Image: Russell Colvin.

Landbridge Racing will enter Mitch Levy in Phillip Island’s opening round of the 2016 World Supersport Championship when it commences in Victoria on 26-28 February.

Levy, 21, will make his world championship debut with the backing of Landbridge Transport CEO Sam Costanzo, confident of a strong showing on race weekend in the Australian round.

“All the riders out there are going to be super-fast, that’s for sure,” said Levy, who finished fourth overall in last year’s Phillip Island Supersport Championship, which runs in conjunction alongside the World Superbikes and the MotoGP support events.

“On top of that, I do realise all the other bikes are going to be on point and on the pace. However, I know Sam from Landbridge Racing is going to be supplying me with a really good package to be able to get the job done. I believe we will do quite well. I just have to ride the best that I possibly can and bring the bike home in one piece.”

Levy has set himself a target of finishing inside the top 10 during the race, which would be a major accomplishment amongst the world’s top Supersport class competition.

“I know the Yamaha R6 that I’ll be on will be good enough to do the job,” explained Levy. “I’m hoping for a top 10 finish and I believe it’s achievable. I have high expectations for myself and, as I said, I know I’m going to have the equipment and team to do it.”

Costanzo will oversee the operation, while Levy’s regular crew member Daryl Higgins, who has been on the tools with Levy since 2012, will be right behind him alongside Mark and Thomas Bryden. Adrian Monti will look after the data-logging on the bike, while Mitch’s father Keith will be overseeing the use of the Pirelli tyres.

Three-time Australian Superbike Champion Glenn Allerton from GASD (Glenn Allerton Suspension Developments) will bring his experience to the team with his suspension knowledge forming a formidable partnership with the team.

The Landbridge Racing team completed their first test of the year in early January at Phillip Island on his spare bike, which was just for Levy to get a feel for the bike and the suspension sorted.

However the team will run different suspension in the actual race, which will mean the official FIM World Supersport two-day test on the Monday and Tuesday at Phillip Island leading up to the opening round will be crucial to finding the right race package.