Falzon Claims ASBK Pole at Hidden Valley Raceway
July 8, 2017
With track temperatures and anticipation at an all-time high, the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK) put on a show for the crowds during Saturday’s qualifying sessions. Privateer racer, Daniel Falzon (JD Racing, Yamaha YZF-R1) will start from the number one grid marker for tomorrow’s Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance (YMI) Superbike races.
Falzon has demonstrated strong pace throughout all the practice sessions, and it was no surprise to see the Yamaha mounted rider on pole. Falzon quickly got down to work, posting a 1:06.055 for his fastest qualifying lap in Darwin’s sultry conditions.
However, Falzon was not without his challenger, Josh Waters (Team Suzuki ECSTAR, GSXR-1000R) who posted a 1:06.139 to finish only .084 of a second away and in second position.
Wayne Maxwell (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1) completed the tantalising front row after building anticipation throughout the weekend. Maxwell’s fastest lap was a 1:06.236, and nipping at the heels of Falzon and Waters. It will be interesting to see how Maxwell will fare in the all-important races tomorrow when the lights go out.
Fourth and fifth positions belong to teammates Troy Herfoss (Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team Honda CBR-1000SP2) and Bryan Staring (Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team Honda CBR-1000SP2) as they rapidly adjust to their brand new Hondas. Herfoss came close to cracking the top three, but is still in a position of strength for tomorrow’s race. Staring also can’t be counted out of impressive surprise race results.
A few incidents peppered the final qualifying session this afternoon, when Beau Beaton (Racers Edge Performance, Ducati Pannigale 1199) crashed at turn six after an injury free low-side. The red flag was brought out shortly afterwards when Matthew Harding (K&R Hydrulics, Kawasaki ZX10R) over shot turn one, also without injury.
Notable performances were witnessed from Glenn Allerton (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1), who still managed to finish seventh on his mid-season comeback after injury. Rookie Superbike rider Corey Turner managed to stick with the pack, qualifying eighth on his Yamaha.
Quotes from the Riders
Daniel Falzon
“This whole weekend it’s been Josh Waters, Wayne Maxwell and myself, fighting towards the top, slightly ahead of all the others. I went out with ten minutes to go and planned it to perfection. Josh put in a fast lap in the dying minutes and I knew I had one shot to get the pole. It was a hectic lap, probably the most wild of my entire career! We put it all on the line to get that pole, that’s all that matters.”
Josh Waters
“That was a close qualifying session! I am really happy with the bike and the team, we do have the new spec bike, which has helped us get up there. Our main competition is very strong but I’m ecstatic to achieve the second place. We’ll see how we go tomorrow. It could be anyone’s game in top ten!”
Top Ten YMI Superbike Provisional Saturday Qualifying Results
1 Daniel FALZON (JD Racing, Yamaha YZF-R1) 1:06.055
2 Josh WATERS (Team Suzuki ECSTAR, GSXR-1000R) 1:06.139
3 Wayne MAXWELL (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1) 1:06.236
4 Troy HERFOSS (Crankt Protein Honda Racing, Honda CBR1000SP2) 1:06.398
5 Bryan STARING (Crankt Protein Honda Racing, Honda CBR1000SP2) 1:06.533
6 Robert BUGDEN (Kawasaki BCperformance, Kawasaki ZX-10R) 1:06.539
7 Glenn ALLERTON (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1) 1:06.895
8 Corey TURNER (YRD Exhaust Prof, Yamaha YZF-R1) 1:06.941
9 Cru HALLIDAY (Yamaha Finance, Yamaha YZF-R1) 1:07.051
10 Michael BLAIR (Yamaha YRT, Yamaha YZF-R1) 1:07.448
Stay tuned to live timing on asbk.com.au to see whether Falzon can maintain his brilliant speed in tomorrow’s races, scheduled at 11:40AM (ACST) for Race One and 2:55 PM for Race Two.
