It has been an eventful start to the season for Öncü, who no-scored in the first race in Australia and was third in the second race. Can left from the second round in Indonesian with his first WorldSSP victory wrapped-up and a subsequent fourth place finish in Race Two.
Can’s combined 54 points have lifted him to third place in the 2023 championship fight, making him the top ranked Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R rider. Teenager Can’s breakthrough win in Indonesia proved to be his 13th career podium from 66 race starts, all on Kawasaki machinery.
Free practice at Assen begins on Friday 21 April, with Superpole qualifying and then Race One taking place on Saturday 22. Race Two completes the WorldSSP action in the Netherlands on Sunday 23.
Can Öncü, stated: “The calendar forced us to take a very long break but I took the opportunity to train. I must say that I also had a lot of fun on Kenan Sofuoglu’s private track, in the 'races' with Toprak Razgatlioglu and Bahattin Sofuoglu. The start of the season was exciting thanks to the Race One win at Mandalika, which must be a starting point toward new victories. I know that the team worked a lot at home in Reggio Emilia since then and I can't wait to get back on my bike. Assen is a track that I like and where I took a podium last year. We can do very well.”
Multiple Moto3 race victor John McPhee (Vince64 by Puccetti Racing Kawasaki) has already taken a podium finish since he joined the WorldSSP paddock this year. Assen is a circuit he knows very well from his previous career and he is eager to get back into race action after a long break since the Indonesian round in early March.
Another regular 2023 WorldSSP rider, Adrian Huertas (MTM Kawasaki), returns to action at Assen, although he has to first pass a medical check after suffering injuries in round one at Phillip Island.
The start of the European WorldSSP season this coming weekend also heralds the first appearance of the WorldSSP Challenge riders, who do not take part in the long haul races. Tom Booth-Amos and Luke Power will get their campaigns underway for the Motozoo ME AIR Racing Kawasaki team. If declared fit Yuta Okaya will also start his WorldSSP Challenge season, for the Prodina Kawasaki Racing squad.
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