ADAM Jenkinson, runner-up in the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship last season, is to return in a bid to go one better next time round.

The Knutsford rider will race a ZX-10R Kawasaki for a team run by Steve Brogan, a former champion in the category, under his Direct CCTV SBR banner.

Victor Cox, third in the standings two years ago, completes a line-up the team boss has tipped to challenge for the title.

He said: “I’m excited at the prospect of being a manager with two such high-calibre riders. I don’t think it’s unwise to suggest we will be at the front right away.”

Bucklow Hill-based Jenkinson missed out on first place by just four points to South African Hudson Kennaugh after winning the final race of the campaign at Brands Hatch in October.

He was a victor at two other rounds, in addition to standing on the podium at the end of half of a dozen races.

“In Adam and Victor, Steve has chosen two of the hottest prospects for success in 2014,” said Ross Burridge, racing co-ordinator for Kawasaki Motors UK.

“We know that top teams had targeted both of them, so it’s a great vote of confidence they’ve signed for him.”

The season, consisting of 12 rounds, is scheduled to start at Brands Hatch in April.