"Bring it on!" - Storm Stacey links up with legend Michael Rutter

Stacey, from Eccleshall, will be joining Rutter's Bathams AJN Racing for the team's debut season in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship on board a BMW M1000RR.

Despite being only 21 years old, Stacey is entering his sixth season of British Superbikes this year and cannot wait to get going with Bathams.

“I’m so happy to finally be able to share the news that I’ve joined Bathams AJN Racing for the 2025 season," he said. "Like a lot of people, I’ve often noticed their bikes on track and love their look, who doesn’t like a bit of gold?

"Even though they’re going to be new to the class, they have been in the paddock for years, plus they’ve got tonnes of experience with the BMW, so I’m sure it’ll go as well as it looks.

"For me personally, the challenge and opportunity of riding for a different team, and on a different bike, is one that I’m really excited about, and I can’t wait to get stuck in to.

"I’ve never been short of motivation, but this fresh challenge on the back of a great 2024 season that I got my first win in has got me fired up good and proper.

"I’ll be doing everything I can between now and the start of testing to make sure I’m in the best shape possible. Bring it on!”

After a successful season in the 2019 National Superstock 600 championship which yielded two wins and a further two podiums for him, Stacey finished the championship in third overall at the age of just 15 years old.

He then made his superbike debut the following year, with his maiden victory in the class last season - which he followed up with a further podium finish to cement his status as a genuine front-runner in the class.

Stacey will be riding the team's BMW M1000RR superbike, which for Bathams AJN Racing continues the team’s association with the BMW product that it has used since the team was formed in 2018.

Furthermore, team owner Rutter - who was born in Brierley Hill - will also reunite with his former 1993 team-mate and crew chief from 2001, Ray Stringer - who is joining the team as Stacey's crew chief.

The first round of the championship takes place at Oulton Park from May 3-5.

Rutter: “You don’t need me to tell you just what an exciting and popular rider Storm is, so to have him on our bike for our first season in BSB is a great result for us.

"I’m under no illusions that there’s a lot for us to learn, and Storm will need to adapt to the bike.

"However, it’s easy to forget that despite his young age, he’s already a highly-experienced superbike rider, which will make a huge difference. Now we need to get down to business, and start putting together a winter testing plan, as well as all the other details so that we’re all ready at round one."