Image: Russell Colvin.

Reigning Australian Supersport Champion Brayden Elliott has announced he will campaign the 2016 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) on board his Phil Tainton Racing-prepared Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Elliott, recently turned 21, established himself on the national stage within Supersport last year, winning the ASBK crown and finishing runner-up in the Australasian Supersport Championship (ASC).

“It gives me great pleasure to finally announce my commitment to racing in the 2016 Australian Superbike Championship,” Elliott explained. “After months of preparation and planning to make the jump into the premier Superbike category, it has been undecided as to which championship I will take part in this year.

“Throughout 2015, my family supported team made the commitment to race in both the Australian and Australasian Superbike championships, which saw us travel all over Australia competing in 12 championship rounds.

“Including this with the necessary testing at each circuit proved a nearly impossible task with enormous distance to travel, time to prepare bikes all from a family funded outfit.”

Elliott’s commitment to the Motorcycling Australia (MA)-sanctioned series signals the end of his fulltime involvement in Australian Road & Track Rider Promotions’ (ARTRP) ASC series, however he may contest one-off events.

“With goals to race internationally in the near future I knew I could only commit to focusing on one championship during 2016, which left the decision, which one to compete in,” he continued. “Having experienced the advantages and disadvantages of both ASC and ASBK during 2015 the decision was left purely to myself as to where I would rather compete.

“I have chosen to race in the 2016 Australian Superbike Championship as I see it the best direction and opportunity to continue moving forward in my racing career. Along with a preferred race format and FIM recognition, I also enjoy the variety of circuits with dates that also suit my 2016 calendar.

“This is a subject that everyone has their own opinion on, however at the end of the day the path that I choose to take in my career has been made by myself with a very supportive family and team surrounding me, which I am extremely thankful for.

“I may still be a regular face at selected ASC rounds throughout the year, the difference being I will be using them for more testing and Superbike experience rather then focusing on the outright championship.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time competing in the Australasian Superbike Championship, also forming a great friendship with event organisers, Terry and Gloria. If it wasn’t for their club championship ‘Race Your Mates’ and introduction into road racing, I wouldn’t find myself with the experience and time on the bike that I have had.”

Elliott was on track earlier this week during the Phillip Island ASBK test on Monday and Tuesday, however no official lap times were recorded as he circulated without a transponder fitted.