Tasmanian Simmonds hoping to use home-ground advantage

For most riders heading to Tasmania for the fourth round of the 2015 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli, it will be a long journey down to the Apple Isle.

But for Hobart rider Brett Simmonds, the trek to Symmons Plains will be a familiar one – and one that he is very much looking forward to.

Speaking ahead of the event which will run from 4-6 September, Simmonds said that racing at home in Tasmania always gives him a buzz.

“It’s always good to race at home in front of a big crowd and have your support there from friends and family,” he said.

“It’s always exciting to have the best riders down to compete against – it has been quite a few years since I have been able to compete against the top-level riders, so I am really looking forward to it.

“It’s very important being a national championship that it makes its way around to all of the states – it is expensive going to Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, but I think to have a proper Australian championship you do need to go to those places.”

Simmonds is no stranger to the ASBK Championship, and brings with him significant experience at the top level as he looks to take it up to the current series leaders.

“Many years ago I raced at the top level and have been riding 1000’s for the past couple of years in Tassie.

“I competed in the 2012 Victorian Road Race Championship where I won the Open class and came second in the Superbike Pro-Stock class.

“The plan is to be in the top five at least – that’s certainly what we will be aiming for.”

Simmonds will be riding a Yamaha R1, which in itself will provide a challenge given his limited preparation time on the machine.

“We have just got the new 2015 R1 and we will probably contest a few of the rounds next year, so this will be a good battle.

“As I said we have just got the new bike – this will actually be the first race that I have done on it.

“I have had a couple of rides on it and we are still trying to sort the thing out, but I am hopeful that I will be able to match these guys and push for the win.”

To follow Simmonds’ results and for all other information relating to round four at Symmons Plains, stay tuned to www.asbk.com.au.