Source: Supplied.

Alex Phillis is the latest Australian to join the local roster at the opening round of the 2016 World Supersport Championship (WorldSSP) at Phillip Island on 26-28 February.

Phillis, 22, will ride an AARK Honda CBR600RR in the 21-lap race alongside Australian championship full-timers Glenn Scott, Aiden Wagner and Lachlan Epis, as well as local wildcards Anthony West, Kane Burns and Mitch Levy.

With the addition of Phillis, it’s now the largest Australian representation in a WorldSSP race at Phillip Island since way back in 2002 when the likes of Andrew Pitt, Chris Vermeulen and Kevin Curtain were in full-swing.

AARK Honda is owned and operated by longtime road racing-backer, Perth’s Andy Offer, who has been supporting young local talent since 2006. Offer has a workshop in Melbourne and another European base north of Barcelona. Both he and Phillis hope they can find the funds to run a full-season campaign.

“I was really surprised and appreciative when I got a call from Andy a few weeks ago,” Phillis explained. “It really came out of the blue. In 2015 I was lucky enough to get a wildcard at Phillip Island, but it was a real whirlwind after spending six months off a bike.

“This year I’m really a lot better prepared having competed in the New Zealand supersport title over the Australian summer. I’m really hoping that I can continue working with AARK and do a few of the European rounds this season, but that will depend on some extra financial backing.”

After the WorldSSP ride at Phillip Island last year, he was a multiple podium finisher in the Australian Supersport Championship, before being offered a ride in the final four rounds of the Superbike World Championship in Malaysia, France, Spain and Qatar. In Qatar he gained his first world championship points.

As well as the seven WorldSSP riders, four Australians will also compete in the two 22-lap WorldSBK races at Phillip Island – Josh Brookes, Josh Hook, Mike Jones and Jed Metcher.

Entry to the 2016 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship, Yamaha Finance round, Phillip Island will cost $115 for a three-day pass, $80 for a Sunday only pass, while kids 15 and under are free. On circuit camping is just $100 for four nights, with kids 15 and under free. Visit www.ticketek.com.au for tickets or www.worldsbk.com.au for info.