Image: Alex Gobert.

Former Australian Supersport Champion Troy Herfoss’ comeback to national road racing will come in a factory role this month at Wakefield Park, revealed as Team Honda Racing’s replacement for injured regular Josh Hook.

Herfoss was originally slated to ride a privateer Honda CBR1000RR SP with limited support from Team Honda Racing, however he’ll now form part of the three-rider factory effort alongside Jamie Stauffer and Motul Honda rider Wayne Maxwell while Hook recovers.

Entry lists published today ahead of next weekend’s first Swann Insurance Australasian Superbike Championship (ASC) round of the season confirmed Herfoss’ anticipated draft into the Honda team (click here to view).

The deal comes as a major boost for Herfoss upon his return to racing, following a full season on the sidelines in 2013. He’s formed his own team for the new season, in a bid to attract the attention of Team Honda principal Paul Free for the future.

“”It’s going to be hard to fly under the radar now like I planned, but this is a perfect opportunity for me,” Herfoss told CycleOnline.com.au. “It definitely makes it easier being with a winning team, because all I really have to worry about now is riding the bike.

“I’m confident the SP will be a good bike and I’ve always been excited to work with Paul – it’s definitely where I’d like to be in the future. This is a step toward getting there, but it’s just unfortunate for it to come with Josh’s injuries.

“Hopefully I can do a good job for the team, build a relationship with them and then see what I can do on my own bike later in the year. This is a huge head-start to work with them this weekend.”

Hook’s absence is due to a crushing crash at the Phillip Island Championship opener, which saw him sustain multiple injuries (click here for details) just one day following a breakthrough superbike victory.

Herfoss has been training aboard a loaned Fireblade during recent months, setting an impressive ninth fastest time at Wakefield Park’s official Swann Series test last Tuesday (click here for complete report).

Prior to his time out, Herfoss won the national supersport title in 2010, finished third in the Australian Superbike Championship in 2011 and spent a season in Europe between the German-based IDM and British Superbike series.

Team Honda Racing will contest a club event at the venue with Maxwell, Stauffer and Herfoss this Sunday in preparation for the ASC opening round on 14-16 March.