Joe Rocket goes Down Under

From Team Suzuki

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, Craig Coxhell and Supersport rising star Josh Waters remaining with the factory squad.

Waters will be the first to race under the new Team Joe Rocket Suzuki banner next weekend, Feb. 3, 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.