What they said – Superbikes
We spoke to the top three riders in the Moto 3 / 125GP category at the opening round of the 2015 ASBK Championship, and here is what they had to say about their weekends.
Troy Herfoss – 1st Overall (2nd and 1st)
“The conditions were really bad. They obviously look great with the sun shining on Phillip Island and the spectators are getting their moneys
worth, but the track gets so greasy out there when it gets hot like that.
“We were going a lot slower than what we were earlier. I actually thought when Josh got in front of me mid-race that the race was over, but I realised quickly that he was struggling just like I was.
“It was sort of like a checkmate really; we couldn’t go faster and we were just sort of holding each other up, so I decided the best thing was to fight for every corner.
“He (Hook) made me fight for it and I am just glad I held him off the line.
“Big thanks to Team Honda, Pirelli and everyone who has put a big effort in. There are so many guys that I need to thank so I need to start doing some memorising of the lists but it goes on and on.
“Also a quick one to Jamie – hopefully he is better soon.”
Josh Hook – 2nd Overall (1st and 2nd)
“It was a bit of a pain to be honest. I sat back on that last lap knowing that I could get a good run on Troy (Herfoss) and pass him before the line so that was a bit disappointing.
“I was a bit upset with myself that I didn’t peel right instead of left but that’s the way it is. He came across and I got boxed in towards the pit wall, but overall it’s not a bad weekend for us to get first and second considering we were off the pace coming into this weekend.
“It was good experience and good for my confidence, and it is a pleasure to come back and ride just for this round and I’m so proud at how the weekend went.”
Mike Jones – 3rd Overall (3rd and 3rd)
“That was tough the second race of the day; bumped up to 12 laps from the eight laps that we had this morning and my wrist was already sore from the previous day’s activities with practice and qualifying.
“To get out there and race again this morning, I’m absolutely destroyed.
“I was over-compensating with the rest of my body to try not to put input into the handlebar with my right hand so I was just completely worn out in the race.
“I’d like to say a big thanks to the Australian Outdoor Living Cube Racing Team for their assistance this early on in the year to get us on the podium is fantastic. Just a big thanks to the team sponsors and my personal sponsors as well.
“It was a tough battle out there. Obviously I wasn’t with the front two guys but it was a good battle there with Lyndon (Magee) throughout the race.
“I had to get past Daniel (Falzon) initially on that first lap as he started ahead of me, so to be able to get past him and get past Lyndon and make a gap and not lose too much through the middle of the race on the front-runners, I think it was a pretty good effort. To get third place in the first race is just fantastic so I’m very happy.
“Morgan Park is my home track and at this stage we’ll be doing our best to get there and being a home circuit, I’d certainly have an advantage there. So I’d like to be able to get there and race these guys because I think I have a good strong competitive advantage against them there.”
