Image: Keith Muir.

Racers Edge Performance Craig McMartin Racing has announced Beau Beaton will return to the premier class of the Australasian Superbike Championship in 2016, riding the Ducati Panigale R with support from North Coast V-Twins.

After campaigning Formula Oz for much of last year, Beaton will make a welcome return to the Superbike category, alongside his Pro-Twins title defend on the thumping Irving Vincent 1600cc.

“I am so excited to announce this move to the Superbike class along with returning to defend the titles we won on the Vincent last season,” said Beaton. “I am under no illusion of how hard it will be and I am sure the racing will be extremely tough, especially with the return of riders like Robbie Bugden to the championship and Paul Byrne stepping up as well.

“I had some great races with him last year in Formula Oz, then you add in the rest of the Superbike class who last year took the spectacle to a new level and you begin to realise how tough it will be. Having Greg and Julie from Racers Edge involved again, Craig McMartin building the bikes and Steve Mudford fine tuning the setup I am confident that we have the package to win races.

“Ken and Barry have made massive steps forward in several areas with the Vincent and they are really pushing to ensure we retain the championships we won last year, they are fully focussed on going back to back in 2016.”

After a strong part-time season last year, team co-owner and multiple-time national champion McMartin could also return to racing as part of the privateer program to contest selected rounds of the 2016 FX-ASC season.