![](https://www.asbk.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Maxwelll-1200x600.jpg)
ASBK Leader Maxwell Sets SMSP Practice Pace
The YMI Superbike class rider, Wayne Maxwell (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1) kicked off Round 6 at Sydney Motorsport Park by setting the benchmark ahead of Josh Waters (Team Suzuki ECSTAR, GSX-R1000R) for the 2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK). Practice for the penultimate round took place under sunny skies and optimal track conditions.
In first place, topping the timesheets was Yamaha’s Maxwell. The Championship leader displayed his prowess for 3.93 km Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) track during today’s practice sessions with an overall best time of 1:30.681 in the third and final session. After claiming two victories at this track back in 2016, Maxwell’s pace around SMSP looks ominous for his rivals.
The closest challenger was Waters. The Victorian rider managed to get within 0.078s from pace setter Maxwell, with his time of 1:30.759. The Suzuki rider experienced a very successful day and is confident about challenging for the all important pole position tomorrow.
Recent race winner and pole winner from the last round, Cru Halliday (Yamaha Finance, Yamaha YZF-R1) solidified himself into the top three of overall times with a 1:31.076.
The remaining top five placers were Daniel Falzon (JD Racing, YZF-R1) and Glenn Allerton (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1). Allerton showing solid pace after slowly mending from his injuries sustained through out this year.
These results set up a tantalising proposition for this weekend’s racing with the top five positions only separated by half a second.
With the top three competitiors in relativly close succession, tomorrow’s Qualifying sessions at 11:15 AM (Q1) and 15:00 PM (Q2) won’t be ones to miss.
YMI Superbike Top Ten Provisional Friday Practice Times
1 Wayne MAXWELL (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1) 1:30.681
2 Josh WATERS (Team Suzuki ECSTAR, GSX-R1000R) 1:30.759
3 Cru HALLIDAY (Yamaha Finance, YZF-R1) 1:31.076
4 Daniel FALZON (JD Racing, YZF-R1) 1:31.165
5 Glenn ALLERTON (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1) 1:31.182
6 Bryan STARING (Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team, CBR1000SP2) 1:31.482
7 Josh HOOK (Bell Helmets, Ducati Panigale R) 1:31.692
8 Michael BLAIR (Yamaha YRT, YZF-R1) 1:31.913
9 Alex PHILLIS (Apex Civil, Yamaha YZF-R1) 1:32.212
10 Robert BUGDEN (Kawasaki BCperformance, ZX-10R) 1:32.307
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2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship Presented by Motul Pirelli Calendar:
Round 6 SMSP Eastern Creek, NSW 8-10 September
Round 7 Spokes.com.au presents Phillip Island Circuit, VIC 6-8 October
Photos Courtesy of Andrew Gosling TBG Photography
Photo One: Wayne Maxwell 2017 SMSP
Photo Two: Josh Waters 2017 SMSP