Image: Foremost Media.

MotoGo Yamaha has revealed its succession plan following Bryan Staring’s retirement, signing Jonathan Nahlous as his replacement on the team’s YZF-R1M in ASBK, alongside Will Nassif on an R6 in Supersport for 2025.

The Victorian-based dealer team has officially announced that it will field the new-look, youthful roster for the Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).

Nahlous, 18, currently leads the ASBK Supersport championship by 40 points with a single round remaining at The Bend next month, and will step up to the premier class next season.

“I can’t thank Patrick [Li] and the team at MotoGo enough for the opportunity to race a Superbike next year,” Nahlous said. “This season has already been amazing, I feel like I have grown so much as a rider, and it’s only made me hungry for more.

“I’d like to also thank my family, particularly my dad for helping so much in getting to this stage – now we have a special job to complete in Supersport at The Bend in a few weeks before getting ready ready for 2025. I’m so excited and can’t wait to race the Superbike!”

As for Nassif, the 16-year-old has been a standout in Supersport 300 this season – claiming a first ASBK level victory at Phillip Island last month – and he too is an exciting addition to MotoGo.

“Now seems like the perfect time to make the move to Supersport,” Nassif said. “I’ve only been road racing a short time, but ever since I watched my dad racing Superbikes when I was younger I’ve been fascinated by the speed!

“JJ and I are already great friends and training partners, we push each other hard, so I feel like the MotoGo team will be a great environment. I’ve been doing a lot of supermotard practice with the help of Damian Cudlin to prepare me for the R6, learning how to back the bike in and get the most out of a particular package. I can’t wait for 2025!”

MotoGo Yamaha team owner Patrick Li said: “Firstly I’d like to thank Bryan Staring for his contribution to the team over the last two years. His experience has enabled MotoGo Yamaha to grow and learn as we prepare for this next step forward.

“I’ve always been motivated to offer the chance to young riders to show their potential in the premier class of ASBK, and Jonathan has shown this year that he has the maturity and ability to succeed on a Superbike. We start something new with Will in Supersport, he caught my eye with his outstanding racecraft and we’re proud to be a part of their career progression.”