Alastair Seeley '˜still in frame' for 2017 BSB seat as Hardy signs Dixon

The 20-year-old Ashby rider was drafted into the outfit on the RAF Reserves BMW in the middle of June but has made an instant impact, convincing team owner Hardy to tie Dixon into a deal for next season.

Dixon had never previously ridden a Superbike until he tested the S1000RR at Snetterton and he then went on to clinch an excellent sixth place in the most recent round at Snetterton following a points-scoring finish at Knockhill in Scotland.

The former British Supersport race winner is currently stealing the limelight within the team, but Hardy has assured Seeley that he is a strong contender for the second seat in his two-man line-up next year.

“Alastair is still strongly in the frame for continuing his seat within the team; he delivered my team its first ever North West 200 podium this year and I am looking forward to having a strong second half to the 2016 season,” said Hardy.

“2017 will be our third year with BMW, I am very pleased with the support we have received from the brand and looking forward to using their product again next year.

“Running a two-man team will be no small feat and I have enjoyed having two riders within the garage, it’s a great way to grow the team and now I feel the time is right to do so.”

Seeley made history in May at the North West 200 as he became the most successful rider ever at the event, winning both Supersport races on the Gearlink Kawasaki to extend his record to 17 victories around the 8.9-mile course.

Thruxton in Hampshire hosts round six of the British Superbike Championship this weekend.