Source: Team Honda Racing.

Team Honda Racing has announced that Jamie Stauffer will be replaced by Aiden Wagner at Sydney Motorsport Park’s opening round of the 2015 Australasian Superbike Championship.

Stauffer will sit out round one as he continues to recover from a broken pelvis and is undergoing treatment of a blood clot as a result of the injury.

“I am really disappointed to have to sit round one out, but there’s no playing around with a blood clot,” Stauffer explained. “My injury is healing very well and I see no reason why I would not be ready to race at round two.

“The whole thing has really given me a huge incentive to build my strength and fitness so that is where I am at the moment, focusing on coming back to the team in the best shape possible and continuing that program throughout the season. I don’t bounce quite like I used to!”

Instead, fresh from a glowing peformance in Phillip Island’s World Supersport opener last month, Queensland talent Wagner, 20, will take over Stauffer’s CBR1000RR SP in Sydney for his Superbike debut.

“I am really excited to race with Team Honda Racing this weekend on board the CBR1000RR SP,” Wagner commented. “It is a great opportunity for me to work with one of the most professional teams in Australia in the Superbike category.

“I will have to find my feet a little on the Superbike as I haven’t done much riding on a 1000cc bike to date, but I am totally up for the challenge and looking forward to the experience.

“Jamie is going to be there all weekend so I am sure he will be able to give me some tips and support me through the process.”

Team principal Paul Free made the decision just this week to replace Stauffer for round one, but remains confident that Stauffer will be fit for Mallala Raceway in May.

“It is very disappointing for both Jamie and the team that he can’t start the season off strongly, but his health is by far the most important thing and by missing this round we know he will be 100 percent for round two,” Free said.

“A blood clot isn’t something to be taken lightly and if his specialists are suggesting he stay on blood thinners for a set period we must respect their decision, but overall, Jamie is making a fantastic recovery from what was a nasty crash at Phillip Island.

“I know Jamie well and you can rest assured he will come out very strong at Mallala after having to sit on the sidelines this weekend.

“We are really pleased to have Aiden on the team for round one – he is an extremely capable motorcycle racer, as we saw from his results last year on the 600.

“I know the whole team will get behind him this weekend and support him through his first event on a Superbike. It will be a tough weekend for him as he has so much to learn, but I have a feeling Aiden has the tenacity to get the best out of this opportunity.”

Alongside the official Team Honda Racing entries, Queensland privateer Linden Magee will also receive support from Honda in fielding a CBR1000RR SP this season.