Friday Superbike Practice Throw Down at Phillip Island
October 06, 2017
Tensions were high as competitors arrived this morning to kick in to gear the finale round of the Spokes.com.au presents Round 7 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit at the 2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK), and with up to five class titles still up for grabs, riders wanted to start their weekend on the right foot.
All eyes were on YMI Superbike title contenders, Troy Herfoss (Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team, CBR1000SP2), Josh Waters (Team Suzuki ECSTAR, GSX-R1000R), Wayne Maxwell (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1) and Robbie Bugden (Kawasaki BCperformance, ZX-10R), with Daniel Falzon (JD Racing, YZF-R1) and Cru Halliday (Yamaha Finance, YZF-R1) still being outside chances for the title.
Quickest on the time sheets for the YMI Superbike class was Maxwell with a class best of 1:33.296 in the third and final Practice session of the day. The Yamaha rider has often rated Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit amongst one of his all-time favourite circuits and will solidify himself as one of the favourites for tomorrow’s all important qualifying sessions.
Maxwell’s closest rival was Waters. The Mildura man managed to only pip his nearest competitor, Bryan Staring (Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team, CBR1000SP2) posting a 1:33.863. Although he only just scraped in ahead of Falzon in fourth position (1:33.881), Falzon is still in a position of strength ahead of this weekend’s action.
The final top five placers were Glenn Allerton (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1) who made a significant step in the first practice session to solidify, himself after heavy injury earlier this year into the top five overall times with a 1:34.864 and Herfoss’ 1:34.326 who also look likely to challenge for a front row grid slot in tomorrow’s qualifiers.
What Wayne Maxwell said: “If we are going to have any chances of winning on Sunday, we are just going to have to have a crack at it.
“In terms of what we have been working on in regards to bike setup, it hasn’t been a lot as we have had no time. We have just been trying to get the bike to turn in a bit better at this specific track. Just the same stuff as usual.
“It’s so hard however, as I have done four or five fast laps and now we go into qualifying tomorrow. Hopefully we get a good run tomorrow to put us in a good position for Sunday. We need every point we can get.”
With the top three all in relative close succession, tomorrow’s Qualifying sessions at 10:40am and 3:10pm won’t be ones to miss.
YMI Superbike Friday Top 10 Provisional Times
1. Wayne Maxwell (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1) 1:33.296
2. Josh Waters (Team Suzuki ECSTAR, GSX-R1000R) 1:33.370
3. Bryan Staring (Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team, CBR1000SP2) 1:33.863
4. Daniel Falzon (JD Racing, YZF-R1) 1:33.881
5. Glenn Allerton (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1)1:34.236
6. Troy Herfoss (Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team, CBR1000SP2) 1:34.326
7. Matt Walters (Kawasaki Australia, Kawasaki ZX-10R) 1:34.493
8. Cru Halliday (Yamaha Finance, YZF-R1) 1:34.504
9. Josh Hook (Bell Helmets, Ducati Panigale R) 1:34.717
10. Jed Metcher (Race Centre Race Team, Yamaha YZF-R1) 1:34.803
ASBK is live on SBS and Live Streaming
Fans will be treated to plenty of action on and off the track next weekend, however for the fans who can’t be at Phillip Island, the ASBK has provided them with the best opportunity to stay up to speed with everything happening on October 8.
From 9:30 am AEST the ASBK will be broadcast LIVE to everyone in the world via the ASBK website. Capturing the live racing moments, exclusive interviews with past and present champions and so much more, the Live Stream is not to be missed.
ASBK will be telecast on free to air channels SBS (from 1:00 PM AEDST) and SBS VICELAND (from 2:00 PM) on Sunday October 8.
As always, stay up to date with all the latest news and updates from the ASBK by liking ASBK on Facebook, following the @asbk on Instagram and checking out the ASBK website.
More, from a press release issued by Motorcycling Australia:
Tom Toparis Sets the Benchmark Ahead of Phillip Island Barnstormer
October 6, 2017
Day One of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK) was off to a fast start for practice sessions of the Motul Supersport class. The Spokes.com.au presents Round 7 at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit delivered plenty of excitment for day one.
With Ted Collins (NextGen Motorsports) having already taken out the Motul Supersport Championship at the previous round at SMSP. There is still plenty of intrigue to see who can claim victories on Sunday. Second place in the championship is still up for grabs between Mason Coote (Aark Racing,Yamaha YZF-R6) and Tom Toparis (Cube Racing, Kawasaki ZX-6R), with only 28 points separating the two. With no time to waste, the riders quickly got to business in their first outing of three in total, at 9:45 AM.
