Toparis Defeats Bayliss In Supersport Race Two

Benro Racing’s Tom Toparis has been his best mate, Cube Racing’s Oli Bayliss, in the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, MotorsportsTV Supersport class in the last race of the day.

In a thrilling race it was a two man Yamaha show up front with Bayliss leading early and Toparis hot on his heals.

Once Toparis took the lead, it was Oli playing chase, while rookie 600 class rider, GTR Motostars Team’s Max Stauffer, who has stepped up from 300s, was in a battle for third with Stay Upright Rider Training’s Jack Passfield

Stauffer was super impressive and received massive applause from the crowd back at the podium after taking third.

Bayliss and Toparis embraced after the race sharing a few laughs about their battle, such is the bond between these two.

Toparis is only competing in round one before he flies to Europe to compete in the European World Supersport Championship.

“It’s pretty good I mean you want to beat him as much as you can, in the first race I got that done and in the second race he got that done, it’s great fun” said Bayliss.

Toparis said: “I’m hoping that after those 16 laps (of the WorldSupersport race as Wild Card) he is absolutely done and and he has nothing left and eaves it up to me, I can beat him,” Toparis said laughing.

“it’s great to see Oli stepping it up another level this year and he is probably the favourite this year, and if he can keep it on two wheels this year unlike last year and I am keen to see how he goes from over in the Netherlands and I hope he brings home a championship.

“It’s a bit more serious this weekend I don’t really want to lose to him to be honest.”

Stauffer was very happy with his third place.

“I’m over the moon I can’t believe it, I had to work so hard for it as Jack (Passfield) was fast the whole race.

“It’s the biggest jump so to be going this good so early on is quite special, I’m happy and excited for the future.”

Photos by Russell Colvin