Alex Gobert’s Road Race Performance Academy supported rider Josh Hook has been accepted into the 2009 Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup after impressing in the official trials at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama on 5-7 October. In his first ever trip to the United States, 15-year-old Hook was quickly able to adapt to the undulating 3.82-kilometre (2.38-mile) circuit. The talented teenager reportedly went under the existing track record during the week, also impressing with his professional and friendly nature off track. Over 400 riders applied for the trials, with 115 riders invited to attend and 47 qualifying for the semi finals. Riding under the watchful eye of the judging panel, which featured Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup riders coach Kevin Schwantz, Red Bull MotoGP riders coach Gustl Auinger, Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup press officer Peter Clifford, and noted motorcycling instructor Danny Walker, Hook again impressed with his speed and personality. The end result will see Hook compete in America next season after being notified by 1993 500cc Grand Prix World Champion Schwantz in a phone call on 13 October that he had qualified for the series. “It was a great experience to ride with other kids from around the world,” said Hook, who is from Taree in New South Wales “” the same town as World Superbike hero Troy Bayliss. “The atmosphere at the trials was really good and I made a lot of new friends. “The track was awesome over there. Red Bull was so organised and serious about what they do “” I can’t wait to go over there and ride again,” he concluded. Hook will now concentrate on this weekend’s final round of the Australian 125 Grand Prix Championship, to be held at Eastern Creek Raceway, NSW, where he will be back aboard his Moriwaki Honda MD250H. He will then attend RRPA’s riding development day at Oran Park, NSW, on 20 October, undergoing further coaching with Gobert in preparation for his American assault in 2009. “We are very proud of Josh’s efforts in the USA and look forward to watching his progress,” commented Gobert. “I spent many years over there racing in the AMA and I’m sure Josh will love every minute of his time over there next year. He has a great future ahead.” RRPA will also hold events at Winton, Victoria, on 11 November and Broadford, Victoria, on 12 December to round out the year.