Waters Decimates Round 4 ASBK Superbike Field

July 09, 2017

Josh Waters (Team Suzuki ECSTAR, GSXR-1000R) has won both races at Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway for the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK). The Team Suzuki ECSTAR rider sensationally achieved the double victory on Sunday in action packed races.

Race One
In an incredible YMI Superbike Race One of Hidden Valley Raceway, Daniel Falzon (JD Racing, YZF-R1) came from pole position to quickly lead into turn one on the 44 degree track. Troy Herfoss (Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team, CBR1000-SP2) and Waters were battling for second and third places constantly.

The turning point of the race happened on lap six when Falzon lost the front end and ran off-road on the YMF hairpin turn six, giving Waters the lead he needed. Falzon managed to remount and join the field.

Falzon was a man possessed, clawing his way back up the field before contact with Kyle Buckley (Kawasaki BCperformance, ZX-10R) on Pirelli corner in lap seven. Buckley was injured and had to be tended to by the RACESAFE Medical Team, Falzon once again managing to remount his bike and continue. The incident caused a red flag period and a restart.

Wayne Maxwell (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1) was gifted a handy advantage in the eight lap restart, sitting in P4. Falzon started from back of the grid as a result of the red flag, with noticeably scuffed leathers after going down twice prior. He again charged through the field and managed to claw back to eighth position.

However, it was Waters, Herfoss and Maxwell that took Race One podium honours in a thrilling race that had the crowds whipped into a frenzy. Bryan Staring (Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team, CBR1000-SP2) and Robbie Bugden (Kawasaki BCperformance, ZX-10R) rounded out the top five.

Waters was elated as it was the first 2017 ASBK race win for the newly formed Team Suzuki ECSTAR team on their brand new Suzuki GSXR1000R.

Currently, there is a hearing underway in relation to the incident between Buckley and Falzon, after rider #25 (Daniel Falzon) lodged a protest in relation to his exclusion from Race One results. With the hearing still underway, Motorcycling Australia will provide further details once it has concluded.

Provisional Race One Results
1 Josh WATERS (Team Suzuki ECSTAR, GSXR-1000R)
2 Troy HERFOSS (Crankt Protein Honda Racing, Honda CBR-1000SP)
3 Wayne MAXWELL (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1)
4 Bryan STARING (Crankt Protein Honda Racing, Honda CBR-1000SP)
5 Robert BUGDEN (Kawasaki BCperformance, Kawasaki ZX-10R)
6 Corey TURNER (YRD Exhaust Prof, Yamaha YZF-R1)
7 Matt WALTERS (Kawasaki Australia, ZX-10R)
8 Mitch LEVY (ATR, Yamaha YZF-R1)
9 Cru HALLIDAY (Yamaha Finance, Yamaha YZF-R1)
10 Troy GUENTHER (Saint Unbreakable, BMW S1000RR)

Race Two
Before the highly anticipated race had even started, Falzon was excluded from Race One points for being found to cause the red flag. He did however, start the race on pole position due to his qualifying time.

The second race once again was a master class showcase by Waters after the field all got off the line in a clean start. It was Waters, Herfoss and Staring to lead the pack from lap two of the 17 lap circulation, and it stayed that way for the duration.

Lap 10 onwards was marred with drama, when Micheal Blair (Yamaha YRT, Yamaha YZF-R1) suffered a crash but was uninjured. Yamaha Racing Team’s Maxwell also had a spectacular crash at Pirelli corner (turn five), connecting with his bike, but managing to walk back to the pits from the infield.

Ben Stronach (Velocity Race Team, Yamaha YZF-R1) also went down heavily at the Yamaha hairpin (turn six).

But the story of the day belonged to Waters, who was a man on a mission. Waters managed to continuously pull a significant gap in front of the Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team riders. A red flag was brought out on the final lap after most competitors had completed 15 laps, due to signage been blown from a wind gust on to turn five. The race was then declared and results counted back a lap.

