Image: Brian Dyer.

Two-time Australian Supersport Champion Daniel Falzon will step up to the Superbike category with Jon Daniels Racing in 2015, campaigning a Yamaha YZF-R1 in the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) and other selected events.

The South Australian will focus on the ASBK series alongside selected rounds of the Australasian Superbike Championship (ASC) and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix support races at Phillip Island.

“I’m very excited to be racing the 2015 R1,” Falzon said. “I think it’s time to move up and I am looking forward to the challenge. The team is looking to expand and that’s going to take a lot more effort, so it’s not all about me this year or a championship.

“At this stage our budget prevents us from running a spare bike, so we’ll just have to take the year round by round. Either way, I will gain experience in the Superbike class and at some new tracks.”

JD Racing has confirmed plans to expand to a three-rider outfit this season, fielding up to two riders in the Supersport ranks on Falzon’s 2013 and 2014 title-winning R6s. Riders are due to be announced in the coming weeks.

“We know as a team we can develop a new rider to a competitive level in the 600cc class,” said team engineer Jon Falzon. “Daniel’s time on the R6 has given us huge amounts of data, which will be a useful tool in developing a new rider in addition to our knowledge of the R6 machine and Supersport class.”

JD Racing has also announced the ongoing and expanding support of major partner, Caterpillar, EPSA and has welcomed Caterpillar dealer William Adams to the team. Mainline Dynolog Dynamometers will also continue their support alongside YRD and major product suppliers Shark, Berik and Ipone.