Foggy appoints new team manager

Carl Fogarty has recruited Jack Valentine as the new race team manager of his Foggy PETRONAS Racing outfit.

Jack, 51, who has a wealth of experience in motorcycle racing, was responsible for a succession of British championship and TT successes with the V&M Racing set-up. For the last two seasons he masterminded Triumph's return to racing with his own ValMoto team in the British Supersport championship.

His relationship with Carl dates back to 1992 when the seven-times world champion rode for Jack's team in the 400cc Supersport Isle of Man TT, breaking the lap record from his first standing start.

Jack takes over the responsibilities performed last season by chief engineer Steve Thompson, who continues in a technical consultancy role in the World Superbike project.

His first involvement with new riders Garry McCoy and Steve Martin will be at the first official World Superbike test of the season on February 19 in Qatar, followed by the first race of the season a week later.

Carl said: "I'm really pleased to have Jack on board. I have been looking to change things around for the new season and have been looking for a figurehead team manager, as we did not have anyone in that specific role last year and we needed to balance things up. I have known Jack for 15 years and wherever he has been he has done a good job. His teams have always been professionally run and I am certain that he will bring experience and fresh ideas to my team."