Rookie Superbike rider Corey Turner (YRD Exhaust Prof, Yamaha YZF-R1) had an amazing ride, keeping up comfortably to the top three, eventually finishing in fourth and Robbie Bugden in next rounding out the top five, ten full seconds behind Waters.

After this weekend’s results, Herfoss leads the championship with 170 points, Bugden to second in the championship with 157 points and Falzon moves to third with 155 points.

Provisional Race Two Results
1 Josh WATERS (Team Suzuki ECSTAR, GSXR-1000R)
2 Troy HERFOSS (Crankt Protein Honda Racing, Honda CBR-1000SP)
3 Bryan STARING (Crankt Protein Honda Racing, Honda CBR-1000SP)
4 Corey TURNER (YRD Exhaust Prof, Yamaha YZF-R1)
5 Robert BUGDEN (Kawasaki BCperformance, Kawasaki ZX-10R)
6 Daniel FALZON (JD Racing Dynometers, Yamaha YZF-R1)
7 Cru HALLIDAY (Yamaha Finance, YZF-R1)
8 Matt WALTERS (Kawasaki Australia, ZX-10R
9 Beau BEATON (Racers Edge Performance, Ducati Panigale 1199)
10 Troy GUENTHER (NextGen Motorsports, BMW S1000RR)

Quotes from the riders:
Waters: “I can’t thank Ecstar Suzuki and Pirelli enough for this win. It’s been a long time coming and they’ve put a huge amount of faith in me and the bike. The new GSXR is set up really well. Phill (Tainton) and the guys have done an amazing job.”

Herfoss:
That was great racing out there today. The track is so fast and we were just trying to find our rythym on the new bikes. We have come up nicley with two bikes for the team on the podium. Bring on the next round!”

More, from another press release issued by Motorcycling Australia:

Collins and Toparis take Motul Supersport Spoils
July 09 2017

Tom Toparis and Ted Collins achieved Race One and Two wins at Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway within the tightly contested Motul Supersport class of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK). Collins, taking out the overall round win.
Race One
Toparis (Cube Racing, Kawasaki ZX6R) took the Race One victory despite coming under plenty of pressure for the duration of the entire race. Collins (NextGen Motorsports, Suzuki GSX-R600) rode brilliantly to second position after his great start, piling on plenty of pressure on Toparis. Damon Rees (Tony Rees Motorcycles, Honda CB600RR) would be the final podium place getter.

Both Sam Lambert (Addicted to Track, Yamaha YZF-R6) and Sam Muldoon (Pro Worx Racing, Kawasaki ZX6R), would have 10-second penalties imposed on them for jump-starts. The jumpstart would prove costly for Darwin local Lambert, as he moved back to sixth place from a podium placing.

The Cube Racing rider, Toparis managed to take the lead after a brilliant start into turn one. Pole position getter Mark Chiodo (Repsol Gas Racing, Triumph 675R) didn’t take off well from his prime real estate gird position and fell back to fifth.

Toparis was chased by Collins but managed to keep the NextGen Motorsports rider at bay. Collins set a new racing lap record, 1.4 seconds faster than the previous. Despite such electric pace, Collins did not manage to find a way past Toparis at any point. Toparis did appear to experience front-end chatter during certain stages but managed to overcome those issues.

Behind the lead duo was a tough fight for the final place on the podium between Chiodo, Lambert and Rees. The battle would rage until the last lap, with Chiodo crashing at turn 14 due to the pressure for the podium. Rees would take his place on the podium after Lambert’s penalty.

Also impressing were Mason Coote (Aark Racing,Yamaha YZF-R6) and Cambridge Oliver (Sydney West Riders, Yamaha YZF-R6) to complete the top five.

Chiodo was frustrated to crash out as he threw everything he had to maintain the position. Luckily the rider was not injured and there was not too much damage sustained to his Triumph.

