Wagner to Replace Stauffer for ASC Opener in Sydney
23rd March 2015 – Team Honda Racing can confirm that Queenslander, Aiden Wagner will replace the injured #27 Jamie Stauffer at the season opener of the Australasian Superbike Championship.
Stauffer sustained a gut-wrenching pelvic injury at the World Superbike event in February and although his recovery after surgery has been strong, clearance to race cannot be provided due to ongoing treatment of a blood clot. 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 1. 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.