More, from another press release issued by Motorcycling Australia:
Chiodo pushes limit for ASBK Motul Supersport Pole
July 08, 2017
Mark Chiodo (Repsol Gas Racing, Triumph 675 R) has trumped the competition and soared to a Hidden Valley Raceway Motul Supersport pole position at this weekend’s Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK). Chiodo showcased sensational speed during Qualifying Two to take a well-deserved first place grid slot by setting a lap record for his class.
Chiodo posted a time of 1:08.715 to edge out rival Tom Toparis (Cube Racing, Kawasaki ZX6R) who missed out on pole by approximately two tenths of a second, with his time of 1:08.928.
The pole position looked likely to be achieved by Toparis, after he took provisional pole back in Qualifying One and dominated Friday’s practice sessions. Chiodo managed to leave just enough pace in reserve after being disappointed with his Qualifying One time to lay it on the line for a sensational fastest qualifying lap.
Ted Collins (NextGen Motorsports, Suzuki GSX-R600) maintained his position of third overall from Friday’s practice sessions. The Motul Supersport Championship leader hasn’t looked quite as dominant as he was back at Winton Motor Raceway but the young talent has to be considered a significant chance for victories tomorrow nonetheless. Collins’ fastest lap was a 1:09.015.
Sam Lambert (Addicted to Track, Yamaha YZF-R6) utilised his home ground advantage at Hidden Valley Raceway to qualifying an impressive fourth in class. Lambert’s time was a 1:09.204. Lambert set his faster lap time in Qualifying One.
Completing the top five was the determined Sam Muldoon (Proworx Racing, Kawasaki ZX6R). The rider from Bathurst looks well on track to achieve a great result after hovering close to the top five for the majority of the sessions so far. His fastest time was a 1:09.330.
Quotes from the Riders:
Mark Chiodo: “It’s great to be back on pole, we left pace in reserve back in Qualifying One. I definitely thought I could be up the front again today and the result has proven that. We put it all on the line to get the pole today.”
Tom Toparis: “I feel really good, it’s a shame not to get pole but it’s still a great result. Hidden Valley Raceway has a long run down to the first corner so there could be an opportunity to get back in the lead there. It’s a positive outcome to be fighting back towards the front. I’m definitely keen for tomorrow’s race and I’m hoping to keep up our strong pace on Sunday!”
Ted Collins: “I felt really good, the NextGen Motorsports and Traction Control Suspension Team gave me a really good bike to ride. I didn’t feel quite as strong as I did in the second session as opposed to the first but I’m really happy overall. The top six are extremely close.
With the top five in such close succession, tomorrow’s races won’t be ones to miss!
Be sure to attend Hidden Valley Raceway tomorrow to see if Chiodo can claim victories! Race One will take place at 10.20 AM (ACST) while Race Two will be on at (2:15 PM). Each race wil consist of 14 laps.
Motul Supersport Provisional Friday Practice Results
1 Mark CHIODO (Repsol Gas Racing, Triumph 675 R) 1:08.715
2 Tom TOPARIS (Cube Racing, Kawasaki ZX6R) 1:08.928
3 Ted COLLINS (NextGen Motorsports, Suzuki GSX-R600)1:09.015
4 Sam LAMBERT (Addicted to Track, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:09.204
5 Sam MULDOON (Proworx Racing, Kawasaki ZX6R) 1:09.330
6 Damon REES (Tony Rees Motorcycles, Honda CB600RR)1:09.408
7 Chris QUINN (Coopers HXR Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:09.531
8 Mason COOTE (Aark Racing,Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:09.804
9 Sam CONDON (Bikebiz, Yamaha YZF R6) 1:09.880
10 Nic LIMINTON (Race Center, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:09.888
More, from another press release issued by Motorcycling Australia:
Edwards takes Hi-Tec Batteries Australian Supersport 300 Race 1
July 08, 2017
Hidden Valley Raceway saw the Hi-Tec Batteries Australian Supersport 300 class riders brave the heat during Saturday’s Round 4 of the 2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK), with Tommy Edwards (Alpinestars, Yamaha YZF-R3) capturing the pole position ahead of Race One outright.
