Twenty-year-old Australian Aiden Wagner will join Intermoto Ponyexpres Kawasaki World Supersport team alongside PJ Jacobsen and Lucas Mahias for the remainder of the season.
Wagner signed the dotted line to ride for the team two days ago and will head to Europe this Sunday to get ready for the next round of the championship at Imola.
The 2014 Swann Insurance Australasian Supersport Champion (ASC) recently filled in for Team Honda Racing’s Jamie Stauffer at the opening round of the Australasian Superbike Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park in March.
Wagner impressed everyone with his raw speed and ability in what was his first ever race weekend aboard a Superbike machine. He finished second on a count back to fellow Team Honda Racing’s Troy Herfoss in Saturday’s AFX-Superbike championship with a 1-3 result, while in Sunday’s ASC round Wagner finished second, just one point behind Herfoss.
"It was a difficult decision to go overseas with such an attractive offer in Australia with Honda,” said Wagner. “This year will be a learning curve for me overseas, as I haven’t ridden any of the tracks. I am a bit nervous about going, but on the other hand I’m really excited for the year ahead.”
At the opening round of the World Supersport Championship at Phillip Island, Wagner finished in thirteenth position as a wildcard rider and opened a few eyes around the paddock. Wagner was talking to a few people after the opening round. Wagner did make his way to round two at Thailand to keep looking around for a ride for the 2015 season.
“Andrew [Pitt] spoke to me and said he might have an opportunity for me to race,” explained Wagner. “After round two, we waited and eventually the deal came through.”
Pitt, the 2001 and 2008 World Supersport champion is the Sports Director of the squad which means he has a big say in bike setup.
“It’s going to be good to have an Aussie in the team, someone who you can trust in the team. It’s great as well that I am able to bring my mechanic Ali Reid who has worked with me since last year. It’s two people who I know and will make me feel more at home.”
