Crump Making his own Path in ASBK
Competing in the highly subscribed Australian Supersport 300 class, Seth Crump (Rock Oil, KTM RC 390) has been one of the big improvers in this years Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK). Now he sets his sights on Winton Motor Raceway!
Crump had a slow start to season 2018, but a podium at The Bend Motorsport Park gave him the belief he could run at the front. The next round at Darwin saw the #57 pick up his first race win and the overall round result as well.
Crump now sits sixth in the championship heading into Winton Motor Raceway this weekend, ASBK caught up with Crump to chat about his season to date.
Q. After a slow start to season 2018, you have shown massive improvement in the last two rounds, what do you attribute that to?
For me over the last month I have been able to spend a lot more time on the bike, this has helped me immensely with my confidence and self-belief on the bike. As we have been putting in more time, we have worked a few things out on the bike. We have made a big improvement to the suspension, which has made me so much more comfortable on the bike.
Q. What are some key areas of your training that you’ve been working on, that has helped you improve?
My training has been consistent, off the track I have been doing my usual training and just trying to stay fit for racing. On the bike we have been working really hard on my corner speed, in the 300 class, as we are on a smaller bike, corner speed is critical. It can be the difference in finishing at the front or mid pack, with just how tight the competition is this year.
Q. How did you get into road racing after your family has more of a speedway pedigree?
It simply came from one day I was at the track with Troy and Oli Bayliss, I was lucky enough that I got out on the track on one of Broc Pearson’s old bikes. I rode around with both Troy and Oli throughout the day and I just had so much fun, I was enjoying it a lot more than the dirt bike. After that I made the decision, I wanted to ride on the road.
Q. What’s it like having a multiple champion dad in your corner?
For me he is just dad, it works out well that we both don’t really know to much about road racing so we are learning the craft together.
Q. What were your goals coming into the season and have they now changed?
I didn’t really set too many goals coming into this season, but I always want to have fun and try to achieve the best results I can. I had two poor rounds at the start of the year, after that, the objective was to just become more comfortable on the bike, so that I can go faster. My recent results haven’t changed my goals, as I still want to have fun and do my best.
Q. Have you ever raced at Winton before?
I haven’t raced at Winton before, but I have tested there before and the track is good fun. Of course, its a little different to Phillip Island, which is one of my favourite tracks but I still enjoy it. I’m looking forward to getting out there on the weekend and racing around Winton for the first time.
Q. How much of boost was your first win at Darwin?
It was a great result! Grabbing third place at The Bend and then backing it up at Darwin was phenominal. It gave me the confidence to run at the front of the field and to take out the overall as well just made it even better. The win has boosted my confidence on the bike and hopefully I can add a few more win this weekend at Winton.
ASBK Digital Program
ASBK is pleased to announce the arrival of the digitalised Official ASBK Round 6 Program.
The program can be found on the website ASBK.COM.AU.
Public access to the digital ASBK Program will feature many interesting and informative sections including; rider entry lists, race schedules, previous round wrap ups, championship points standings, track information, biographies, getting started in racing information, partnership information, race pictures and so much more.
Stay up to date with all the latest news and updates from ASBK by liking ASBK on Facebook, following the @asbk on Instagram and checking out the ASBK website here. To purchase your tickets for ASBK head to asbk.com.au.
Remaining 2018 ASBK Calendar Rounds
Round 6- Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC September 7 – 9
Round 7- Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC October 12 – 14
Images Courtesy of TBGSport
