Former Moto2 World Champion Toni Elias will ride the remainder of the 2016 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship after coming to terms with Yoshimura Suzuki.
The deal will see the still injured Jake Lewis, whom Elias was originally substituting for and now replaces at Yoshimura Suzuki, move to the Team Hammer M4 Suzuki outfit in place of the retired Chris Ulrich, but his focus will now switch to the Superstock 1000 category.
Elias has been sensational in his American racing series debut so far, taking three straight wins to sit second in the series behind Yoshimura Suzuki teammate, Roger Hayden.
“I’m very happy for the opportunity to continue racing with Yoshimura Suzuki,” Elias said. “I’ve gotten to be good friends with everyone on the team and we work together very well. I’m also happy for Jake to be able to continue racing with Suzuki on the Team Hammer Suzuki. Jake was so kind to help me in any way he could as I filled in for him. I look forward to seeing him back on the track.”
In addition to joining Team Hammer Suzuki, Lewis’s contract with Suzuki has been extended through the 2017 season.
“This is a good move for me,” Lewis said. “Obviously it’s been a tough start to this season, but the steps Suzuki are taking work for me because I feel like I can run up front and challenge for wins in the Superstock class. For them to extend my contract was great. It’s nice to have a company like Suzuki showing faith in me and my future in the sport. I’m eager to finish my rehabilitation and come back to racing with Team Hammer Suzuki.”