Race One got off to a clean start on favourable track conditions. The good fortune was not to last, when a red flag was brought out after seven laps due to a crash at turn one involving four riders. Results were counted back to end of the last completed lap (lap 6 of 10) and the race declared.
Over 300
Edwards adapted to the track quickly and brilliantly, finishing first in class ahead of fellow Over 300 counterpart Tom Bramich (Ron Angel Classic Racing, Yamaha YZF- R3). Max Croker (KTM Australia, KTM RC 390) was third in class rounding out the Over 300 podium for Race 1 of the category.
Up To 300
Oli Bayliss (Cube Racing, Kawasaki EX 300) again proved to be a force on the Ninja 300 as he went about blitzing the field in class. Yanni Shaw (BCperformance Junior Team, Kawasaki EX 300) took second place in the Up To 300 class over the cool, calm and collected Reid Battye (DB Racing Kawasaki EX 300) in third.
Bayliss was ecstatic to take the win in his class knowing he was not far off the pace of the outright winner Hi-Tec Batteries winner.
With riders securing their place on the Hidden Valley Raceway grid ahead of Sunday’s two remaining races at 11:00 am local time, the super tightly contested development or ‘feeder’ 300 categories will prove to be a spectacle, given the near capacity grid that will line up in the fight to turn one. The third race will commence at 3:55 pm.
For more information on the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli, head to www.asbk.com.au or like the ASBK on Facebook for live race results and to keep up do date with all the latest racing news this coming weekend.
Hi-Tech Batteries Supersport 300 Race One Provisional Results
1 Tom EDWARDS (Alpinestars, Yamaha YZF-R3) Over
2 Tom BRAMICH (Ron Angel Classic Racing, Yamaha YZF- R3) Over
3 Oliver BAYLISS (Cube Racing, Kawasaki EX 300) Up to
4 Max CROKER (KTM Australia, KTM RC-390) Over
5 Billy VAN EERDE (KTM Australia, KTM RC-390) Over
6 Ty LYNCH (SA) (Adelaide Motorcycle Recovery, Yamaha YZF- R3) Over
7 Brandon DEMMERY (Deborah Motorsport, Yamaha YZF-R3) Over
8 Yanni SHAW (BCperformance Junior Team, Kawasaki EX 300) Up To
9 Ben BRAMICH (Ron Angel Classic Racing, Yamaha YZF-R3) Over
10 Jack MAHAFFY (JDS Moto, Yamaha YZF- R3) Over
More, from another press release issued by Motorcycling Australia:
Sublime Rides In ASBK Moto 3 / 125GP & Motorsports NT Club Challenge
July 08, 2017
The Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK) Moto 3 / 125GP and Motorsports NT Club Challenge classes put on a show for the crowds at Hidden Valley Raceway today.
Moto 3 / 125GP
Joel Kelso took pole (Deborah Motorsports, Honda NSFR250) in Qualifying One for today’s race in the Moto 3 / 125GP class. The young racer qualified approximately half a second in front of Dylan Whiteside (Aussie Crane Trucks, Honda NSFR250), with Dallas Skeer in third position (Penrite Oils, Honda NSFR250).
As the ten riders took off from the start line, it would be Kelso (Deborah Motorsports, Honda NSFR250) to dominate in class for victory. Kelso managed to build a four and a half second gap to his nearest opposition. He also posted the fastest lap of the race, a 1:14.666 to smash the previous record. The top three finishers were the obvious standouts, with a significant gap to the fourth place getter.
Dylan Whiteside (Aussie Crane Trucks, Honda NSFR250) was Kelso’s greatest challenger in second position. If there was a potential threat to Kelso, it could be Whiteside in Sunday’s upcoming races.
Dallas Skeer (Penrite Oils, Honda NSFR250) was consistent on the tarmac and was the final podium placer.
Fourth and fifth place getters were Scott Topping (GDR, Honda NSFR250) and Ross Taylor (GDR, Honda NSFR250).
Race Two of the Moto 3 / 125GP will kick off at 9:55 AM (ACST) with Race Three scheduled for 1:05 PM.
