Leon Hunt is hoping to finally realise his potential after getting the biggest break of his career so far.

The 23-year-old from Brighton has long been earmarked as one to watch but a series of ill-advised team moves have held him back.

However, Hunt has now signed to race for MSS Colchester Kawasaki, who are regarded as one of the elite teams in the country.

He will again race in the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 class but hopes to be challenging for honours with a team which boasts Michael Rutter as one of its Superbike riders.

Rutter and Peter Hickman will race for the team in British Superbikes but Hunt will be able to benefit from their advice and experience in the highly-regarded support series.

He competed last season for AP Kawasaki but found himself struggling to qualify at the start of the season and then suffered some mechanical frustrations when he finally found some momentum.

Securing sponsorship from HM Plant, who have withdrawn their backing of Honda, proved decisive for Hunt.

He said: “I have HM Plant as one of my personal sponsors and that is massive for me. The name just earns so much respect in this business.

“This is the biggest thing that has ever happened to me.

“Every year I thought this would be my year but this really could be it. It is incredible. It is not just a factory team but a massive factory team with the best mechanics about.

“I’m pretty lucky to be involved. Last year their rider finished second in the championship. They are constantly running at the front of the grid which is what I want to be doing.

“I have some great and really loyal sponsors like Brighton-based TLC who have increased their support this year.

“There are five elite teams in the country and this is one of them. To get involved with teams like this you need mega bucks. I haven’t got mega bucks but I have some great sponsors and having HM Plant on board has really helped.

“Just being involved with them gets my name around, in terms of exposure and television coverage. They are one of the biggest names in the paddock.”

Hunt will have Slovakian competitor Sandra Stammova as his team-mate in the National Superstock 1000 class for 2012.

They will head to Spain for a week’s testing on March 1 ahead of the new season starting at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend in April.

The Sussex ace cannot wait to get going. He said: “I’m so looking forward to it. I have been waiting for a chance like this for a long time and I’m determined to grab it.

“If things go well this could be a great season for me.

“The team are just something different and having Michael Rutter as my team-mate in the Superbike class is also great.”