From a press release issued by Team Suzuki Press Office:
Suzuki Australia has announced a new partnership with Joe Rocket, which will see the manufacturer’s Australian Superbike outfit known as Team Joe Rocket Suzuki.
As part of an ongoing relationship with Mat Mladin Imports, the popular clothing company takes over naming rights sponsorship of the five-time Australian championship-winning team.
Yoshimura branding will continue to feature prominently on motorcycles, rider apparel and leathers, while Mack Trucks also joins the team as a partner.
“Suzuki is very excited about the new road racing season and our new partnerships with Joe Rocket and Mack Trucks; it’s great to have them on board,” said Perry Morison, General Manager, Motorcycles, Suzuki Australia.
“The new GSX-R1000 was a star performer last year, and with a season of development under its belt we’re looking to own the racetrack in 2008.”
Team Joe Rocket Suzuki will field an unchanged rider line-up in the upcoming season with former Australian Superbike Champions Shawn Giles (pictured), Craig Coxhell and Supersport rising star Josh Waters remaining with the factory squad.
2008 will be Giles’ 10th consecutive year with Suzuki as he looks for a record fourth crown, while Coxhell is keen to go one better than his second-place finish in last year’s championship.
“We’re very pleased to have rider continuity,” Team Joe Rocket Suzuki manager Phil Tainton said.
“Shawn and Craig were integral in developing the new GSX-R1000, which achieved some fantastic results last year and has given us a great platform to build on in 2008.
“Josh had a strong first year with the team in 2007; he settled in really well and finished third in the championship and we can’t wait to get his new 2008 GSX-R600 on the track.”
Waters will be the first to race under the new Team Joe Rocket Suzuki banner next weekend, February 3rd, in a non-championship Supersport event at Eastern Creek supporting the A1 Grand Prix motor-racing event.
All three riders will head to Phillip Island next month as part of the circuit’s World Superbike round before the Australian Superbike and Supersport Championships kick off a fortnight later at Eastern Creek.