Josh Hook will step up to join Jamie Stauffer aboard the Team Honda Racing Superbike in 2013. Image: Keith Muir.

Team Honda Racing has confirmed Jamie Stauffer will be joined by rookie Josh Hook in the 2013 Australian Superbike Championship.

The team will focus its efforts on the Superbike category next season with the CBR1000RR Fireblade, Hook stepping up after finishing second in the 2012 Supersport title chase with Honda.

Hook’s signing officially confirms the departure of Wayne Maxwell from the factory team, the 19-year-old debuting on the Superbike at the MotoGP support races in October and finishing eighth overall.

“I’m really looking forward to the 2013 ASBK season and I would like to thank Team Honda Racing for having the faith in my ability to move onto the Superbike after just a year on board the CBR600RR,” Hook commented.

“The 2012 season was a good one for me and I have learnt so much being with Team Honda Racing already. I can’t wait to get testing and develop my skills on the CBR1000RR.”

As a dual Australian Superbike Champion, Stauffer knows what it takes to win championships and is looking to put another one under his belt in 2013.

“Next year is looking really positive for me and I’m pleased to have signed with Team Honda Racing again to race the CBR1000RR in the ASBK,” Stauffer explained.

“This will be my third year with the team and having developed a new model throughout the 2012 season, I believe we are in the best possible position to win the championship in 2013.

“There are many elements that come together to make a championship and we tick all the boxes going into 2013. I’m really looking forward to it!”

Team Honda Racing’s team principle Paul Free echoed Stauffer’s comments.

“We enter the 2013 race season with a CBR1000RR that is a proven winner, riders that are familiar with the team and the brand, and indeed the strongest team of people I have ever had,” Free said. “Our team of staff remains unchanged going into 2013 which I am really happy about – I feel it is so important to maintain consistency in this area.

“In the season just finished, we won 12 of the last 14 starts and have developed the motorcycle to a point where we start the 2013 season with great strength. I am extremely pleased that Jamie is continuing with Team Honda Racing as I believe he is going to have a very strong season.

“Moving Josh onto the Superbike is exciting for everyone in the team, not just Josh. He raced so well in 2012 and shows terrific promise as a rider. We are all looking forward to his development as a rider in the premier class.”

Tony Hinton from Honda Australia predicts a positive year ahead for Team Honda Racing and is delighted by the two riders re-signing to race onboard the Honda CBR1000RR in 2013.

“Honda is very pleased to welcome both Jamie and Josh back to race in the Superbike category in 2013 for Team Honda Racing,” Hinton explained. “We anticipate a very positive year ahead for Jamie who is in a very good position to challenge for the Superbike title.

“We are excited to watch Josh’s transition from the CBR600RR to the CBR1000RR and have every faith that he will put in 100 percent and develop well on the Superbike. We look forward to watching them in action in 2013.”