THREE weeks ago Ipswich-based road-racer Kieran Murphy was set to continue his assault of the 600cc British Supersport Championship with MSS Discovery Kawasaki. Now he has set up his own team - Goldstar Suzuki - and with the help of Cresent Suzuki he is set to compete in the British SUpersport Championship

THREE weeks ago Ipswich-based road-racer Kieran Murphy was set to continue his assault of the 600cc British Supersport Championship with MSS Discovery Kawasaki.

Murphy originally renewed his contract with factory-backed MSS Discovery Kawasaki back in October who, in addition, simultaneously signed two new riders, Stuart Easton and Michael Rutter.

Since then, he has parted company with the Thorpe-le-Soken-based team and, after a frantic few weeks, the 2007 season will see the 27-year-old compete in the British Superstock Championship in his new team - Goldstar Suzuki.

MSS Discovery team owner Nick Morgan said: "It's always a tough decision to make, but we felt that it would be best to streamline our operation to effectively make two, single rider teams so that we can put our maximum effort behind Stuart Easton in the British Supersport class and Michael Rutter in the Superbike class."

Joint team owner Stuart Simmonds echoed Morgan's sentiments and added: "We've had a great year with Kieran and he's shown some real form. We wish him all the best for the future."

In his first interview since the saga unfolded, Murphy told the EADT: "I was completely gutted and angry about the whole situation but I'm a firm believer in that when one door closes, another opens. It's only made me more determined to succeed, more so than ever before.

"Now I have a new team for the coming season to compete in the British Superstock Championship."

The new team consists of Murphy plus two mechanics, one suspension and two tyre technicians, all of which have accrued many years of experience working professionally within the sport.

The team has also secured backing from Goldstar Transport, Bury St Edmunds-based Truckcraft along with world-renowned Suzuki performance tuning firm, Crescent Suzuki Performance. They've also acquired a host of product support in the last few weeks, without which this venture would not have been possible.

"Matthew Ashworth and Simon Day from Goldstar Transport have been great" said Murphy, "they've continued their support in me by sponsoring the team and have given us the use of an artic lorry whilst Truckcraft have given us a 40ft trailer.

"I'm really pleased to have Crescent Suzuki Performance onboard. They're sponsoring us with two brand-new 2007-spec Suzuki GSXR1000's and initial tests of the bike by teams worldwide have proved extremely promising.

"We have a very strong package for the forthcoming season. Crescent Suzuki's on-going support throughout the season will be paramount to the success of the team. I'm sure we can be right at the front of the pack."

Murphy is also looking to secure backing to compete in the Northwest 200 Northern Irish road-race in May.

The first round of the British Superbike Championship - featuring the Supersport and Superstock championships - will be at Brand Hatch on Easter Sunday and Monday, 8 and 9 April.