Image: Russell Colvin.

Australian pairing Sam Clarke and Brayden Elliott will team up at CF Motorsport in the British Supersport and Superstock 1000 categories for 2017, it was announced overnight.

Clarke, who finished runner-up in the Australian Supersport Championship this year, will ride Supersport aboard a YZF-R6, while Elliott will ride a YZF-R1 in the Superstock 1000 ranks.

“I would like to thank my sponsor and current Team Banhams WA from Australia for providing the opportunity to fulfil my dream of riding in the British Superbike Championship for a leading team, CF Motorsport in the Supersport class,” Clarke said.

“I would also like to thank all the people that have assisted in my journey so far within the sport as without their help this would not be possible. I’m looking forward to a successful future in British championship.”

After winning the 2015 Australian Supersport title, Elliott stepped up to the Superbike class this season and finished sixth in the standings. He also gained limited experience competing in MotoAmerica during the year.

Image: Russell Colvin.

“I am extremely excited to officially announce my 2017 racing plans and partnership with CF Motorsport in the 2017 Superstock championship on board a Yamaha R1,” Elliott said. “I’m very proud to have the opportunity to partner with the highly professional and experienced CF Motorsport team.

“It will certainly be a huge change moving to England after spending my life racing in Australia although a challenge I am highly looking forward too. After a successful rookie season in the Australian Superbike Championship, I feel I am ready to make the move into one of the toughest championships in the world. This is certainly a decision I have put an enormous amount of thought and consideration into and with the opportunity to join CF Motorsport I am confident I can give 100 percent best efforts.”

Team owner Craig Fitzpatrick commented: “Myself and the team are pleased to announce both Sam and Brayden on board for 2017 and I respect what a massive decision these two have had to make to come over to race in the British championship. We are now working on plans for a Spanish pre-season test with both Sam and Brayden to get them comfortable on the bikes and get them ready for what looks to be and exciting season.”