Toparis was the man of the day on his Kawasaki in Practice Two, lapping the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit with a blistering 1:35.648, almost a full 1.67s faster than his nearest rival Mark Chiodo (Repsol Gas Racing, Triumph 675 R) posting a 1:37.313.
With Toparis on the verge of his debut in the Moto 3 World Championship next week, it’s clear that Toparis is concentrating on the task at hand for this weekend’s racing.
It would be Coote to complete the top three. Second in the championship Coote, had a quickest time of 1:38.149.
Ryan Taylor (RTR, Yamaha YZF-R6) and Sam Condon (Bikebiz, Yamaha YZF-R6) have ground to make up to challenge the quickest times set at the front. Tayor and Condon’s respective times were a 1:38.354 and 1:38.494.
Qualifying sessions for the Motul Supersport class are at 9:45 AM and 13:30 PM tomorrow.
Provisional Top Ten Motul Supersport Friday Practice Times
1 Tom TOPARIS (Cube Racing, Kawasaki ZX-6R) 1:35.648
2 Mark CHIODO (Repsol Gas Racing, Triumph 675 R) 1:37.313
3 Mason COOTE (Aark Racing,Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:38.149
4 Ryan TAYLOR (RTR, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:38.354
5 Sam CONDON (Bikebiz, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:38.494
6 Chris QUINN (Coopers HXR Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:38.581
7 Rhys BELLING (LXI Racing, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:38.795
8 Aidan HAYES (Hayes Johnston Pty Ltd, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:38.906
9 Jordan CARLSSON (Dave’s Smash Repairs, Yamaha YZF-R6) 1:39.544
10 Mitch REES (Tony Rees Motorcycles, Honda CBR 600) 1:39.565
More, from another press release issued by Motorcycling Australia:
Max Croker Fastest for Hi-Tec Batteries Supersport 300 at the Island
October 6, 2017
Fastest for the Hi-Tec Batteries Supersport 300 class would be Max Croker (KTM Australia, KTM RC 390) during the Friday practice sessions for the Spokes.com.au presents Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. The majority of the quickest times were set during Practice Two when the track provided optimal conditions. Track conditions were slightly damp in the final practice session.
With Reid Battye (BCperformance Junior Team, Kawasaki EX 300) taking the ‘Under’ class back at SMSP, the focus now turns to the ‘Over’ class to see who can seal the championship. A total of 45 riders had the opportunity to lay down the rubber during three practice sessions at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Pace setter Croker set his fastest time in Practice Two. His time of a 1:50.560 also topped his ‘Over’ class.
Coming in second was Tommy Edwards (Alpinestars, Yamaha YZF-R3). Edwards finished only 0.035s behind the pace setter Croker.
Completing the top three, was Battye lodging a 1:50.716. Newly crowned champion, Battye was the fastest of the ‘Under’ class.
Fourth and fifth went to Jack Mahaffy (JDS Moto, Yamaha YZF- R3) and Yani Shaw (BCperformance Junior Team, Kawasaki EX 300), their times being a 1:50.824 and 1:50.834.
With three tenths of a second separating the top five, there’s nothing in it for this closely contested class.
Qualifying One (Q1) of the 2017 Hi-Tec Batteries Supersport 300 Championship is scheduled for 9:05 AM local time on Saturday, with Q2 due to take place at 11:35 AM Race One for the class will also take place tomorrow at 2:00 PM.
Hi-Tech Batteries Supersport 300 Top 10 Times
1. Max CROKER (KTM Australia, KTM RC-390) OVER 1:50.560
2. Tommy EDWARDS (Alpinestars, Yamaha YZF-R3) OVER 1:50.681
3. Reid BATTYE (BCperformance Junior Team, Kawasaki EX 300) UP TO 1:50.716
4. Jack MAHAFFY (JDS Moto, Yamaha YZF- R3) OVER 1:50.824
5. Yanni SHAW (Bcperformance Junior Team, Kawasaki EX 300) UP TO 1:50.834
6. Billy VAN EERDE (KTM Australia, KTM RC 390) OVER 1:51.111
7. Zac LEVY (Puma RV’s, Yamaha YZF-R3) OVER 1:51.367
8. Locky TAYLOR (Locky Taylor Racing, Yamaha YZF-R3) OVER 1:51.373
9. Hunter FORD (Ford Brothers Racing, Yamaha YZF-R3) OVER 1:51.444
10. Drew SELLS (Race Centre, Kawasaki EX 300) UP TO 1:51.589
More, from another press release issued by Motorcycling Australia:
Edwards Lands First Blow in YMF R3 Cup Island Showdown
October 6, 2017
The YMF R3 Cup title fight will come down to riders Tommy Edwards (Alpinestars, Yamaha YZF-R3) and Jack Mahaffy (JDS Moto, Yamaha YZF-R3) this weekend. Only five points separate the leading duo heading into the finale round of the 2017 season at the Spokes.com.au presents Round 7 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Tommy Edwards (Alpinestars, Yamaha YZF-R3) was a class act by topping Friday Practice for the YMF R3 Cup. Edwards who is desperate to take the YMF R3 Cup title has put himself in a commanding position ahead of this weekend’s races. Edwards fastest lap was a 1:50.208.