Top Ten Provisional Results Race One
1 Tom TOPARIS (Cube Racing, Kawasaki ZX6R)
2 Ted COLLINS (NextGen Motorsports, Suzuki GSX-R600)
3 Damon REES (Tony Rees Motorcycles, Honda CB600RR)
4 Mason COOTE (Aark Racing,Yamaha YZF-R6)
5 Cambridge OLIVIER (Sydney West Riders, Yamaha YZF-R6)
6 Sam LAMBERT (Addicted to Track, Yamaha YZF-R6)
7 Chris QUINN (Coopers HXR Yamaha YZF-R6
8 Mick HEFFERAN (Quack Pest Control, Kawasaki ZX6R)
9 Nic LIMINTON (Race Center, Yamaha YZF-R6)
10 Jordan CARLSSON (Dave’s Smash Repairs, Yamaha YZF-R6)

Race Two

Collins took a sensational win in Motul Supersport Race Two, after a brilliant start to set him up for the victory. This race was full of twists and turns as the victory never looked to be fully locked away until the finish. Toparis would take second place while local rider Mick Hefferan (Quack Pest Control, Kawasaki ZX6R) would take a surprise podium place after Coote attempted to pass Toparis in the last corner, only to high side and crash heavily on the main straight.

Chiodo was an early faller, with a high-speed crash on Lap Three. The Triumph mounted rider was unhurt after the crash.

Toparis suffered a disappointing start and was on the back foot, but quickly making his way through the field at an incredible rate. Toparis managed to fight his way all the way back to second place and was on a mission to hunt Collins down for another win.

Toparis was incredibly strong on the brakes, particularly at YMF hairpin. Toparis nearly lost the front at Hi-Tec Batteries corner on Lap 12. That was the moment, which cost him the chance for a clean sweep this weekend. After the near crash, it put Coote right on Toparis’ tail.

After Collins crossed the line for victory, Coote attempted an overtake in the last corner but unfortunately for Coote he crashed after losing the front and applying too much gas. The crash handed the final podium position to Hefferan.

Collins was the eventual Motul Supersport Round winner ahead of Toparis and Hefferan.

Top Ten Provisional Results Race Two
1 Ted COLLINS (NextGen Motorsports, Suzuki GSX-R600)
2 Tom TOPARIS (NextGen Motorsports, Suzuki GSX-R600)
3 Mick HEFFERAN (Quack Pest Control, Kawasaki ZX6R)
4 Sam MULDOON (ProWorx Racing Kawasaki ZX6R)
5 Sam LAMBERT (Addicted to Track, Yamaha YZF-R6)
6 Nic LIMINTON (Race Center, Yamaha YZF-R6)
7 Chris QUINN (Coopers HXR Yamaha YZF-R6
8 Cambridge OLIVIER (Sydney West Riders, Yamaha YZF-R6)
9 Jordan CARLSSON (Dave’s Smash Repairs, Yamaha YZF-R6)
10 Jake PRUITI (Consent2go Kawasaki ZX6R)

Quotes from the riders
Tom Toparis (After Race One)
“Definitely very happy to get the win, it assists in the championship battle! The race went to plan and my lap times were very consistent. I did have a small moment midway through the race but I kept banging in the fast laps. Ted Collins might have been thinking championship and let me have the win but a victory is a victory. This has put us in a good position heading into Morgan Park. There’s plenty of spectators here and it’s been a great weekend!”

Ted Collins (After Race Two)
“I got a really good start, the track was very hot and slippery but I’m ecstatic to take the Race Two win and the overall round win.”

More, from another press release issued by Motorcycling Australia:

Hi-Tec Batteries Supersport 300 Darwin ASBK BelterJuly 09, 2017

Hidden Valley Raceway saw the Hi-Tec Batteries Australian Supersport 300 class riders brave the heat during Sunday’s Round 4 of the 2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK).

This year’s racing in the Hi-Tec Batteries Supersport 300 class has been intense, with many young riders learning their trade in this category. With a diverse mixture of bikes with different capacities and engine configurations, it makes for one of the most exciting classes in ASBK.

