Australian Supersport runner-up Josh Hook was the RK Chains Samurai Trophy for 2012.

Team Honda Racing factory rider Josh Hook has won the 2012 RK Chains Samurai Award for ‘Most Improved’ and ‘Outstanding Effort’ after a panel of 20 racing industry heads put together by Rapid Bikes voted in a silent vote.

This year there was no short list of riders, the industry personnel were asked to provide three names in order of preference, and Josh Hook won convincingly.

Hook started riding when he was a toddler and grew up on a farm in Taree on the NSW North Coast. First competing in 2007, Josh became a successful junior dirt track competitor before the transition to junior road racing in 2008.

In 2009 Josh competed in the Red Bull Rookies cup overseas before returning to Australia to win the 2011 Australian 125 GP Championship, securing a factory ride with Honda in ASBK Supersport for 2012.

In his first year on the 600 Josh finished an incredible second place in the championship, also finishing third in the Asia Dream Cup series. For 2013, Josh steps up to a Superbike riding for Team Honda Racing and is already showing speed in testing.

“I would like to thank Link International and Rapid Bikes for presenting me with the RK Chains Samurai Award,” Hook said. “Being added to the list of names that has won the award in the past is an honour and gives me great motivation for 2013. Thanks to my family and sponsors over the years and to Team Honda Racing.”

Jeff Ware, editor, Rapid Bikes magazine, “When a rider of Josh’s talent comes through the ranks as quickly as he has you can guarantee that rider will eventually make it to the top. Josh’s commitment and maturity as a rider has kept his results coming and after seeing him on the Superbike at Phillip Island recently he should put on a good show for fans in 2012.

“The RK Chains Samurai Award list of recipients is a ‘Who’s who?’ of road racing in Australia and Josh Hook deserves his spot on that list. A special thanks must got to Link International for continued support of up and coming young riders in Australia, with both a high commitment of sponsorship and with this prestigious annual trophy.”

RK Chains Samurai Award Roll of Honour:
2012 Josh Hook
2011 Mike Jones
2010 Troy Herfoss
2009 Not awarded
2008 Pat Medcalf
2007 Jason O’Halloran
2006 Jamie Stauffer
2005 Mark Aitchison
2004 Adam Fergusson
2003 Kevin Curtain
2002 Shannon Johnson
2001 Josh Brookes
2000 Craig Coxhell
1999 Broc Parkes
1998 Anthony West
1997 Martin Craggill
1996 Mark Willis
1995 Rip Crocker
1994 Anthony Gobert
1993 Troy Corser
1992 Michael O’Connor
1991 Mat Mladin
1990 Daryl Beattie
1989 Rene Bongers
1988 Mick Doohan
1987 Grant Hodson