Mike Jones replaces Bayliss in ASBK
Young gun to mount Desmosport Ducati's title bid as Bayliss recovers from surgeryMike Jones has been recruited to help DesmoSport Ducati win the Australian Superbike Championship.
The 25-year-old Queenslander racer was a replacement rider for the injured Troy Bayliss at Wakefield Park and finished fourth for the round.
That led to an invitation from Bayliss and fellow team principal Ben Henry to take over Bayliss’s seat for the rest of the ASBK season.
Bayliss says having to sit out two rounds while recovering from surgery on breaks to fingers on both hands has killed his title chances and the team needs to concentrate on the rider who can win the championship.
“I want to win, and those who know me, know that I will do whatever it takes to ensure I can win. As a team owner, that means putting the best person on the bike for the season, and right now that's Mike,” Bayliss says.
“I know I can win races in the ASBK this year, but I don't believe I can win the title after missing two rounds against such a strong field of racers.”
That's not to say you won't see me line up on the grid again this year, but Mike is our title contender. I'm 100% behind him and believe that we have the team and equipment to win."
Henry says Bayliss will now focus on setting up the V4R Ducati while Jones concentrates on the title bid.
For Jones, the invitation means a welcome change of plans.
“Although I was planning to compete in the Spanish Superbike Championship this season, I’m very excited about this last-minute opportunity to be on-board with DesmoSport Ducati against one of the toughest fields of superbike racers in years”
Jones sits third in the standings, just 13 points behind series leader Cru Halliday after two of seven rounds.
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