Ryan Taylor scores Supersport wildcard for 2014 PI SBK

No stranger to international racing, Taylor competed for the Lightspeed Kawasaki team in the Superstock 600 European championship in 2007, but has struggled to score an international ride since.

For the past few years, the 26-year-old, from Garfield in west Gippsland, has been slogging it out in the Australian Supersport Championship, finishing fourth in the series last year. Taylor also competed in Victoria's Supersport Championship last season, where he won the title to back up his winning the same championship in 2012.

Taylor told worldsbk.com "I'm super excited to line up on the grid at the island at the end of February. To be able to go and mix it up with the world's best on a track I know so well is going to be the biggest buzz. I know it's not going to be an easy task, but will give it a red hot go that's for sure!

"Without all the great support from sponsors that include, Landbridge Transport, Maxima Racing Oils, RTR Racing, Arden Homes, T.T. Motorcycles, Gas Imports, SHOEI, SIDI, MUPO, Mototrack accessories, and SW Racing this could not be possible. So I can't thank them enough for this fantastic opportunity!"

Taylor will ride a Yamaha R6 and is hoping to score a top 15 finish in the race.

Respected suspension technician Stewart Winton from SW Racing has put together a team and named it Oz Wildcard Racing.

"For now we are focused on doing a wildcard for Ryan this year" said Winton. "But were also building a team for the future, so we can help out younger riders compete as a wildcard and show their talent on a world stage.

"Australia has always produced great riders in World Superbikes and World Supersport Championship such as Troy Corser, Troy Bayliss, Andrew Pitt and Chris Vermrulen. So with a bit of help and support this is a great opportunity to hopefully get more Aussie riders overseas racing at a world level."

The opening round of the eni FIM Superbike World Championship runs from 21-23 of February at Phillip Island. For ticketing, schedule and further details, go to www.worldsbk.com.au.

Credit: Russell Colvin