Image: Andrew Gosling.

Victorian Ryan Taylor will compete as a wildcard in Phillip Island’s opening round of the 2014 Supersport World Championship next month.

The 26-year-old Yamaha privateer, who has been part of the Australian Supersport stable for a number of seasons and finished a career-best fourth last year, will look to benefit from home track knowledge as he targets a top 15 finish.

“I’m super excited to line up on the grid at the island at the end of February,” Taylor commented. “To be able to go and mix it up with the world’s best on a track I know so well is going to be the biggest buzz.

“I know it’s not going to be an easy task, but I will give it a red hot go that’s for sure!”

Taylor is no stranger to international racing as he competed in the Superstock 600 FIM Cup championship in 2007 with the Lightspeed-Kawasaki team.

Respected suspension technician Stewart Winton from SW Racing has put together a team and named it Oz Wildcard Racing.

“For now we are focused on running a wildcard for Ryan,” said Winton. “But we’re also building a team for the future, so we can help out younger riders compete as a wildcard and show their talent on a world stage.

“Australia has always produced great riders in world superbikes and supersport such as Troy Corser, Troy Bayliss, Andrew Pitt and Chris Vermrulen. So with a bit of help and support, this will provide a great opportunity to hopefully get more Aussie riders overseas racing at a world level.”

Joining Taylor on the grid from Australia in a guest appearance will be Matt Davies, as well as British-based Triumph rider Billy McConnell.

The opening round of the eni FIM Superbike World Championship will take place on 21-23 of February at Phillip Island.