JOSH Hook's effort in finishing second with the TSR Honda team in the famous Suzuka 8 Hour Endurance race in Japan last weekend could be career defining.
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That's the opinion of someone who should know - Taree's three time World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss.
Bayliss rang the Times especially to offer his thoughts on Taree's Hook, who is now based in Japan, where he's contesting the Japanese Road Championship.
"In terms of his future that would be the best result of his career,'' Bayliss said from his home on the Gold Coast.
"The whole world will know who Josh is now. People will be looking for him.
Hook is in his first year racing in Japan, although he made a cameo appearance there last year. In 2014 he gained a top 10 finish in the Australasian Superbike Championship despite missing one round through injury.
Bayliss pointed out he was up against some of the best riders in the world in the eight hour event.
"The team that beat them had two MotoGP riders and the current leader of the Japanese Superbikes,'' Bayliss noted.
Hook and Dominique Aegerter rode the eight hour race between them.
"They'd have been tired when it was over. It was hot and it's hard work,'' Bayliss said.
"It was a great ride by both of them.''
He said the eight hour is a massive event on the Japanese calendar.
He added Hook's performance will undoubtedly increase his profile, not only in Japan but throughout Asia and into Europe.
"He's a good bloke and he's still only 21,'' Bayliss said of Hook.
Bayliss confirmed that Hook will be a starter in the Bayliss Classic at the Old Bar Roadside Circuit next January, providing there are no unforeseen circumstances. Hook's contested the classic for the past two years. The pair trained together leading into last January's event.
Bayliss believes that Hook is good enough to race in a world championship.
"But he has to keep his head about him,'' he warned.
"He still has to have a good finish over there this year.''
If Hook manages to do this Bayliss is confident he'll be on the world stage more sooner than later.
"It might even happen next year,'' he said.
"But he has plenty of time on his side.''
Meanwhile Bayliss said he's on track to be a starter in the Australian championships to be held at Taree Motor Cycle Club's Old Bar Roadside Circuit on August 29/30.
He's had a bad run with injuries in the last few months, first breaking his leg while racing in America before fracturing his collarbone while practising at Old Bar with his son, Ollie.
"There's been a few dramas, but everything is sweet now. I'm back on the bike again and I'm looking forward to the Aussie titles in August,'' the 46-year-old said.
