Josh Waters will line-up alongside James Ellison at Milwaukee Yamaha in 2013. Image: Impact Images.

Shaun Muir Racing (SMR) has announced that reigning Australian Superbike Champion Josh Waters will ride a Milwaukee-backed Yamaha YZF-R1 in the 2013 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship.

SMR is ready to challenge for a second MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship title after announcing their 2013 line up of James Ellison and Waters on board the newly-unveiled Milwaukee Yamahas.

Waters is set to make his debut in the British championship after securing his second Australian title this season. The 25-year-old first experienced the series with a visit to the Silverstone round of the championship this year as a spectator and is now determined to secure a Showdown position in his maiden season.

“I am really happy and I still can’t believe I have been given this opportunity,” Waters said. “I visited the Silverstone round this year and the championship was a big surprise to me as it is much bigger than I was expecting. I won my second Superbike title in Australia this year and I feel like that I have accomplished that goal and now I am ready for a new challenge.

“I am a realist and know that I am going to have to work hard at it this season but this is a huge step in the right direction for me, especially to work with a championship-winning team. I am hoping that the Showdown format will work in my favour as it gives me a chance to learn some of the tracks and I want to be in the top six.

“I can’t wait to get started and hopefully we can do enough to be there when it counts. I want to be successful in the championship and I am dedicated to succeeding with the Milwaukee Yamaha team.”

The team also revealed their new livery to race fans after announcing a new title partnership with Milwaukee Tool Corporation. Milwaukee is an industry-leading manufacturer and marketer of heavy-duty, portable electric power tools and accessories.

“Everyone at SMR have been working tirelessly since the end of last season to ensure that we return in the strongest possible position in 2013,” Shaun Muir said. “We want to win back the BSB title and with the combination of James and Josh, plus an exciting new title partner with Milwaukee, I believe we have the foundations to return refreshed and ready to come out fighting.

“It is fantastic to have James back in the team as we know that he is a proven title contender with lots of experience. I am also pleased to welcome Josh for his debut season in the championship – he is a young, fast and upcoming Australian rider who will bring a new dynamic to the team.

“I want to thank everyone involved with the Milwaukee Yamaha team and now we begin to look ahead to our testing programme to ensure we are ready for the opening round of the season at Brands Hatch.”