JUST three weeks ago, Taree’s Josh Hook was sidelined with no ride in place for the 2017 season. Now, he’s officially announced he will ride for McMartin Racing/Racers Edge Performance Ducati locally and TSR Honda internationally in 2017.
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Hook, 24, made a one-off appearance in the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) presented by Motul Pirelli at Wakefield Park and went 3-11 for sixth overall on a borrowed, previous generation Kawasaki.
That led to a test with McMartin Racing/Racers Edge Performance – which also works with impressive privateer Beau Beaton – aboard its Ducati Panigale 1199 R at Sydney Motorsport Park last Friday and he will complete the final five rounds.
“After a successful day testing the Craig McMartin Racing/Racers Edge Performance Ducati 1199 at Eastern Creek, I am stoked to announce I will be finishing the ASBK season off with Craig and the team on the Ducati, as well as my overseas commitments,” Hook revealed to cycleonline.
“This has all came about from my efforts and results from Wakefield Park a few weeks ago.
“The test was great, I got to grips with the Ducati 1199 a lot faster then I was expecting, after a few laps and minor adjustments I felt as comfortable as I ever had on a motorcycle. Super-happy with the progress we had made in such little time, laying down some great times straight off the bat. The capabilities of the Ducati is well beyond my expectations and I can’t wait to start work.”
In addition, Hook has also confirmed that he will travel to Europe this week as a reserve for TSR Honda at round two of the 2017 Endurance World Championship at the Le Mans 24 Hours in France next weekend, alongside Taree’s Damian Cudlin, Gregg Black and Arturo Tizon.
“I am honoured to have rejoined TSR once again for their World Endurance commitments,” Hook said. “I believe in TSR and I’m happy I have this opportunity. Together we have achieved great success with Suzuka 8 Hours and JSB, so it will be great to step back into the TSR family to push for another great result.”
Hook spent a full season with the factory-supported TSR Honda squad contesting the All Japan Superbike Championship in 2015, partnering Dominique Aegerter to finish second at the Suzuka 8 Hours that year in a result that put him on the map internationally.
However, he has been labouring for a builder locally this year while he sorted out his immediate future.
