WSB Miller: Jamie Hacking to replace Makato Tamada

American Superbike front runner Jamie Hacking has been confirmed as the replacement for the injured Makato Tamada in the factory Kawasaki team for the American round of the series next weekend (29 to 31 May).

Hacking currently leads the Daytona Sportbike class riding the Attack Kawasaki ZX-6R. Last year at the Miller Motorsports track the British born 37 year old was impressive riding in AMA Superbike on a ZX-10R securing two second place podiums.

At last weeks WSB round in Kyalami South African Sheridan Morais impressed onboard the Paul Bird run Kawasaki. Riding as a replacement for Tamada, Morais raised his game dramatically to secure a best result of 11th ahead of regular rider Broc Parkes.

Hacking will have to get used to the bike and Pirelli tyres but has good knowledge of the long Miller Motorsports circuit. Friend and former rival Ben Spies rates Hacking as one of the top Superbike riders around and told MCN earlier in the year that if Hacking came to WSB on the right bike he would be capable of running in the top five.

He said: “I rode World Superbikes back when I first started racing at Laguna Seca. Obviously a lot has changed and I have more experience. I can’t really say what a realistic expectation would be without riding the bike, but Miller does seem to suit my style. Last year, it was our best track on the ZX-10R and I hope that we can try for a top ten.”