Mark Aitchison to World Superstock in 2007!
Aitchison moves to World Superstock in 2007!
DECEMBER 5 2006
Yamaha Motor Australia’s commitment to nurturing two-wheel talent has seen a variety of riders grow with the champion manufacturer over the years, with privateers and factory riders both provided with the best possible chance to further their careers on a chosen path.
Twelve months ago, Yamaha privateer Mark Aitchison was welcomed with open arms to compete as part of the premier factory team after a stellar satellite ride for the manufacturer in 2005, and rode exceptionally well throughout the course of the 2006 season to become the Australian Supersport Championship runner-up.
Aitchison, with the support and encouragement of Yamaha Motor Australia, has today announced his intention to take the next step in his blossoming career and compete in the ten round 2007 World Superstock Championship with the Celani Italia Team .
He said his performance this year had provided him with the belief and strong motivation to forge a career overseas, and will take with him valuable racing and personal skills he has developed in a very competitive two years with Yamaha in Australia.
“Over the past two years I have absolutely loved riding for Yamaha Australia in the Supersport championship, as both a factory and privateer satellite rider I have received tremendous support which I am very grateful for,” said Aitchison. “Recently my motivation had shifted to racing competitively on an international scale, and an opportunity presented itself which I saw as a vital stepping stone to achieving these goals.”“I know I have the ability and determination to succeed at this level, and I hope to one day repay Yamaha for its vital role in my development with a world championship in the future.”“Once again I would like to thank everyone at Yamaha Motor Australia, Yamaha Racing Team and of course my fellow riders for whom I wish only the best.”
Yamaha Racing Team principal John Redding was full of praise for both Aitcheson’s ability and his bold overseas step. “Mark has tremendous determination and ability, and is one of the most focused riders you will ever meet,” said Redding.“His performance in the 2006 Australian Supersport Championship aboard the Yamaha YZF-R6 was nothing short of exceptional, and its fantastic to see him taking such a significant step in his career at a young age.”
Yamaha Motor Australia Motorsport Manager Cheryl Muldoon supported Aitchison’s decision to move to competition on a world stage, and speaking on behalf of the manufacturer, said she was pleased to have presented him with the opportunities which he made the most of in Australia.
“While it is sad to see him leave the team, we congratulate him on the move knowing that Yamaha has once again provided a gifted rider a platform to hone their skills and create such opportunities for themselves at an international level.”
As a result, the recently announced satellite support for Yamaha rider Jeremy Crowe will be elevated to full factory status for the 2007 season, with the talented youngster joining Jamie Stauffer and Jason O’Halloran at the factory Supersport operation.
