SWINDON’S Max Cook is set for a crack at the top level of British Superbikes in 2023 after joining Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki for the upcoming season.

The reigning Junior Superstock champion will join Lee Jackson on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR Superbike in the premier class.

And at just 20 years old, Cook will be one of the youngest riders to ever compete in the highly-competitive series.

FS3 Racing’s Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki team has a proven track record in helping young riders take the next step in their career, evidenced by Rory Skinner’s step up to World Superbikes.

Cook is currently on a winter testing programme so he can get to grips with the powerful 1,000cc Ninja ZX-10RR.

Cook said: “This is a dream come true for me. Firstly, I would like to thank Nigel and Darren for supporting me for six years. And now, to finally be their rider is so surreal!

“Nigel has supported me throughout my years in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, the Moto Three Junior World Championship, and most recently, winning the Junior Superstock 600 championship, so he knows what I can do on a bike.

“Of course, this is a big step for me, but I feel like I am totally ready for the challenge and looking forward to showing people what I can do.

“To have Lee Jackson as my teammate is amazing. We all know he is very fast, and he is someone that I have always looked up to, so I can’t wait to soak up his knowledge.

“I have already had a taste for the superbike in early October, and I’m very excited to give it the beans in a proper run out in winter testing!”

Meanwhile, Nigel Snook, team manager of Cheshire Mouldings Kawasaki said: “We’ve been supporting Max for six years and have been really impressed with his progress.

“He served his apprenticeship when winning the BSB Moto Three championship in 2017, then progressing through the British Talent Cup, Red Bull Rookies and the Junior World Championship.

“His talent really shone through this year as he dominated the Junior Superstock Championship and made a very impressive Supersport debut at the final round at Brands Hatch.”

Cook’s season begins at the first official BSB test in Spain from March 11 before a second test at Donington Park, Derby on March 25.

The third and final test event takes place at Silverstone just days later, and round one starts at the same track from April 7-9.