Tom Toparis joins Josh Soderland in SBG Racing’s all-out assault on the new ASBK Supersport era aboard Yamaha’s R9, while team owner Paul Linkenbagh completes the three-rider assault on an R1 in Superbike.

The next era of ASBK Supersport is about to unfold in the upcoming summer championship with multiple class winner Tom Toparis joining SBG Racing as the team debuts Yamaha’s R9 in Australia.

Toparis joins Josh Soderland in the Next Gen championship while team owner Paul Linkenbagh will race Yamaha’s R1 in the Superbike class.

The announcement is the result of months of planning and development involving input from sources in Europe experienced in making the R9 so competitive in the WorldSSP class. This has been necessary because the R9 is unknown in Australia as a racing motorcycle.

Basically SBG Racing has set up a team that rivals a factory effort with the help of some key sponsors, including Tyrepower. Behind the three-rider attack is a sizeable crew comprising Wayne Goldstraw, Gabe Cross, Rob Nelson, Jamie Stauffer, Glen Richards and Lachlan Nicholas, all of whom have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get the ambitious R9 project ready for its racing debut.

The Toparis signing hints at how competitive the operation could be, but getting two completely new R9s onto the ASBK grid has required a significant development effort from the entire SBG Racing crew. AMCN are looking forward to going behind the scenes with the team and the people who made it happen in an in-depth feature in an upcoming issue of the mag.

“Tom and Josh’s talent and experience, combined with the competitive package SBG Racing has provided, gives us every confidence that both riders will be fighting at the front,” said Linkenbagh.

“Three riders and a full attack for the season. We have high expectations, so let’s see how we go. Securing both Josh and Tom provides us with a complete, competitive package – one that we hope delivers strong results throughout the season.

“A huge thank you to Tyrepower, Yamaha, Pirelli, 4SR, Soderland Motorcycle Supplies and Smash Brand Group, along with everyone who supports SBG Racing behind the scenes.”

The first Superbike round is a support class at the Australian round of MotoGP on 23-25 October, with the full ASBK season starting at The Bend on 14-15 November.

The fact ASBK has introduced a new Teams Championship in the Superbike and Supersport classes gives another title for SBG Racing to aim at.