Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

British rider James Ellison will race a Suzuki GSX-R750 in the AMA Superstock race at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) this weekend.

Ellison, 22, will ride the STAR Suzuki School machines left vacant by Hawk Mazzotta; Mazzotta is still recovering from knee and foot injuries suffered in a crash during an AFM race in July at Thunderhill and will not ride at VIR.

According to STAR Suzuki School Crew Chief Jeremy Daniel, Jason Pridmore and Mazzotta collaborated on the deal to bring Ellison over for the race.

In addition to riding with Pridmore on the Endurance World Championship-leading Suzuki GB Phase One team, Ellison has raced in 23 European Superstock Championship events, has won seven and has finished on the podium 12 times.

Attack Suzuki’s Josh Hayes, who raced with Ellison recently in the Oschersleben 24-hour Endurance World Championship race, said Ellison is “a cool kid. I’m glad he’s coming over. It’ll be fun to have him here. I think he’ll do well.”