Reigning Metzeler National Superstock Champion Keith Farmer will partner Shane Byrne in the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki squad for 2013.

The Clougher rider, who won his title this year with a round to spare, steps up to the premier class after dominating the 1000cc support series.

"I don't know how to put into words how happy I am to be riding for the Paul Bird Motorsport Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki Team on a Superbike next year. I thought last year was a big year for me but it keeps getting bigger and better," said Farmer.

"I am also very pleased that Shakey is my team mate as he helped me a lot this year. I can't thank Paul and the rest of the team enough, he said from the end of last season that he would look after me and yet again he has stuck to his word and put me on Superbike. All I can do to show him my appreciation is to get up front with the reigning British Superbike Champion Shakey, as that's how we roll!"