Easton to replace injured Parkes

From the Kawasaki Superbike Racing Team

Stuart Easton will replace regular Paul Bird Motorsport Team rider Broc Parkes at this weekend's fourth round of the World Superbike Championship at Assen.

The 27-year-old Parkes was injured during testing at Snetterton earlier in the week, which has resulted in a shoulder injury. The Australian was due to have surgery on it Wednesday, which has left the team in need of a replacement rider on the official factory backed www.supercasino.com, Vent Axia and Kick Energy Ninja ZX-10R.

The 24-year-old Scot is the team's development and test rider and has done plenty of miles on the Kawasaki in recent months so is relishing the chance and team owner Paul Bird had no hesitation in giving him the nod to replace Parkes this weekend.

"I couldn't believe it when the call came in from Paul," said Easton who scored a sixth place finish at Monza for the SC Team three years ago in World Supersport. "I didn't need to be asked twice, that's for sure! It's a brilliant opportunity for me and I'm really looking forward to working with the team in a race environment rather than just testing."

Team owner Paul Bird said, "When it became apparent that Broc couldn't ride this weekend, I had no reservations about calling Stuart to deputize and he will be a more than able replacement this weekend. He knows the bike and works well with the team but there is absolutely no pressure on him at all."