Former British youth motocross champion Kieran Clarke will race in the British Superbike Championship.
Clarke will race a factory-prepared Yamaha R1, as ridden by Gary Mason and the late Steve Hislop last year, in a team run by dealer team Colin Appleyard.
Clarke, who was third overall in the highly competitive R6 Cup series last season, impressed Virgin Yamaha team boss Rob McElnea who was instrumental in the rider being selected for the satellite team.
Clarke said: "It is a big step up for me, but a move in the right direction."
Appleyard added: "Kieran fits the mould perfectly as the type of rider we are focusing on. He is undoubtedly talented, but, as importantly, he has proved to be a real hard charger and learns very quickly."
Next week Daily Echo motorsport focuses on James Hillier, Hampshire's big hope for the R6 Cup in 2004.
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