This week’s announcement of Crankt Protein Honda Racing’s exit from the sport at the conclusion of 2017 has left a cloud of uncertainty for the future of Australian Superbike (ASBK) contender Bryan Staring.

The former multi-time Australian champion revealed he’s currently in talks with Honda for 2018, although with nothing yet confirmed, he understands that he’ll potentially be searching for a new job next season.

Staring, who’s coming off two DNF results at Morgan Park, acknowledged that strong finishes at the final two rounds of the series are important for his future, although he’ll maintain the same approach as he endeavours to top his season-best score of third overall in Darwin.

“I’m still in talks with Honda about what the program is going to be for 2018,” Staring told CycleOnline.com.au, as rumours swirl that the brand will continue with a factory-supported operation from next year following Motologic’s departure. “As far as what concerns me, nothing has been confirmed and that’s all I can probably say really.

“I’m potentially looking for a new job, then absolutely, these last couple of rounds are really important. To be honest, after a decade of racing at a reasonable level, every race you enter is the most important race of your life.

“Unless you’re in a position where you have some amount of security – I’ve never had that – every weekend you’re fighting for it really. I guess given that I haven’t had such a successful season to date, it probably puts a bit more emphasis on the last couple of rounds, but it’s my opinion that every race you do is the most important one of your life.”

The Western Australian sits seventh in the premier class standings as the ASBK championship visits Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend for the penultimate round of the series.