While the 2013 World Superbike grid has only 16 riders permanent riders so far, the season opener at Phillip Island in February will at least look slightly healther as Australia’s Team Honda Racing has decided to wildcard two-time ASBK champion Jamie Stauffer in Superbikes and 2012 Supersport runner-up Josh Hook in the the support class – even though he’ll be switching to Superbikes in the upcoming season.
Paul Free team owner said, “We are currently doing quite a bit of research and looking into what is required to compete at the World Superbike event.
The regulations are obviously different and the team will be doing quite a bit of testing on the Pirelli control tyres as it will take a bit of getting used to for both riders in their respective categories.
The challenge is one we relish and I believe Jamie and Josh will both be very competitive.
I hope spectators will be excited to have some local talent in both the World Superbike and World Supersport categories and will head to Phillip Island to support the team.
”While Stauffer who also took part in the last two editions of the 8 Hours of Suzuka, said, “My career has seen me race both in Australia and overseas and I have had a lot of success, but to have the chance to race against the world’s best Superbike riders starts my 2013 season off with a terrific challenge.
I’m really excited about the prospect and I have every confidence that Team Honda Racing will provide me a strong set up in the CBR1000RR so that I can give it 110% and be competitive.
” – Stauffer hails from Kurri Kurri, Casey stoner’s home town.
“To start my year off at the World Superbikes competing as a wildcard alongside the world’s best Supersport riders is fantastic.
I know the guys at Team Honda Racing will be working hard to give me a competitive motorcycle to compete head to head in that world championship field and I’m really excited to have the opportunity to race as a wildcard,” commented Hooks who also raced in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in 2009 and 2010 and wildcarded in the 2010 Australian MotoGP in the 125CC GP class finishing 8th.