Source: Supplied.

Australian R3 Cup champion Tom Edwards will join the World Supersport 300 grid in 2018 after signing a deal with the Benjan Kawasaki team.

The talented 16-year-old will pilot a new Kawasaki Ninja 400 in the series full-time next year following a guest ride at Jerez’s final round last month.

“I enjoyed the ride in the final round, the competition is very strong,” Edwards commented. “I am excited that the Benjan Kawasaki team has given me the opportunity and I can’t wait for next season. Racing in Europe has always been a dream and I’m very lucky to get the chance so soon!”

Edwards, who comes from a successful dirt track background, finished 19th on debut with the team at the Spanish round of WorldSSP300, which runs in conjunction with European rounds of the Superbike World Championship.