Reigning Junior Superstock Max Cook will be asking Father Christmas for some big boy’s pants after signing to partner Lee Jackson in the Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki Bennetts British Superbike team.

The move into the premier class is going to be a big step for the 19-year-old, who will become one of the youngest riders in the highly competitive series. However, the team has a proven pedigree in helping young riders take the next step in their career, proven with Rory Skinner in recent years.

“This is a dream come true for me. Firstly, I would like to thank Nigel and Darren for supporting me for six years and now, to finally be their rider is so surreal,” said Cook.

“Nigel has supported me throughout my years at Red Bull Rookies Cup, Moto3 Junior World Championship and most recently, winning the Junior Superstock 600 championship, so he knows what I can do on a bike.

Of course, this is a big step for me, but I feel like I am totally ready for the challenge and looking forward to showing people what I can do.

“To have Lee Jackson as my teammate is amazing. We all know he is very fast, and he is someone that I have always looked up to, so I can’t wait to soak up his knowledge. I have already had a taste for the Superbike in early October, and I’m very excited to give it the beans in a proper run out in winter testing.”

The team has created a comprehensive winter testing programme designed to help Cookl get to grips with the powerful Ninja ZX-10RR. Cook is also undertaking an extensive fitness programme over the off-season to ensure that he will be ready for the demands of Superbike racing when the season gets underway on April 7 at Silverstone.