Paul Carruthers/MotoAmerica

Garrett Gerloff’s lifelong dream is now a reality as the two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion has been drafted up to the big team and will compete in the 2018 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship alongside Cameron Beaubier on the Monster Energy/Yamalube/Yamaha Factory Superbike team.

“Last year was a dream season for me,” Gerloff said in a team release. “I accomplished a lot of things on my list of goals. So, for me, I was ready for the next step. I have wanted to ride a Superbike for such a long time now, so for it to finally happen is amazing. I have some big shoes to fill. Taking the ‘Josh Hayes spot’ isn’t something I take lightly… it is an honor. If I can accomplish just a fraction of what he has, then I will be doing pretty well.

"Luckily, I’ve been able to ride the R1 Superbike a couple times already, and all I can say is that it is an animal. It’s so fast, but also smooth and agile. I couldn’t ask for a better machine with which to attack the 2018 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. I already feel right at home on the bike and with all of the amazing people on the team. It’s going to be a steep learning curve, but I’m more than ready for a challenge. And, with the whole package together, I know I can’t fail. I’m looking forward to an exciting 2018 aboard my #31 R1 Superbike.”

Gerloff’s resume includes 19 MotoAmerica Supersport victories and back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017 and his title this past season earned the Texan the seat on the bike vacated by four-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes.

Gerloff will join two-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Cameron Beaubier on the team, the Californian fighting to get back to full fitness after suffering a shoulder injury at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex. Beaubier underwent surgery on the shoulder and is currently rehabbing the injury with an eye towards a full palate of off-season testing.

“I’ve been going to therapy and seeing improvements every week,” Beaubier said. “I should be 100 percent soon. I’ve been enjoying my off-season, but I am anxious to get back on my R1 and back with my team. We’ll be at Thunderhill for the upcoming the Dunlop tire test, and I can’t wait. I want that number-one plate back, and my motivation to win has never been higher.”