Also impressing was Hunter Ford (Ford Brothers Racing, Yamaha YZF-R3). Despite missing out on the quickest lap, Ford can be confident in his impressive pace after posting a 1:52.966.
Rounding out the top three was Broc Pearson (Yamaha, YZF-R3), followed closely behind by Jack Mahaffy (JDS Moto, Yamaha YZF-R3) and Locky Taylor (LTR Racing, Yamaha YZF-R3).
Stay tuned to what promises to be an exciting championship showdown at the Island between Edwards and Mahaffy. Race One takes place at 15:20 PM tomorrow.
YMF R3 Cup Overall Times
1 Tommy EDWARDS (Alpinestars, Yamaha YZF-R3) 1:50.208
2 Hunter FORD (Ford Brothers Racing, Yamaha YZF-R3) 1:52.966
3 Broc PEARSON (Yamaha, YZF-R3) 1:53.070
4 Jack MAHAFFY (JDS Moto, Yamaha YZF-R3)1:53.274
5 Locky TAYLOR (LTR Racing, Yamaha YZF-R3) 1:54.546
6 Ben BRAMICH (Ron Angel Classic Racing, Yamaha YZF-R3) 1:54.942
7 Dan THOMAS (Inglis Plumbing, Yamaha YZF-R3) 1:55.004
8 Tayla RELPH (Motorcycle Sportsmen, Yamaha YZF-R3) 1:55.729
9 Troy RYAN (Taree Motorcycles, Yamaha YZF-R3) 1:55.799
10 Jack PASSFIELD (StayUpright Rider Training, Yamaha YZF-R3) 1:56.345
More, from another press release issued by Motorcycling Australia:
Horsell Consulting F1 & F2 Sidecar Championship Final Round Practice
October 6, 2017
The Horsell Consulting Round of the 2017 Australian F1 & F2 Sidecar Championship is coming to a thrilling conclusion this weekend at the Spokes.com.au presents Round 7 of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK) at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. With both the F1 & F2 titles up for grabs, setting the pace from the get go is key for these outfits.
The 13 strong field of well-presented F1 & F2 class outfits thundered around the circuit today in a shake down ahead of the weekends qualifying sessions and races. Of the large number of sidecar teams on track, it was F2’s Mick Alton / Chrissie Clancy (J & C Contracting, Suzuki LCR) and their time of a 1:50.367 that took the limelight.
Second fastest was the successful F1 duo, Dave Boughen / Lok O’Kane (Suzuki GSXR)
with a 1:51.059 and third was Howard Ford / Lee Menzies (B Beard Concerting, Suzuki GSXR) posting a 1:51.478.
Noteworthy was the freshly minted team of, Beau Beaton (filling in for Camron Donald) and Noel Bear on the magnificent Irving Vincent. The Vincent managed to circulate in 1:52.015.
Qualifying One (Q1) of the 2017 Australian Sidecar Championship Horsell Consulting Round 4 of 4 is scheduled for 11:55 AM local time on Saturday, with the first eight lap race due to take place at 16:10 PM.
