2016

ASBK competitors converge on Morgan Park ahead of Round 5

News

The Australian Superbike competitors have taken the opportunity to test at the Morgan Park circuit in Queensland this week at Motorcycle Sportsmen of Queensland’s organised test day.

With only two rounds to go in the ASBK Championship bike time is proving valuable for all competitors, especially the ASBK front runner Yamaha Racing Team’s Wayne Maxwell who is amongst those who have yet to compete on the tight and technical Queensland circuit.

The pressure is on local Mike Jones who is looking to keep his lap record standing which is currently set at a 1:15.590 lap time, but there will be no resting from his fellow competitors as they head into their second day of testing today.

Hear what they had to say about yesterday’s progress below.

Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance Superbikes

Wayne Maxwell – Yamaha Racing Team

“Yesterday was really good to be able to learn a new track as quick as we did,” he started.

“It is a good feeling for me to know that I am riding alright and that the Yamaha is working well around this circuit.

“The next step, is the challenging part, trying to get the last half a second or more out of the bike to try and match Mikes super quick times around here,” Maxwell concluded.

Troy Herfoss – Crankt Protein Honda Racing

“We have completed our first day of testing here at Morgan Park, like most it’s my first time,” he said.

“My first impressions of the layout is good, lots of corners linking together and some undulation makes it a physical lap on the Superbike.

I think we completed up around 100 laps over the 7 sessions, and I’m feeling good on the bike.

“Shaun is working hard to make my job as easy as possible so hopefully on day two we can push forward and put ourselves in a position to fight for the championship in a few weeks,” Herfoss concluded.

Mike Jones – DesmoSport Ducati

“Testing at Morgan Park is going very well with the DesmoSport Ducati Team,” he said.

“Significant progress has been made by XXX Rated Race Suspension with the Ohlins components to improve handling. Likewise, with Woolich Racing, we’ve improved the electronics and tuning of the bike too.

“I’m looking forward to making more developments tomorrow,” Jones concluded.

Brayden Elliott – Knobby Underwear Suzuki

“We had a really positive day testing yesterday and we were able to move forward in every session throughout the day to get a faster time each lap,” Elliott stared.

“I am starting to feel a lot more comfortable around the tight circuit on the Superbike, and these types of circuits tend to suit my riding style more.

“The track is certainly rough and hard work but I think it will suit the Suzuki so I am definitely looking forward to the round,” he said.

Daniel Falzon – Jon Daniels Racing

“Testing yesterday was very eventful for us, unfortunately we had a significant incident early in the day which forced us to ride the spare bike for the remainder of the afternoon,” he said.

“However, our times and feeling with the bike is great, the overall pace for the field is already very fast and I anticipate some tight racing in the Superbike field in two week’s time,” Falzon said.

Motul Supersport

Troy Guenther – Graffiti Alley Racing

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to prepare for a round that is close to home,” he started.

“Morgan Park is a unique track, quite tight and bumpy with a great layout which makes it fun to ride.

“After the initial day of testing yesterday I’m feeling quite comfortable on the Yamaha and looking forward to turning some more laps tomorrow,” Guenther concluded.

Luke Mitchell – JNL Racing

“Yesterday we have made a lot of progress from this morning on the Yamaha and this afternoon we have been feeling a lot better,” he said.

“Stability over the bumps was an issue but our progress shows in the lap times and I am really looking forward to getting back out there again tomorrow,” Mitchell concluded.

After testing is complete the competitors will head home and prepare to converge again on the circuit in just over two week’s time when the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship moves to Morgan Park Raceway this August 5-7.

For more information on Round 5 of the 2016 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship head to www.asbk.com.au, like the ASBK on Facebook or follow @asbk on Instagram.

Image courtesy of Sharon Mitchell Images

2016 ASBK calendar: