Locky Taylor takes Thrilling Win in YMF R3 Cup
Race One was the decider that came down to the mere millimetres of the final straight for the YMF R3 Cup’s Race One today at Spokes.com.au presents Round 7 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK). Taking victory was Locky Taylor (Shark Leathers, Yamaha YZF-R3) by the skin of his teeth.
Although starting from pole position, Taylor surprised his rivals after a quiet Race One in the Australian Supersport 300 Championship by amping up the pressure in the final laps of the YMF R3 Cup Race One, and in turn stealing first position.
In those mere millimetres of the final straight, second place was awarded to Zac Levy (Puma RV’s, Yamaha YZF-R3) who stretched out his muscles earlier today in Race One of the Australian Supersport 300 Championship.
“It would have been nice to get the win today and maybe take the lead in the Championship, but we’ve got two more races tomorrow so there’s plenty to contend for.” stated Levy.
Taking out third and final podium position in Race One of the YMF R3 Cup was Hunter Ford (Yamaha, YZF-R3), whose raw energy as seen earlier in Race One of the Australian Supersport 300 Championship couldn’t extend out to the final seconds of this race. After starting from second position originally, Ford admitted; “It would have been better to be in front of Zac Levy, but in the end, I had to take whatever I could get. There’s definitely no strategy to this race, instead you just have to go for the win” explained Ford.
Coming in at fourth position was Tom Bramich (JLT, Yamaha YZF-R3), who maintained his original grid position earnt through his efforts during Qualifying One and Two yesterday. Bramich has maintained significant energy and dedication so far this weekend, defending his place in the top five of the Australian Supersport 300 Championship and the YMF R3 Cup.
Closing off the top five in Race One of the YMF R3 Cup was Tayla Relph (Baldivis Forklifts, Yamaha YZF-R3). Like Bramich, Relph navigated her way into the higher ranks of the competition and succeeded today by nabbing that coveted spot in the top five! Starting from seventh position, Relph used this to her advantage in maintaining a secure lead ahead of the likes of John Lytras (Caboolture Yamaha, Yamaha YZF-R3) and Harry Khouri (Excite M-sports, Yamaha YZF-R3), who arrived in sixth and seventh position respectively. Relph will be one to keep an eye out for tomorrow, as we head into Race Two and Three in deciding the Champion of the YMF R3 Cup, as she’ll no doubt be hungry for a taste of that podium position!
If you can’t make it to the track, access all livestreaming from 10am (AEST) via ASBK.com.au or watch all the drama from 1pm (AEST) on SBS and FoxSports.
Race Two kicks off at 12pm (AEST) and Race Three commences right after the Australian Sidecar Championship at 4:25pm (AEST).
YMF R3 Cup Provisional Race One Results
1. Locky TAYLOR (Shark Leathers, Yamaha YZF-R3)
2. Zac LEVY (Puma RV’s, Yamaha YZF-R3)
3. Hunter FORD (Yamaha, YZF-R3)
4. Tom BRAMICH (JLT, Yamaha YZF-R3)
5. Tayla RELPH (Baldivis Forklifts, Yamaha YZF-R3)
6. John LYTRAS (Caboolture Yamaha, Yamaha YZF-R3)
7. Harry KHOURI (Excite M-sports, Yamaha YZF-R3)
8. Mitch KUHNE (Shark Leathers, Yamaha YZF-R3)
9. Callum O’BRIEN (Banhams , Yamaha YZF-R3)
10. Max STAUFFER (Rock Oil, Yamaha YZF-R3)
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Remaining 2018 ASBK Calendar Rounds
Round 7- Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC October 12 – 14
Photos courtesy of Andrew Gosling – tbg sport
