Morgan Park ASBK Preview + Digital Program Released
The Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK) is ready to roll into Queensland this weekend at Morgan Park Raceway! The track itself is always one of the rider’s favourites on the calendar and the racing should be exhilarating. Here is what to look out for at this weekend. ASBK is also pleased to announce the arrival of the Round 5 Program which can be viewed at asbk.com.au.
ASBK Live
ASBK live coverage has gone to the next level in 2018 with arguably the best racing in Australia and its set to be broadcast right to fan’s screens on Sunday for those who can’t make it to the race track. Don’t forget to tune-in to channel SBS and Fox Sports at 1:00 PM AEST. Hardcore fans can tune in all day with ASBK Livestream on the website.
The Track
The 2.967 km Morgan Park track is very popular amongst the riders and fans alike. It’s got a mix of technical sections and high-speed corners, so it should make for great racing. Set up is absolutely crucial at this track and teams often take part in private tests around this track, so the pace is expected to be hot from the get-go.
Championship Battles
The YMI Superbike class is in a fascinating spot at the moment with Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda, CBR1000SP) holding the lead 29.5 points gap to the chasing Wayne Maxwell (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1M) and Troy Bayliss (Desmosport Ducati, 1299 Panigale) a further 48.5 behind. These three riders appear to be the standouts of the season so far and look set to battle it out for the title.
Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R6) continues to dominate the Kawasaki Supersport class and Tom Toparis (Cube Racing, ZX-6R) will be desperate to take the fight to him. Tom Bramich (YRT, YZF-R3) will go in as the favourite to take out the Australian Supersport 300 round.
Returning Riders
There will be plenty of riders making their return to ASBK competition after some time out of the championship. Names such as Broc Pearson (Yamaha Motor Australia, YZF-R6), Corey Turner (CBR1000SP), Callum Spriggs (Yamaha YZF-R6), Yannis Shaw (Select Fresh Providores, ZX-10R), Joel Kelso (JDS Moto, YZF-R15) and more will be joining the grid. Turner in particular is a local hero and sensationally scored a podium at this track last year.
Arthur Sissis Swapping Machinery
Former Moto3 rider, Arthur Sissis (SA Demolition) will be making the switch to the Honda CBR1000SP for the remainder of the season. As a privateer, Sissis has impressed with strong points finishes and is probably the best starter on the grid at the moment. It will be fascinating to see how he adapts to a new bike.
Activities Around the Track
There are plenty of activities to check out around the track including the ASBK Trade Alley which boasts up to 15 store holders. The bLU cRU Mini Moto will also be on hand, providing young kids the chance to have a ride on a bike with expert coaching.
This weekend should be an absolute thriller and shape the rest of the ASBK season. Make sure to visit the track or view the action on SBS, Fox Sports or Live Stream.
ASBK is pleased to announce the arrival of the digitalised Official ASBK Round 5 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.
2018 ASBK Calendar
Round 5- Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick QLD August 17 – 19
Round 6- Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC September 7 – 9
Round 7- Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC October 12 – 14
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Photos courtesy of Andrew Gosling tbg sport