Coming off the news that Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda Racing) will contest Phillip Island’s opening round of the FIM Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) as wildcard, it’s now been confirmed Tom Toparis has been granted a wildcard opportunity in the WorldSSP division.

Toparis made a wildcard entry at Phillip Island’s WorldSBK last year, charging to 15th while on debut in the world championship with Cube Racing, however this year the youthful talent will pilot a Landbridge Transport-backed Yamaha YZF-R6.

“I’ve done WorldSSP before, so I know what to expect now and I think it’s not so much of a shock anymore,” said Toparis. “I’ve been given a great opportunity to try and do well at my home round – the first round of WorldSBK – I’m so keen to get out with those guys again.

“Last year it was my favourite weekend of the year because I won all the Australian Supersport races and I scored a point in WorldSSP, so let’s hope I can do a little bit better this year and score a couple of points to reward the team for all the effort they’ve been putting in.”

Scheduled to take place on 22-24 February, the Yamaha Motor Finance-backed round will also feature the opening round of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).