Team Suzuki Australia Signs Young Gun Markus Chiodo for 2018 ASBK Season
January 15, 2018
Team Suzuki ECSTAR Australia is excited to announce that it will return to the racetrack with a two-rider line-up for the 2018 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK) season. Markus Chiodo will join defending champion Josh Waters competing in the premier Superbike class aboard Phil Tainton Racing (PTR) prepared Suzuki GSX-R1000R machinery.
2017 was nothing short of a fairytale season for the newly-formed team and late editions to the championship. Waters and crew were able to quickly develop the all-new GSX-R into a winner, taking five race wins and ultimately securing the premier class title; the third Australian Superbike crown for Waters.
“Last year was unbelievable, to return home and go racing with a completely new team and motorcycle and to be able to win the championship definitely exceeded our expectations,” Waters said.
“I’m really looking forward to defending the title on my Suzuki GSX-R1000R, it’s not going to be easy but we’re looking forward to the challenge and hopefully come away being the first rider to win four premier class titles.”
Joining Waters will be Supersport sensation, Markus Chiodo. After a series of strong performances last year Chiodo was an obvious choice and will bring youth, enthusiasm and exciting new talent to the expanding team.
“I’m really excited to make my Superbike class debut this year with Team Suzuki ECSTAR Australia,” Chiodo said.
“It’s going to be a steep learning curve for sure, however, I have a great team behind me, the current champion as a teammate and the best motorcycle out there, I can’t wait to get the season started,” concluded Chiodo.
Suzuki will take to the track for the Official ASBK Test at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, January 30-31.
The 2018 team will expand to include Warren Monson as Engineer and number one mechanic on Chiodo’s program. This along with the brilliance of Phil Tainton and Brodie Waters as Josh’s Engineer and number one mechanic will make for a formidable championship challenge in 2018.
2018 ASBK Calendar
Pre-Season Official ASBK Test – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC January 30 – 31
Round 1- WSBK, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit VIC February 22 – 25
Round 2- Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn NSW March 16 – 18
Round 3- The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, SA April 19 – 22
Round 4- Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin NT June 28 – 1 July
Round 5- Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick QLD August 17 – 19
Round 6- Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC September 7 – 8
Round 7- Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC October 12 – 14
For more information and to stay up to speed with all the exciting announcements head to the ASBK website, like the ASBK on Facebook and follow @asbk on Instagram.