Yamaha support of ASBK continues in 2024

The support of Yamaha Motor Australia in the mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul will continue into 2024, with confirmation it will continue its support of several outfits and riders in the 35th edition of ASBK.

Headlining the brand are Mike Jones and Cru Halliday, who will again step onto the factory-backed Yamaha Racing Team YRT R1M motorcycles in what is a reward for their efforts over a consistent 2023 season with podium finishes at each round.

Finishing third and fifth in the championship, the dynamic duo aims to continue their model of consistency this year with strong outings at all rounds.

With the continuation of his long-term relationship with the brand, Halliday’s 2023 season saw him break a six-year drought since his last victory with a win in race one at Phillip Island round six and wants to take a big step in 2024.

“YRT is my racing home and I’m looking forward to another year of racing with the team,” he said.

“Over the last couple of years, both Mike and I have been very competitive at each track and it’s a credit to the guys on the team for the hard work they do and the bikes they build.

“My motivation is as high as ever and it’s time I rewarded my family and the team with a championship win so I’m all out to get that done in 2024.”

Despite producing some of the closest and most exciting racing in the history of the championship, and making improvements at every round, Jones couldn’t recapture the form that saw him win the 2022 crown.

The three-time ASBK champion will return to his familiar number 46 this season and his attention has now turned to what he can do to reclaim the number one on his R1M.

“I took a few weeks off after the final round last year and had the chance to reflect on what I did well and what I can improve on as I believe that I’m still not at my peak as a rider,” he explained.

“Last year, I set several personal best times at the majority of the tracks and I believe the team, the bike and I can go even faster in 2024.

“I know the guys haven’t stopped back in the workshop as they prepare for the season and we have ride and test days scheduled before round one to ensure we are in a good place when the championship commences.”

In addition to the factory YRT outfit, through the Yamaha Racing Development program, the support of other riders and teams will continue across various classes reflecting the commitment of Yamaha to the championship.

In the Superbike class, Bryan Staring, Max Stauffer and Anthony West will all be backed through its MotoGo, GYT Moto Stars and Addicted to Track programs respectively.

Ty Lynch and John Lytras have been promoted to the premier competition of ASBK while in Supersport, Olly Simpson will again ride the Yamaha R6 and reigning R3 Cup champion Cameron Swain will compete in the class for the first time.

Further announcements of Yamaha’s 2024 racing program in ASBK will be made shortly.

The first round of the 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul will take place on February 23-25 at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit alongside the Superbike World Championship opener.

Tickets can be purchased here.