Source: Supplied.

Reigning Australasian Supersport Champion Callum Spriggs will switch to Kawasaki’s ZX-6R in 2016 as part of the Cube Racing team alongside Ninja Cup graduate Robbie Menzies.

The move will see longtime Yamaha Racing Development rider Spiggs form a close alliance with the newly-formed DesmoSport Ducati team of Troy Bayliss and Cube Racing owner Ben Henry.

“I can’t thank the entire Yamaha team enough, especially Ian Irving and John Redding from Yamaha Racing Development (YRD) for their support throughout my career to date in road racing,” Spriggs explained. “We achieved some fantastic results, obviously headlined by the win in both the AFX-SBK and ASC last year.

“Everyone at Yamaha, in particular Frank Pons and my mechanic, Matt Graham were always very supportive of me to help me achieve my best and that was fantastic. I’m really look forward to the new challenge on board the Kawasaki as I look to adapt my riding style and get settled in at my new team.”

The opportunity to join Cube Racing alongside Menzies persuaded Spriggs to remain in the Supersport ranks for another year after initially considering a transition to the premier Superbike category.

“Following the success of last year, I did have a few different options of what to race in 2016,” he continued. “While the obvious may have been to progress to Superbike, the opportunity to join with Cube Racing become the clear front-runner for many reasons.

“After my crash in Asia in 2015, I have mid-year surgery planned, which will require dedicated recuperation for some months, so remaining in Supersport will allow me to regroup and get my momentum back before attacking the premier class in following seasons.

“The opportunity to form part of the Cube Racing team was one that I couldn’t knock back. It provides so many benefits to myself and my riding. Competing in the Supersport category with my team mate, Robbie Menzies, will mean we are able to work together on data and bike development together to ensure we can deliver the best results possible.”

Spriggs will debut the ZX-6R in the Australian Supersport class at Phillip Island’s World Superbike Championship opener on 26-28 February. It’s not confirmed whether he will focus on the ASC or Australian Supersport Championship this season.