Race One
Billy Van Eerde (KTM Australia, KTM RC-390) led into turn one in what would eventuate into an exciting race.

In the final laps, Tommy Edwards (Alpinestars, Yamaha YZF-R3), Jack Mahaffy (JDS Moto, Yamaha YZF- R3) and Tom Bramich (Ron Angel Classic Racing, Yamaha YZF- R3) found themselves breaking away from the field and fighting for the podium win.

Eventually, Mahaffy managed to get his nose in front of the trio to win ‘overall’ for the Supersport 300 class. Oli Bayliss (Cube Racing, Kawasaki EX 300) finished behind these three in fourth ‘overall’.

Over 300
Mahaffy adapted to the track quickly and brilliantly, finishing first in class ahead of fellow ‘Over’ 300 counterpart Edwards, Bramich was third in class rounding out the ‘Over’ 300 podium for Race One of the category.

Up To 300
Pole sitter Bayliss was the fastest ‘Up to’ 300’s class rider on track to cross the line in first for the ‘Up to’ 300’s. Reid Battye (BCperformance Junior Team, Kawasaki EX 300) took second place in the ‘Up To’ 300 class over up and coming rider Drew Sells (DB Racing Kawasaki EX 300) in third.

Race Two Provisional Results
1 Jack MAHAFFY (JDS Moto, Yamaha YZF- R3) Over
2 Tom EDWARDS (Alpinestars, Yamaha YZF-R3) OVER
3 Tom BRAMICH (Ron Angel Classic Racing, Yamaha YZF- R3) Over
4 Oliver BAYLISS (Cube Racing, Kawasaki EX 300) Up to
5 Billy VAN EERDE (KTM Australia, KTM RC-390) OVER
6 Reid BATTYE (DB Racing, Kawasaki EX 300) Up To
7 Max CROKER (KTM Australia, KTM RC-390) OVER
8 Brandon DEMMERY (Deborah Motorsport, Yamaha YZF-R3) Over
9 Ben BRAMICH (Ron Angel Classic Racing, Yamaha YZF-R3) Over
10 Ty LYNCH (Adelaide Motorcycle Recovery, Yamaha YZF- R3) Over

Race Three
This time in Race Three, it would be Edwards who would get the hole shot into turn one. After a few exciting opening laps, a battle began to escalate between Bayliss, Edwards and Max Croker (KTM Australia, KTM RC-390). Croker unfortunely got tangled up in an incident with another rider, leaving him to not be able to challenge for the podium placing’s.

That left Bayliss, Edwards, Mahaffy and Bramich to duke it out to the finish. Of the four, Jack Mahaffy would cross the line in first but would later be penalised to drop two positions for incidents during the race. That elevated Bayliss as the overall race winner.

Up To 300
Edwards again proved to be a force on the Yamaha as he blitzed the field. He climbed to the top of the combined ‘Over’ 300 race. Mahaffy took second place in class despite his penalty. In third was Bramich, also a Yamaha rider.

Over 300
Bayliss was the rider of the moment and finished first in class ahead of ‘Over 300’ counterpart Yanni Shaw (BCperformance Junior Team, Kawasaki EX 300) Up To). Battye was third in class rounding out the ‘Over 300’ podium for Race Three of the Hi-Tec Batteries Supersport 300 category.

Race Two Provisional Results
1 Jack MAHAFFY (JDS Moto, Yamaha YZF- R3) Over
2 Tom EDWARDS (Alpinestars, Yamaha YZF-R3) OVER
3 Tom BRAMICH (Ron Angel Classic Racing, Yamaha YZF- R3) Over
4 Oliver BAYLISS (Cube Racing, Kawasaki EX 300) Up to
5 Billy VAN EERDE (KTM Australia, KTM RC-390) OVER
6 Reid BATTYE (DB Racing, Kawasaki EX 300) Up To
7 Max CROKER (KTM Australia, KTM RC-390) OVER
8 Brandon DEMMERY (Deborah Motorsport, Yamaha YZF-R3) Over
9 Ben BRAMICH (Ron Angel Classic Racing, Yamaha YZF-R3) Over
10 Ty LYNCH (Adelaide Motorcycle Recovery, Yamaha YZF- R3) Over

Race Three
This time in Race Three, it would be Edwards who would get the hole shot into turn one. After a few exciting opening laps, a battle began to escalate between Bayliss, Edwards and Max Croker (KTM Australia, KTM RC-390). Croker unfortunely got tangled up in an incident with another rider, leaving him to not be able to challenge for the podium placing’s.

