Queensland’s Mitchell Paynter will transition to the Superbike category in the 2014 Australian Superbike and Australasian Superbike Championships.

Following a season in FX600 last year, Paynter will pilot a Crazy Dogs Kawasaki ZX-10R alongside close friend Mike Jones in a youthful combination.

“I really appreciate the support from Richard and Rebecca from Crazy Dogs Kawasaki and will strive to do my best in what will be my first year in the superbike field,” Paynter said. “It’s going to be a challenge to step up to the much more powerful machine of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

“I believe I will be able use the skill set and knowledge that I have learned from the 600 racing and use this to help me become a competitive superbike rider over time. I cannot wait to begin testing and I’m very excited for 2014.”

Paynter’s national debut aboard the Kawasaki will come at the ASC opener, scheduled for Wakefield Park on 14-16 March.