Hook to compete in 2009 Red Bull Rookies

Sixteen-year-old Australian Josh Hook seemingly has a lot going for him.

Not only does he hail from the same New South Wales precinct (Taree) as three-time world Superbike champion Troy Bayliss, but he's now been selected to compete in the 2009 Red Bull Rookies on the strength of a recommendation from American legend Kevin Schwantz.

With the US version of Red Bull Rookies cancelled for 2009, a good word from the 1993 world 500 GP champion has been enough to see Hook now join the European-based version of the series alongside countrymen Dylan Mavin and Arthur Sissis.

Three Americans will also join the expanded roster, where they will compete on identical KTM 125cc machines.

"To learn that I was selected to compete in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup was just unbelievable," said Hook. "I am really grateful and honored that the selection committee believed in my potential to be successful and I can't wait to get on the track at the first test in Estoril (Portugal)."

In 2008, Hook finished third in the Honda CBR150 junior title in Australia after a season-long battle with eventual winner Michael Jones and Ryan Dymond.

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup will feature eight races at six MotoGP race weekends - four single-race weekends and two double-headers.

For more information, click here.