Aiden Wagner on Team Honda Fireblade

Aiden Wagner to ride Team Honda Fireblade SP as Jamie Stauffer not ready to race

Queenslander Aiden Wagner is stepping up to the Superbike class at this weekend’s opening round of the Swann Australasian Superbike Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Wagner received the call-up today after Jamie Stauffer’s doctors recommended he stay on blood thinners to help clear the blood clot that developed as a complication of the broken pelvis he sustained during the World Superbike support races at Phillip Island.

Stauffer remains on medication to dissolve the clot and is looking to Round 2 at Mallala Raceway to make his return. “I am really disappointed to have to sit Round 1 out, but there’s no playing around with a blood clot. My injury is healing very well and I see no reason why I would not be ready to race at Round 2.

“The whole thing has really given me a huge incentive to build my strength and fitness so that is where I am at the moment, focusing on coming back to the team in the best shape possible and continuing that program throughout the season. I don’t bounce quite like I used to!”

Aiden Wagner is pumped about the idea of filling Stauffer’s vacant seat for the ASC opener. “I am really excited to race with Team Honda Racing this weekend on-board the CBR1000RR SP. It is a great opportunity for me to work with one of the most professional teams in Australia in the Superbike category.

“I will have to find my feet a little on the Superbike as I haven’t done much riding on a 1000cc bike to date, but I am totally up for the challenge and looking forward to the experience. Jamie is going to be there all weekend so I am sure he will be able to give me some tips and support me through the process.”

Team Principal, Paul Free made the decision just this week to replace Stauffer for Round 1 and is confident that Stauffer will be fit and ready come Round 2 at Mallala Raceway in May. “It is very disappointing for both Jamie and the team that he can’t start the season off strongly, but his health is by far the most important thing and by missing this round we know he will be 100% for Round 2.

“A blood clot isn’t something to be taken lightly and if his specialists are suggesting he stay on blood thinners for a set period we must respect their decision, but overall, Jamie is making a fantastic recovery from what was a nasty crash at Phillip Island. I know Jamie well and you can rest assured he will come out very strong at Mallala after having to sit on the sidelines this weekend.

“We are really pleased to have Aiden on the team for round one. He is an extremely capable motorcycle racer as we saw from his results last year on the 600. I know the whole team will get behind him this weekend and support him through his first event on a Superbike. It will be a tough weekend for him as he has so much to learn, but I have a feeling Aiden has the tenacity to get the best out of this opportunity.”

Check out the MCNews.com.au pre-season Swann Australasian Superbike Form Guide to see how the competition is shaping up for this weekend’s season opener at Sydney Motorsports Park.