The U.S. will potentially have a rider in all three WorldSBK classes in 2017, with MotoAmerica RC Cup rider Ashton Yates set to join veteran Nicky Hayden and PJ Jacobsen in Europe next year.
Yates has been listed on the provisional starting grid for Team Toth in the World Supersport 300 class, riding a Yamaha YZF-R3 against a host of KTM RC390, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Honda CBR500R machines.
Should Yates’ provisional space on the grid indeed become permanent, it will be his first world championship experience, following in the footsetps of famous father Aaron, who enjoyed a long and successful career in the U.S. as well as racing in the World Superbike Championship.
Nicky Hayden will line up for his second year in the premier World Superbike Championship on the factory Ten Kate Honda team. And he will have a brand new machine at his disposal—the first new CBR1000RR since 2008—as he attempts to become the first rider ever to clinch the MotoGP and World Superbike Championship crowns.
PJ Jacobsen will be back in World Supersport, however, the New York rider will switch from Ten Kate Honda to a new ride with the MV Agusta Reparto Corse F3 outfit.
