Night of Champions sees more than just Champions congratulated
The 2016 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli, Night of Champions Awards Dinner not only awarded the 2016 Australian Champions from every class but also saw the introduction of broader awards to encapsulate the success of the Championship thus far.
Alongside the Australian Championship awards, the following were also awarded:
- FIM Oceania Road Racing Champions
- Brembo Superbike Challenge Tier 2 and First non A-grader
- Best Presented Team
- Media Choice Award
- Volunteer of the Year
- Host club of the Year
- 2016 Series Official Appreciation awards.
Brembo Superbike Challenge Tier 2 – Daniel Falzon
2016 saw the Championship continue its growth with the introduction of a number of factory teams. To recognise the success and talent of the non-factory teams going up against the big boys the Brembo Superbike Challenge was introduced for 2016.
Despite some difficult moments throughout the season Jon Daniel’s Racing’s Daniel Falzon had gone from strength to strength to place on the podium for the first time this season at Morgan Park Raceway, as well as several top ten finishes.
The final round saw Falzon collect enough points to secure a first place finish in the Brembo Superbike Challenge.
Brembo Superbike Challenge First non A-grade championship – Peter Berry
B graded rider DM Racing’s Peter Berry has secured himself the First non A-grade Championship after his consistent efforts over the 2016 Australian Superbike season.
Berry and Livson TBR team mate Nathan Spiteri were battling head to head throughout the season amongst the A-grade competitors and with multiple top 20 to top 15 finishes as a non-manufacturer supported team, Berry accumulated enough points to claim victory.
Best Presented Team – Brayden Elliott
Team Knobby Underwear Suzuki rider Brayden Elliott has walked away from what was a successful weekend for the rookie Superbike competitor with the Australian Superbike Championship Best Presented Team award for his consistent and professional pit set up and team persona in the paddock.
Backed by none other than three-time Australian Superbike Champion Shawn Giles and reputable mechanic Phil Tainton, this 2015 Australian Supersport Champion stepped up to the premier Superbike class at the beginning of this year.
Media Choice Award – Wayne Maxwell
The comical larrikin in the paddock Yamaha Racing Team’s Wayne Maxwell has been awarded the Media Choice award at the Night of Champions dinner for his media savvy ways and approachable attitude to media tasks.
Voted for by multiple key media personnel this award is not age or class limited, but highlights the efforts of one individual throughout the year who consistently engages with the media.
The Helping Hands of ASBK
ASBK is extremely grateful for all those who donate their time and hard work to the Championship and ask nothing in return. It was great to hear so many riders thank the volunteer officials and marshals in their speeches. Tom Williams, Gary Bleazby, Denise Stronach, Rob Scott, Jan Higgins, Brendon Ferrari and Simon Maas were awarded the 2016 Series Official Appreciation Awards.
After traveling from Perth all year, Paul Hinds was awarded Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to the Championship. Rounding out the awards is the Host Club of the Year taken by Hartwell Motorcycle Club who were extremely supportive and helpful at the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship.
The Australian Superbike management team, along with Motorcycling Australia, would like to congratulate everyone on their awards. We are excited for what lies ahead in 2017!
To stay up to date with everything happening in the ASBK or for news about the 2017 season in the coming weeks head to www.asbk.com.au, ‘Like’ the ASBK on Facebook or follow @asbk on Instagram.
