AMA star Jake Zemke will stand in for his compatriot John Hopkins in the Stiggy Honda team this weekend as the American continues to recover from the operation to fix his hip.

Hopkins dislocated it and cracked the top of his femur just four laps into free practice at Assen. Zemke, who is a former AMA Superbike race winner and currently rides for the Erion Honda team in Formula Xtreme, has never ridden in World Superbikes before.

"I am extremely excited to race for the Stiggy Racing Honda team this weekend. They have a first rate team and have had some excellent results. I would like to wish Hopper a quick recovery and thank him and the team for the opportunity to make my first World Superbike start. I also have to thank my current team, Erion Honda and my sponsors for their support," said Zemke.

"The World Superbike Championship is the most competitive championship there is, and making my start in the series is the next step in my career. I have been succesful racing on America, but am really looking forward to joining the World Superbike paddock.

"The field is very fast and deep. The Monza track has a deep history of racing, and I know how passionate the Italian people are about racing. I know the odds will be against us, learning a new bike, new track, new tires, but I will give it my all at Monza for the Stiggy Racing Honda team."