Source: Phillip Island Circuit.

Former national champions Glenn Allerton and Bryan Staring aim to expose their talents on the world stage this weekend when the opening round of the FIM Superbike World Championship commences at Phillip Island.

Allerton, 33, was a last-minute replacement rider for the injured Sylvain Barrier at BMW Motorrad Italian, salvaging Australia’s hopes of cheering on a hometown hero in the premier Superbike category.

It was a shock phone call on Tuesday morning when Allerton first learnt of his invitation to ride the EVO specification S 1000 RR, immediately flying into Melbourne from Sydney to secure the deal.

“It was about 6:00am in the morning and my phone kept vibrating, and my mrs said ‘are you going to get that phone or not’,” Allerton explained today at the official pre-season press conference.

“I kind of had the feeling it was going to be news that I could ride the BMW in the World Superbike races. I knew that Sylvain had a pelvic injury, which is unfortunate, but for me it’s going to be a good opportunity as it’s the same bike I’ve been riding for years.

“It’s a great team, very professional, and I know the track. If this rain hangs about I may be in with a chance to win it! I tested at Phillip Island last week on my local bike and set some great times, so I am confident of really pushing for EVO honours on Sunday.”

For Allerton’s former fierce competitor in the domestic ranks, Staring, things have also been happening in a hurry, with his full-time ride in the 2014 World Supersport berth only locked in recently. But it’s one that’s given him a racing lifeline after he was cut from the MotoGP ranks after just one season.

“The ride with Rivamoto was certainly last minute,” Staring said. “Team manager Jeremy McWilliams only contacted me a few weeks ago. The transition back to a Supersport machine from MotoGP has been really good, and I’m really enjoying the experience.

“But it certainly has been a challenge to get back on a 600, and there are a few little tricks to make a good lap time out of it. But I’m getting back into the groove and just happy to be on a bike again.”

Allerton won the coveted Australian Superbike Championship in 2008 and 2011, while Staring won it in his first attempt back in 2010. Staring also holds Supersport and 125cc Grand Prix titles to his credit.

Staring will be joined by two countrymen in Sunday’s 18-lap WSS race, Triumph rider Billy McConnell and Ryan Taylor (Yamaha).

This is the 24th year that Phillip Island has hosted WSBK racing, and during that time 23 races have been won by Australians, and 22 by internationals. However, Australia’s last success was in 2008 when Troy Bayliss won both races.

Practice and qualifying for the world championship classes begins on Friday, followed by final qualifying on Saturday, and racing on Sunday.