After turned his back on uncompetitive machinery in the 250cc World Championship, the 20-year-old revived his career in America this season - taking two poles (Supersport) and two podiums (Xtreme) for Celtic Yamaha.

Chaz was then was propelled into the MotoGP spotlight when d'Antin Ducati asked the Briton to replace Alex Hofmann, initially at Laguna Seca, then again at the final three rounds.

It was a tough challenge, arriving late in the season to take on the very best in the world, and one which ended early after a hand injury forced his withdraw from the Valencian season finale - where he had hoped to score his first premier-class points.

Davies was offered the role of Ducati/Bridgestone test rider for 2008, but was keen to continue racing and now aims to exploit his US knowledge with a full-on title attack.

"Last season, getting on the [Formula Xtreme] podium twice was a real highlight for me," said Davies. "I'm really excited to join the team. I know it's a step in the right direction and I'm really looking forward to it."

"Chaz is one of the brightest and youngest up-and-coming stars on the circuit," added Kawasaki road race team manager Mike Preston. "He has a lot of experience in GPs. He showed last year that he could be consistently up there, even on tracks that he had never ridden before. We're really looking forward to putting him on a good winning bike."

Chaz will ride alongside Steve Rapp, who last year took the team's ZX-6R to victory at the Daytona 200 and second in the Formula Xtreme championship, with five race wins. Rapp also finished fourth overall in the Supersport championship.