The Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team has announced young American rider Jake Gagne as its second rider for the US round of the championship at Laguna Seca.
Gagne fills the seat left vacant by the tragic passing of Nicky Hayden in May, with Stefan Bradl racing as Honda’s sole rider for the past two rounds at Donington and Misano.
The 24-year-old is currently competing in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship for the Genuine Broaster Chicken Honda team, which marks the Japanese manufacturer’s official return to the top level of American road racing this year.
Gagne has previously won the Red Bull Rookies Cup in 2010 and competed in the CEV Moto2 Championship in 2011.
He returned to America and won the Daytona SportBike Championship in 2014 and the MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Championship in 2015.
“For me this is a dream come true and a huge honour to get an opportunity to race in the World Superbike Championship with such a prestigious team,” said Gagne.
“This is a huge opportunity and I am going to do everything I can to do the best job possible and learn as much as I can.
“The loss of Nicky was very difficult for us all but I know he will be watching over us and I hope I can make him proud.
“Laguna Seca will always be a very special track for him and I’m honoured to get out there in front of our home crowd and show what I can do.”
At this stage, the announcement pertains only to the US round, which will take place on July 7-9.
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