That left Bayliss, Edwards, Mahaffy and Bramich to duke it out to the finish. Of the four, Jack Mahaffy would cross the line in first but would later be penalised to drop two positions for incidents during the race. That elevated Bayliss as the overall race winner.

Up To 300
Edwards again proved to be a force on the Yamaha as he blitzed the field. He climbed to the top of the combined ‘Over’ 300 race. Mahaffy took second place in class despite his penalty. In third was Bramich, also a Yamaha rider.

Over 300
Bayliss was the rider of the moment and finished first in class ahead of ‘Over 300’ counterpart Yanni Shaw (BCperformance Junior Team, Kawasaki EX 300) Up To). Battye was third in class rounding out the ‘Over 300’ podium for Race Three of the Hi-Tec Batteries Supersport 300 category.

More, from another press release issued by Motorcycling Australia:

Moto 3 / 125GP & Motorsports NT Club Challenge Shine ASBK
July 09, 2017

Round 4 of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK) featured fantastic and exciting racing from the Moto 3 / 125GP and Motorsports NT Club Challenge support categories respectively.
Moto 3 / 125GP

Race Two
Darwin local, Joel Kelso (Deborah Motorsports, Honda NSFR250) fittingly took the Race Two win at his home circuit in front of his family, friends and fans. His domination started from the very beginning of circulation, getting the hole-shot into turn one. Kelso managed to lead the entire 10-lap race duration.

Victorian rising star, Dylan Whiteside (Aussie Crane Trucks, Honda NSFR250) would once again be Kelso’s greatest threat. This time however, Whiteside managed to finish three and a half seconds behind Kelso, down on the four and a half from yesterday.

15-year-old South Australian Dallas Skeer (Penrite Oils, Honda NSFR250) would round out the final podium positions in third. Ross Taylor (GDR, Honda NSFR250) and Scott Topping (B-spoke Design, Honda RS125) would finish a distant fourth and fifth from the leaders.

The race was all about Kelso on his number 66 bike, and he will deservedly take all the plaudits for a well-deserved race victory. Kelso also managed to set the fastest lap time of the race. Whiteside managed to keep Kelso honest at times reeling him in, but the front man’s pace was still far too strong.

Peter McFarlane (Honda RS 125) would experience an unfortunate high side after an excursion into the grass in the closing few laps.

Provisional Moto 3 / 125GP Race Two Top Ten Results
1 Joel KELSO (Deborah Motorsports, Honda NSFR250)
2 Dylan WHITESIDE (Aussie Crane Trucks, Honda NSFR250)
3 Dallas SKEER (Penrite Oils, Honda NSFR250)
4 Ross TAYLOR (GDR, Honda NSFR250)
5 Scott TOPPING (B-spoke Design, Honda RS125)
6 Taran OCEAN (Keith Ogilvie, Honda RS 125)
7 Mark LAING-HUGHES (Yamaha TZ125)
8 David DOUGHTY (Fastline GPRacing, Aprilia RS125)
9 Nick MATHIAS (Fastline GPRacing, Honda RS125)
10 Ian HUGHES (125)

Race Three
Kelso again came out the victor, making Race Three a clean sweep for the weekend after leading from start to finish. Whiteside appeared to be able to run with Kelso in the opening laps but Kelso once again quickly put the hammer down and disappeared out of sight, winning by over three and a half seconds.

