The Parkalgar Honda team, which has been a staple of the World Supersport paddock for the last 6-years, has just announced that it will not be racing in the 2012 season.
The Parkalgar Honda team joined the World Supersport class in 2006. The team has earned 12 wins, 29 podiums, and two runner-up slots (2009 and 2010).
"It was a difficult but unavoidable decision to take," said team manager Paulo Pinheiro. "Ours was without a shadow of doubt a successful project... Without the support of other backers, it was no longer possible to continue with the same conditions and ambitions in 2012. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of the project, as well as the riders who defended our colours over the years."
Parkalgar Honda rider Miguel Praia will now be looking for a new ride for 2012. Praia said:
"I'm really sad at the moment, but at the same time I can consider myself proud to have been part of the project," said Praia. "We started off as the smallest team in the paddock and we reached the top of the category. With Parkalgar Honda I've had the best years of my career, they gave me the chance to improve as a rider and get some good results. Unfortunately our efforts have not allowed us to continue in 2012. In Portugal the only sport that has influence is football, everything else takes second best despite the results and the visibility for the country throughout the world. All that's left for me now is to look for alternatives for the future, my hopes are to continue with Honda and with a competitive project. I'm convinced that it's still not time for me to stop."
