‘Podium Hunter’ Catches His Prey
Hunter Ford (Yamaha, YZF-R3) lived up to his nickname in Race One of Spokes.com.au presents Round 7 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK). ‘Podium Hunter’ Ford led from pole position in Saturday’s Race One of the Australian Supersport 300 Championship, but had his work cut out for him during an intense scrabble that saw Ford clinch victory in the final straight of the final lap.
Chomping at the bit right behind the ‘Podium Hunter’ was Zac Levy (Puma RV’s, Yamaha YZF-R3) who took out second position on the podium for Race One, surprising many after coming out from behind after taking out sixth position in qualifying. Levy demonstrated his raw skill and perseverance in today’s race, using ‘The Island’s’ sweeping turns and lengthy straights to his advantage ahead of his competition.
Lucky third place getter on the podium in today’s Race One of the Australian Supersport 300 Championship was Tom Bramich (JLT, Yamaha YZF-R3) who started the race from fourth position. Bramich attacked in the final laps to secure his place on the podium in time for tomorrow’s Race Two and Three.
Surprising many today by storming through from ninth position in Qualifying Two to fourth position in Race One was none other than Seth Crump (Rock Oil, KTM RC). Although just missing out on a podium position, Crump has made it clear to his rivals that he means business and will no doubt use tomorrow’s Race Two and Three to push through to a podium position.
Rounding out the top five of today’s Australian Supersport 300 Championship Race One was Tayla Relph (Baldivis Forklifts, Yamaha YZF-R3), who worked tirelessly today to move from an initial seventh position to fifth position. Relph endured an intense scuffle throughout the entire race, which saw her fluctuate from eighth down to fifth position, keeping her family and fans on edge until the final seconds.
After the events of today, we are in for an intense battle tomorrow where every move will be key to securing a place in the podium and position in the Championship. With the addition of many unexpected faces in today’s tussle for Race One, you’d better grab some popcorn and expect the unexpected in tomorrow’s final two races of the Australian Supersport 300 Championship! As a result of his podium position, Bramich holds a 35-point lead heading into Sundays two races, ahead of Levy.
The Australian Supersport 300 Championship will be back on track for Race Two at 1:10pm and Race Three at 3:05pm, where the official Champion will be crowned.
If you can’t make it to ‘The Island’, don’t forget to catch all the drama via livestream at ASBK.com.au from 10am (AEST) or on SBS and FoxSports from 1pm (AEST).
Australian Supersport 300 Race One Provisional Results
1. Hunter FORD (Yamaha, YZF-R3)
2. Zac LEVY (Puma RV’s, Yamaha YZF-R3)
3. Tom BRAMICH (JLT, Yamaha YZF-R3)
4. Seth CRUMP (Rock Oil, KTM RC)
5. Tayla RELPH (Baldivis Forklifts, Yamaha YZF-R3)
6. Oli BAYLISS (Cube Racing, Kawasaki Ninja)
7. Callum O’BRIEN (Banhams WA, Yamaha YZF-R3)
8. Max STAUFFER (Rock Oil, Yamaha YZF-R3)
9. Laura BROWN (WNR, Yamaha YZF-R3)
10. Locky TAYLOR (Shark Leathers, Yamaha YZF-R3)
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Remaining 2018 ASBK Calendar Rounds
Round 7- Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC October 12 – 14
Photos courtesy of Andrew Gosling – tbg sport