Young Kelso took the lead into turn one, again ahead of Whiteside in a carbon copy of the previous Moto 3 / 125GP race. Starting to leave the other racers behind. Kelso is very talented at maintaining corner speed. His light frame also assisting him to get the hole shot into turn one.

Kelso gave a salute to the camera after his race victory and was very pleased with his weekend’s work within the class. The Deborah Motorsports rider, Kelso incredibly set a lap record in class in each of the three races.

Skeer finished in third once again to round rout the podium places.

Kelso would be the overall round winner with 76 points, ahead of Whiteside with 60 and Skeer with 54.

Provisional Moto 3 / 125GP Race Three Top Ten Results
1 Joel KELSO (Deborah Motorsports, Honda NSFR250)
2 Dylan WHITESIDE (Aussie Crane Trucks, Honda NSFR250)
3 Dallas SKEER (Penrite Oils, Honda NSFR250)
4 Scott TOPPING (B-spoke Design, Honda RS125)
5 Ross TAYLOR (GDR, Honda NSFR250)
6 Taran OCEAN (Keith Ogilvie, Honda RS 125)
7 Mark LAING-HUGHES (Yamaha TZ125)
8 Peter McFARLANE (Honda RS125)
9 Daniel SHERWOOD (ProTwin Australia, Honda RS125)
10 Ian HUGHES (125)

Motorsports NT Club Challenge
Race Two
Race Two for the Motorsports NT Club Challenge was won by Douglas Clark (Suzuki GSX-R1000) after managing to finish just in front of Warwick Price (Yamaha YZF-R6). This would be Clark’s first ever race win and he was very pleased to finally stand on the number one podium matt. This race was a much closer affair than the first, as Clark never managed to shake Price off his tail. Peter Troon completed the podium places.

The sultry Darwin temperatures had very little effect on these hardened riders from the Northern Territory who were able to adapt to the track conditions quite quickly.

Matt Edwards (Triumph Daytona 675R) after dominating yesterday’s race did not manage to finish the race and retired after four laps. There was a significant gap to fourth with Alex Mcwhinne.

Motorsports NT Club Challenge Race Two Provisional Results
1 Douglas CLARK (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
2 Warwick PRICE (Yamaha YZF-R6)
3 Peter TROON (Yamaha YZF-R6)
4 Alex McWHINNIE
5 Nunzio META (Suzuki GSX-R600)
6 Peter McCAULEY (Cyclone Motorcycles, Honda CBR600RR)
7 Robert CLARKE
8 Merrawyn ROGERS (Suzuki GSX-R600)
9 Karina MORRIS (Suzuki GSXR 750)
DNF Bradley LE SUER (Ducati 998)

Race Three
Queenslander Edwards on bike 122 would reenact a carbon copy of Race One as he took victory on Triumph 675. The race winner would cross the line with a gap over 9.4 seconds. The victory meant Edwards handed him two out of three wins for the weekend.

In second place was Price on the Yamaha R6. Price would maintain the same position as Race Two to be Edwards greatest challenger.

To round out the podium was Douglas Clark on the Suzuki GSXR 1000.

Peter Troon (Yamaha YZF-R6) and Alex McWhinnie (Kawasaki ZX6R) completed the top five.

Motorsports NT Club Challenge Provisional Race Three Results
1 Matt EDWARDS (Triumph Daytona 675R)
2 Warwick PRICE (Yamaha R6 600)
3 Douglas CLARK (Suzuki GSXR 1000)
4 Peter TROON (Yamaha R6 600)
5 Alex McWHINNIE (Kawasaki ZX6R)
6 Nunzio META (Suzuki GSXR 600)
7 Peter McCAULEY (Honda CBR RR 600)
8 Robert CLARKE (Triumph Daytona 675R)
9 Merrawyn ROGERS (Suzuki GSXR 600)
10 Karina MORRIS (Suzuki GSXR 750)

More, from a press release issued by DesmoSport Ducati:

DESMOSPORT DUCATI’S SPRIGGS TO REGROUP FOLLOWING CHALLENGING DARWIN ASBK ROUND

It was a disappointing finish to the 2017 Australian Superbike Championship weekend in Darwin for DesmoSport Ducati’s Callum Spriggs, with continued challenges thrown at the rookie during today’s racing.