Moto 3 / 125GP Provisional Race One 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 Mark LAING-HUGHES (Yamaha TZ125)
7 Nick MATHIAS (Fastline GPRacing, Honda RS125)
8 Daniel SHERWOOD (ProTwin Australia, Honda RS125)
9 Ian HUGHES (125)
DNF David DOUGHTY (Fastline GPRacing, Aprilia RS125)
Motorsports NT Club Challenge
Warwick Price backed up the pace he showed in yesterday’s practice sessions to take pole position for the Motorsports NT Club Challenge class from his time in Qualifying Two. Price (Yamaha YZF-R6) posted a 1:16.808 to go top of the timesheets. Price qualified in front of Matt Edwards (Triumph Daytona 675R) and Douglas Clark (Suzuki GSX-R1000).
Race One was dominated by Matt Edwards (Triumph Daytona 675R), as he finished approximately nine seconds in front of his closest challenger Douglas Clark (Suzuki GSXR 1000). After Price and Clark dominated yesterday’s practice sessions, Edwards managed to turn the tables on his fellow rivals.
In third place was pole sitter Price, who battled with Clark for second place on the podium. Price would only miss out on the second place by close to half a second.
Fourth and fifth positions were taken by Andre Steenberg (BMW S1000RR) and Patrick Hamon (Triumph Daytona).
Tomorrow’s races for the Motorsports NT Club Challenge will take place at 12:35 PM (ACST) and 4:25 PM (ACST).
Motorsports NT Club Challenge Provisional Race One Results
1 Matt EDWARDS (Triumph Daytona 675R)
2 Douglas CLARK (Suzuki GSXR 1000)
3 Warwick PRICE Yamaha R6 600
4 Andre STEENBERG BMW S1000RR
5 Patrick HAMON (Triumph Daytona 675R)
6 Alex McWHINNIE (Kawasaki ZX6R)
7 Peter TROON (Yamaha R6 600)
8 Kim RUTHERFORD (Allcross Motorcycle Engineering, Kawasaki ZX-6R)
9 Bradley LE SUER (Ducati 998)
10 Nunzio META Suzuki (GSXR 600)
More, from a press release issued by DesmoSport Ducati:
DESMOSPORT DUCATI’S SPRIGGS REMAINS OPTIMISTIC DESPITE DARWIN QUALIFYING MISHAP
DesmoSport Ducati’s Callum Spriggs will enter Sunday’s racing at Darwin’s fourth round of the 2017 Australian Superbike Championship optimistic despite a challenging day of qualifying today.
Following a positive day of Free Practice sessions on Friday, the 23-year-old looked to continue improving at Hidden Valley Raceway before a costly mistake saw him crash out of the final session.
“I was hoping to get onto the first three rows, or at least improve my time from yesterday,” said Spriggs. “In the second session I went out with the new rear tyre and on the first flying lap I went into turn one and lost the rear, which high-sided me off the bike.”
Starting out of 16th position tomorrow with best time of 1m07.834s from the first qualifying session of the day, the 1299 Panigale S-mounted rookie remains in high spirits.
“I’ll be starting tomorrow’s races from 16th on the grid and I’ve got a bit of a sore right shoulder, but I reckon I should be ok,” he explained. “I’ll have a good rest tonight and hopefully we’ll have a good race tomorrow.”
Following steady improvement throughout the early stages of the Northern Territory event, team co-owner Ben Henry plans to put the day’s misfortune behind them and regroup for race day.
“Today ended in the gravel trap unfortunately,” Henry said. “But we’ve been going forward all weekend and I was quietly confident today that we were going to take another step forward. I wouldn’t say we didn’t, but we ended up with a bit of bad luck.
“We tried to put a time down and maybe the tyres were a bit cold then up the road he went. That’s just the way it happened today, but tomorrow’s a new day and we should be back in the game I think.”
The opening race for the premier Superbike class is scheduled for Sunday at 11:40am local time, with race two taking off from 2:55pm. Visit www.asbk.com.au for further information on the series.
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.