Teenager Mike Jones will head to Europe for Racedays Honda in 2013. Image: Keith Muir.

Australian Mike Jones has been announced as our next international, inking a deal with Racedays Honda for the 2013 Superstock 600 FIM Cup Championship in Europe.

Jones will join Austria’s Lukas Wimmer in the Racedays Honda squad for their assault on the series, which runs alongside World Superbike events.

Jones, 18, is the 2011 Australian Superstock 600 and 2012 FX-600 National Champion and has already shown his speed in two wildcard European Superstock 600 rides this season.

“We’re very pleased to announce this team line-up and also our new association in Superstock 600 with Honda Racing and RT Racing Support,” said Gerry Bryce, team manager Racedays Honda. “Mike showed great pace on his Nurburgring wildcard debut and I have followed his racing closely since then.

“It will be a tough challenge to learn the new circuits, but we believe he will have the speed to challenge for race wins straight away. Both riders are looking forward to trying out the new 2013 Honda CBR600RR when testing starts in February.”

Jones departs Australia after a single season as part of Yamaha Racing Team in the FX-600 series.

“Yamaha Motor Australia and the Yamaha Racing with Yamalube Team, including its sponsors, staff and personnel, have provided me with a great opportunity to compete during my third season aboard a Yamaha R6,” Jones commented.

“After claiming the 2011 Australian Superstock 600 Championship as a YRD supported rider, I moved to the factory team for 2012. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with a highly professional team and racing an outstandingly competitive motorcycle.

“My personal sponsors have assisted by offering financial support along with their products and services for me to use. The companies who have supported me include Yamaha, YRD, Draggin Jeans, RIAA, A1 Race Paint, Shark, Ixon, Arlen Ness, Mototrack, Motopix, RaceArt, Mick’s Fix Leather Repairs, Racers Edge, Techspec, California Superbike School, Tampico Tools, and Ethos Orthodontics.

“Additionally, a few individual people have contributed similarly and these people include Tony Bentall, Nick Hull, David Holmes, Greg Watson, Jim and Jan Jenkins, and the Spriggs and Wagner families.

“My family, friends and fans have encouraged me and believed in my future potential which assists in my determination to be the world’s best.”