Alex Phillis keeps it in the family
Alex Phillis (Apex Civil Construction, Yamaha YZF-R1) is returning to the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK), with his family run privateer team in the YMI Superbike Class at the the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 at Winton Motor Raceway, 28 – 30 April.
It’s been a crazy year for young Phillis, son of multiple Australian Champion Robbie Phillis, who will be making his return with his privateer Yamaha YZF-R1, after only originally planning on competing in the NZSBK Championship this year, to sensationally find himself back in ASBK. With a successful run at the Official ASBK Test at Winton Motor Raceway earlier this month where he finished in the top eight overall times, Phillis is looking to back up his impressive pace with a positive result at the upcoming Round this weekend.
Phillis’ team has gelled extremely well, and the rider is looking forward to competing this weekend with the squad; “It’s mainly been my brother that has assisted me. We’re running his bike from last year. We have run as a family team in the past but it has always been on a tight budget. Now we’ve got something that’s really accessible to achieve great results on.” Phillis stated.
The rider was also very complementary of the assistance Yamaha Australia have provided to his privateer team. “Although we are running as a privateer outfit, the support from Yamaha’s YRD program has been phenomenal, they’ve really made racing more affordable.” Phillis explained.
This year has quickly escalated for Phillis; “Originally my plan was to only race in NZSBK. Their Championship starts in January and ends in March. We started off very well and achieved great results. We also competed in the Phillip Island Classic and got a solid result there. That impressed enough people for me to get a ride for Round One at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit with the Race Dynamics team. They helped me a lot and kick-started us along. We then realised we had to make the most of the opportunity and display what I was capable of.” Phillis achieved an eighth place result at Race One in Phillip Island in the YMI Superbike Class.
Phillis commented on his now extensive international racing experience; “I did three years in Germany, doing one year of Supersport and two years of Superstock 1000. Unfortunately, after those years, I had no ride and it looked to be done. I then achieved a Wild Card entry for the first round of the 2015 Supersport World Championship season. Out of that, I did land four races in World Superbikes (WSBK) later in that year, but the experience was difficult. The highlight of that experience was a one-off ride with Andy Offer, where we finished 14th and scored two points, which was awesome. In the German Superstock 1000, I managed a few podiums over the years and 4th in the championship over there.” According to Phillis.
He is now incredibly excited to be back racing in Australia, adding; “Its great to be able to live at home and to have the opportunity to race with my family as a team. I’m comfortable with the people I’m working with and I hope we can bring home great results by the end of the season.” Phillis said.
Phillis’ first hit out with his new privateer team which was extremely successful, at the Official ASBK Test at Winton Motor Raceway a few weeks ago; “We were very happy with the performance at the Test. We spent the first day getting used to the YZF-R1 and adjusting the bike for a good setup. We did get some great laps in the end but it will be really close. There are about ten riders, which are capable of doing really well this weekend. It won’t be easy, but If we can take-off where we left-off at the Official ASBK Test, a top five result may be possible. Whether its achievable, we don’t know but there’s a goal there!” Phillis stated.
Attend the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 at Winton Motor Raceway this weekend April 28 – 30 to witness how Alex Phillis performs with his new privateer team!
2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship Presented by Motul Pirelli Calendar:
Round 3 Spokes.com.au presents Winton Motor Raceway, VIC 28-30 April
Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, NT 7-9 July
Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, QLD 25-27 August
Round 6 SMSP Eastern Creek, NSW 8-10 September
Round 7 Spokes.com.au presents Phillip Island Circuit, VIC 6-8 October
Don’t forget to catch live ASBK footage from the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 at Winton Motor Raceway on SBS and Live Streaming.
SBS will be broadcasting Live from 12:30 AEST, with direct action from the track.
For the hard-core ASBK fan that cannot miss any of the electrifying race day action, the Live Streaming feature on asbk.com.au and the ASBK Facebook page.
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 here.
ASBK Live Timing can be accessed on asbk.com.au via the live timing tab.
Photo courtesy of Alex Phillis: Alex Philis with his Yamaha YZF-R1 Race Machine.