After dislocating his shoulder yesterday during qualifying, the 23-year-old logged a 14th-place finish in race one before being forced out of race two.

“I was definitely feeling sore today and I got a 14th in race one,” said Spriggs. “In race two I was off to a good start and staying with a group of guys for a while there, but then I had a little problem and I had to finish the race early.”

The Queenslander will use the substantial break between rounds to recover from his injury and return in fighting form at the upcoming Morgan Park event in Queensland on 25-27 August.

“I’ll just try to do heaps of fitness training because Morgan Park will be a physical track like this one,” he explained. “So I’ll keep working on my fitness, get the shoulder working well, get the bike working good again and we’ll see what happens.”

Triple Superbike World Championship winner and DesmoSport Ducati team co-owner Troy Bayliss is remaining positive following a tough weekend at Hidden Valley Raceway and looks forward to returning in Morgan Park to finish the season strong across the upcoming three rounds.

“Things finished on a low that’s for sure, but during the weekend things weren’t that bad,” Bayliss said. “Cal was pretty consistent, but he did have an off yesterday and dislocated his shoulder, which didn’t help things as well.

“Today didn’t go to plan and in the second race we had a fault with an exhaust. I’d love to finish the year off better than we’ve been doing, so we’ll see how we go and definitely look forward to the next one! Everybody is working hard and will continue to do so.”

Like DesmoSport Ducati on Facebook and Cube Performance Centre also has an exclusive DesmoSport Ducati section on its website, available to view at www.cubeperformancecentre.com.au/desmosport-ducati.

More, from a press release issued by Team Honda:

HERFOSS TAKES ASBK LEAD IN DARWIN PODIUM DOUBLE FOR CBR1000RR SP2

Crankt Protein Honda Racing put together a superb debut aboard the 2017 CBR1000RR SP2 in Darwin’s fourth round of the 2017 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) today at Hidden Valley Raceway.

After qualifying fourth on the grid, defending champion Troy Herfoss rode to a pair of second place finishes in the heat of Hidden Valley to take over the series points lead.

Despite minimal mileage with Honda’s latest top-specification Fireblade prior to arriving in the Top End, Herfoss finished just 0.453s outside of the victory in the two-part opening encounter and then repeated his result with a controlled showing in race two.

It was enough for him to take over the championship lead by 13 points, setting he and the Victorian-based team up for a strong run home in the 2017 championship chase.

Teammate Bryan Staring was also particularly impressive across the Hidden Valley race weekend, slotting his SP2 into fifth on the grid and then racing to 4-3 results for third overall. It was his first overall podium since returning to Australia with Crankt Protein Honda Racing this season and he’s sixth in the standings, 39 points from Herfoss.

Next up will be Queensland’s Morgan Park Raceway on 25-27 August, the circuit in which Herfoss dominated at on his way to the championship last year.

2017 ASBK Rd4 Hidden Valley results:

1. Josh WATERS 50

2. Troy HERFOSS (Crankt Protein Honda Racing) 40

3. Bryan STARING (Crankt Protein Honda Racing) 35

4. Corey TURNER 32

5. Robert BUGDEN 32

6. Matt WALTERS 27

7. Cru HALLIDAY 26

8. Mitch LEVY 23

9. Troy GUENTHER 22

10. Beau BEATON 19

2017 ASBK championship standings:

1. Troy HERFOSS (Crankt Protein Honda Racing) 170

2. Robert BUGDEN 157

3. Daniel FALZON 155

4. Wayne MAXWELL 148

5. Josh WATERS 135

6. Bryan STARING (Crankt Protein Honda Racing) 131

7. Cru HALLIDAY 110

8. Corey TURNER 81

9. Beau BEATON 79

10. Mitch LEVY 78