The first official test of the season for Team Honda Racing sees them in spectacular form for the 2011 season of the Australian Superbike Series. Despite track temperatures above 50 degrees during the two day test, the lap times recorded by the riders were nothing short of impressive with #27 Jamie Stauffer and #47 Wayne Maxwell even challenging the lap record for the Eastern Creek circuit. Both Stauffer and Maxwell set the tone for a very competitive year after testing numerous settings and gathering some very valuable information on the CBR1000RR11. For 2011 Team Honda Racing has opted to use MOTEC for their engine management system and data logging, and during the course of the two days the riders tested and assisted with invaluable feedback to developing new engine management settings. The Eastern Creek test also provided the team with its first opportunity to test the components of a new range of products being developed for the Honda CBR1000. SMART Racing Components are a soon to be released range including products such as replacement 25mm fork internals and complete rear suspension units, and if the initial testing is anything to go by these products are going to be a very successful. #47 Wayne Maxwell agrees; saying, “It was a very successful start to the year for Team Honda Racing. I felt comfortable straight away on the bike which was prepared 100%. The new SMART Racing Products that we tested in the CBR1000RR11 worked well immediately and that is a real credit to Motologic. My new crew chief Shaun Clarke is great and easy to work with so basically I think the season is looking very promising.” Although he first rode a Honda at the 6 hour event in December 2010, it was Stauffer’s first opportunity to test a CBR1000RR and really put it through its paces and apparently he did just that, echoing Maxwell’s sentiment of instantly feeling comfortable on board the Honda. #27 Jamie Stauffer: “Although it was incredibly hot and humid at Eastern Creek for the two days, it was great to start testing the CBR1000RR11 and get more of an idea of what to expect this year. I felt good right from the first lap. We are working with a lot of new things at the moment and this first test has shown overall the bike is coming together to be a really competitive package. I am looking forward to the second test at Phillip Island next week. It was also great to see some our sponsors come out to the circuit to watch our team at work. Doric Products is one of Team Honda Racing’s main sponsors and to have their support even at a test is just great.” Team Principle of Team Honda Racing, Paul Free, returns to Melbourne excited about the season ahead. Free: “Going into the test we really didn’t know what to expect as we had so many new components on the bike that we’ve never used or tested before. We battled with the heat as it was extremely hot and humid both days at the circuit and it was really tiring for the team and in particular the riders. We tried to keep the number of laps to a minimum in order to maintain their focus. Both Wayne and Jamie did a fantastic job in assisting the team to develop their bikes. I am extremely happy with the development so far with the new Motec engine management system; and the bike in general. Overall, I think we left Eastern Creek with quite a good base to take to our next test. We can now return to our workshop, look at the data and information we gathered and further develop the motorcycles at the next test at Phillip Island on the 2ndand 3rdof February into what I hope will be a championship winning machine.”