The youngest factory Superbike rider in the ASBK field is set to make a big impact in 2013. CycleOnline.com.au catches up with the hard-working and humble Josh Hook for a quick chat.

Josh Hook is relishing the challenge of a factory Superbike seat with Honda in 2013. Image: Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport.

[My Way]

Greatest moment of your career?
Signing with the factory Honda Superbike team at such a young age, and to be the youngest factory Superbike rider in the paddock.

Toughest race ever?
The toughest race would have to be last year in the Asia Dream Cup racing in Qatar. There were about 12 guys battling for the lead on the CBR250s on the long straight.

Long-term goal?
My long term goal is definitely to be racing world championships.

Favourite track?
Phillip Island in Australia, and then Qatar overseas, definitely.

If you weren’t a racer, you would be?
A carpenter. I’m an apprentice carpenter at the moment. I guess I’d still be doing that.

Arch-rival?
At this stage I don’t think I have an arch-rival. I’m in my first year of Superbikes, maybe in a few years I will.

Greatest inspiration?
Kevin Schwantz, he was my mentor when I was racing in Europe. I really like him and I think he would be my idol if I had to pick just one.

Superstitions?
No, not really.

Training methods?
Mostly cycling, a fair bit of surfing and motocross as well.

Josh Hook aboard the Team Honda Fireblade in Tasmania.

[Off The Wall]

Best all-time motorcycle DVD/video?
Nothing comes to mind. I like the stories about racers’ careers. The Troy Bayliss story would be my top one.

Non-bike related hobbies?
Just surfing, aside from anything on a bike.

Do you read your pit board?
For sure. It definitely comes in handy. If you’re at the front and you’ve got a gap it’s important to know how far the guy behind is.

What do you drive?
A Nissan Navara 4WD.

Favourite magazine?
Probably AMCN. I don’t always get time to read it but I flick through the pictures.

What’s on the iPod?
Whatever Triple J’s playing.

Best thing about the ASBK?
Racing the 2+4s with the V8 Supercars. It’s really good for our exposure and to get crowds to the track.

Who will win World Supers?
I’d like Jonny Rea to win. He’s on the Honda, so that would be good. It will be tough but he’s my pick.

[One or the Other]

Longer, faster circuits like PI or shorter like Symmons Plains?
Definitely longer.

Monster, Red Bull, Rockstar?
Red Bull. I raced in the Red Bull Rookies Cup so I’d have to say them.

PC or Mac?
Mac

McDonalds or KFC?
McDonald’s.

Europe or USA?
USA

600 or 1000?
1000.

MotoGP or World Superbikes?
MotoGP.

Print or Digital (iPad) magazines?
Print. I don’t have an iPad.

Blonde or brunette?
Blonde. No, brunette. My Mrs is brunette. Let’s go with that!