In announcing the signing, Chris Walton, dealer principal of RedWing said, “When we initially approached Jay at the Australian Grand Prix last year he tentatively accepted the offer, with the proviso that he could first explore the overseas (Spain) offers he had been considering. Fortunately for us (RedWing Honda), these plans did not come to fruition and further discussions took place earlier this year... the deal with Jay was settled.’

Chris Walton added, “To have someone with Jay’s experience and talent join the team is a bonus and well worth the slight delay we had in gaining his signature. Not only is he an Australian two-time champion on the 125, but holds the lap records for that class at most Australian tracks.”

“We’ve no concern about him stepping up to the Fireblade Superbike after watching him ride last year in the Formula Xtreme and 600 Supersports, and be competitive, gives us great confidence in Jay’s ability as he steps onto the Honda this year.”

As there is no further challenge for Jay in the 125 class he will not defend his title this year, instead, Jay Taylor is looking forward to campaigning Superbikes on a permanent basis. “After contesting the Formula Xtreme series last year and becoming a little frustrated at not being able to catch the quick guys... getting an opportunity to have the bike to now run with them is a godsend”, said Jay.

“I really believe the new 2002 Fireblade with the extra horsepower will be ‘the package’ in both Australian Superbike Championship and Formula Xtreme.” Jay added that, “The title chase in both could easily end up a battle between me and Brookesy. Unfortunately, the only problem we have at the moment is the bikes are delayed in shipping and won’t be available till after the World Superbike round at Phillip Island. We may even struggle to be ready for the opening Formula Xtreme round, but I’ll possibly ride last year’s bike and am quietly confident I can make my presence felt on that.”

Jay will replace Alex Gobert, who rode for the RedWing Team last year and who is now pursuing a racing career in America along with his two brothers Anthony and Aaron.

Jay Taylor Profile

The city of Bathurst, 207 kms, west of Sydney has long been regarded as the “Cradle of Australian motorsport”, within sight of the city centre lies Australia’s famous motor racing circuit - Mount Panorama. Over the years there have been a select few who were born in the shadow of the mountain and who have gone on to achieve fame in motorsport, but none have shown as much potential and drive as that of motorcycle racer Jay Taylor.

Ironically motorcycle racing played an important part in creating the reputation that Mount Panorama now enjoys, yet the halcyon days were well and truly over by the time Jay was old enough to enjoy the spectacle. Jay has grown to appreciate the “Mountain” by witnessing the demands placed on cars and drivers in the annual endurance races held at Bathurst.

From the first time he rode a bike at age seven the foundation for this goal to conquer the mountain was set. Technically Jay’s first official competitive event at age 14 was at Mount Panorama - albeit in the camping ground on top of the mountain around a Motorcross circuit run by the Bathurst Motorcycle Club. For the many people who have witnessed competition at Mount Panorama the mountain possesses an infectious spirit that once “tainted by” never leaves.

Profile:
Name: Jay Robert Taylor
Date Of Birth: December 17, 1979 (22)
Birthplace: Bathurst NSW
Residence: 250 Stewart Street,
Bathurst NSW 2795.
Contact: Taylor Racing
Marital Status: Single
Height: 171cm
Weight: 56.5 Kg