Erik Buell /Hero Racing to Leave World Superbike

Erik Buell /Hero Racing to Leave World Superbike Well, I guess I’m foolish for not seeing this coming. When Erik Buell Racing (EBR) officially filed...

By: Jesse Kiser

Apr 30, 2015 at 8:50am ET

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Well, I guess I’m foolish for not seeing this coming. When Erik Buell Racing (EBR) officially filed for bankruptcy, closing up shop and sending it’s 126 employees home, they explicitly said team Hero/EBR would finish out at least this season with World Superbike Championship (WSBK). But, that’s no longer the case, as the official word this week, is that Team Hero/EBR will no longer be racing in WSBK.

We reported on the team's hope outlook on the 2015 season, after its first round of testing earlier this year, see link above. Pegram Racing, who actually runs the race team under the Hero/EBR name and sponsorship, said they will return to racing soon, but have yet to give any exact dates or if they’ll have the financial backing.

“This is a really hard pill for us all at Pegram Racing to swallow, as we always live by the philosophy of Never Give Up” said team owner Larry Pegram via a press release. “The whole team did a amazing job of improving results from last year and giving some pride back to EBR and Hero. Niccolò Canepa was riding like the Champion he is, he was literally making peoples jaw drop at what he was doing with our motorcycle. I am so proud of the job he did. One thing for sure Pegram Racing will be back and it will be sooner than you think.”

Here’s more information as according to the release on WorldSBK.com, “In making the withdrawal announcement, Pegram Racing would also like to recognize the dedicated employees of EBR, who lost their employment with the bankruptcy. "We have worked closely with them and not only appreciate how amazing it was to have a true American Superbike to ride, but how intensely hard that small group of employees at EBR worked to build the EBR bikes, and also support our racing program and other racers." said Larry. "We are hoping they too will return soon. They deserve to continue."

Despite mixed opinions on Erik Buell, around the RideApart offices, we’re sad to see EBR and their racing efforts diminish. It’s possible that EBR will be reincarnated yet again, through the legalities of the company’s foreclosure, but it’s very doubtful the name will return to WSBK any time soon.