Australian Sidecar Championship Friday Practice Top 5 Times
1. Mick ALTON / Chrissie CLANCY (J & C Contracting F2 Suzuki LCR) 1:50.367
2. Dave BOUGHEN / Lok O’KANE F1 (Suzuki GSXR) 1:51.059)
3. Howard FORD / Lee MENZIES (B Beard Concreting F1 Suzuki GSXR) 1:1:51.478
4. Bruce COLLINS/Peter DEANGELIS (Breeze Logistics Australia F2 LCR 600) 1:51.750
5. Beau BEATON / Noel BEARE / KH Equipment, Irving Vincent) 1:51.952
More, from another press release issued by Motorcycling Australia:
Whiteside Sets Pace Ahead of Title Rival Kelso for Moto 3 / 125GP
October 6, 2017
The Moto 3 / 125GP class completed their practice sessions today, as part of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK). The riders were eager to set themselves up for a strong weekend ahead. It was Dylan Whiteside (Aussie Crane Trucks, Honda NSF 250 R) to be the fastest rider of the day for the Spokes.com.au presents Round 7 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
With the championship currently neck and neck between Dylan Whiteside and Joel Kelso, who are both tied on points, both were looking to get a leg up on their rival in practice. There was also plenty of interest in Tom Toparis (Cube Racing, Honda NSF 250 R) as he adapted to his Moto 3 machine ahead of his Moto3 Wildcard appearances at the Japanese and Australian Grand Prix’s.
Competitors looked to get their weekend off to the right start, and it was Whiteside who was fastest to place in front of his rival Joel Kelso (JDS Moto, Honda NSF 250 R). Whiteside will be pleased to have set the pace in front of his title rival for day one. Whiteside managed a 1:45.995 and Kelso a 1:46.439
In third position it was Australia’s rising star Toparis, with a s solid performance in the class to rack up mileage on a Moto3 machine. Toparis managed a 1:48.578.
In fourth, the very talented Dallas Skeer rode well to post a time of 1:50.343. Taran Ocean rounded out the top five after he achieved a respectable lap time of 1:52.430.
Race One for the Moto 3 / 125GP will take place at 15:45 PM.
Moto 3 / 125GP Top Ten Provisional Friday Practice Results
1 Dylan WHITESIDE (Aussie Crane Trucks, Honda NSF 250 R) 1:45.995
2 Joel KELSO (JDS Moto, Honda NSF 250 R) 1:46.439
3 Tom TOPARIS (Cube Racing, Honda NSF 250 R) 1:48.578
4 Dallas SKEER (Ron Angel Classic Racing Honda NSF 250 R 1:50.343
5 Taran OCEAN (B-spoke Design, Honda RS 125) 1:52.430
6 Dave MANSON (Fastline GP Racing, 125 Honda RS 125) 1:52.982
7 Mark LAING-HUGHES (Fastline GP Racing, 125 Yamaha TZ 125) 1:54.129
8 David DOUGHTY (Fastline GPRacing, 125 Honda RS 125) 1:54.346
9 Jeremy HUDDLESTONE (B-spoke Design 125, Honda RS 125) 1:54.929
10 Peter McFARLANE (Fastline GP Racing,Honda RS 125) 1:55.977
More, from a press release issued by DesmoSport Ducati:
PROGRESSION THE FOCUS FOR DESMOSPORT DUCATI’S TURNER AT PHILLIP ISLAND
Phillip Island’s seventh and final round of the 2017 Australian Superbike Championship kicked off today in Victoria as racers hit the track for three timed practice sessions held in variable weather conditions.
DesmoSport Ducati’s Corey Turner wrapped up today’s sessions with a fast lap of 1m36.063s which places him 15th on the Superbike scoreboard heading into Saturday’s on-track action.
Unsatisfied with today’s performance, the 19-year-old premier class rookie looks to progress during tomorrow’s qualifying sessions as he pushes to return to form found at the iconic circuit during a recent test.
“There’s a few things here and there that we’re working on for tomorrow,” said Turner. “If we can get back down to the times we were doing at the test, we’ll definitely be up in the top six again and back in the hunt again. I’m just off that little bit too much at the moment, but hopefully the weather stays good for tomorrow and we should be alright.”
Team co-owner and three-time world champion Troy Bayliss expects to see improved times from Turner during Saturday’s sessions as the DesmoSport Ducati team continues to fine-tune the 1299 Panigale S machine.
“At the end of the day it didn’t look so good, but with the weather conditions it was a bit stop and go,” Bayliss commented. “I’m pretty sure we’re in a good situation for tomorrow and we’re hoping for some good weather here.
“We were here last Tuesday and at the end of the day Corey had a crash. We were able to get the bike back working well and we’re happy with that, we’ve got both bikes looking good on the track and we’re trying a few different things.”
Turner enters Phillip Island’s final round of the 2017 Australian Superbike Championship ranked eighth overall in the series standings.
Like DesmoSport Ducati on Facebook and visit www.asbk.com.au for further information. Cube Performance Centre also has an exclusive DesmoSport Ducati section on its website, available to view at www.asbk.com.au now.