Top trio in ASBK Championship locked in a scintillating battle for glory

The top three competitors so far in the Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance (YMI) Australian Superbike class, part of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK) are locked in a tight battle for supremacy, with the fast approaching Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 at Winton Motor Raceway 28-30 April. Championship leader Daniel Falzon (JD Racing, Yamaha YZF-R1) has reigning champion Troy Herfoss (Crankt Protein Honda Racing, CBR-1000SP) and Robbie Bugden (Kawasaki BCperformance, ZX-10R) in close points proximately.

Daniel Falzon of the JD Racing Team has impressed the ASBK paddock by taking the fight to the factory teams on his race proven privateer Yamaha YZF-R1. After winning an incredible trifecta in races at Round One Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Falzon set himself up brilliantly with a commanding championship lead. Although Round Two at Wakefield Park Raceway, he was not as dominating, Falzon managed to defend his Championship lead successfully with a strong podium finish at a track which is not his favourite. Currently, Falzon is heading to a track where he has increased confidence at Winton Motor Raceway. A strong and steady weekend is required to maintain the gap to the chasing pack.

Round Two of the ASBK at Wakefield Park Raceway saw Crankt Protein Honda Racing’s Troy Herfoss strike back, narrowly missing out on winning both races on his home circuit. Now the 2016 champ is in a strong position to carry out his title defence, as the racing progresses towards the mid stages of the year. Herfoss knows what it takes to achieve Championship glory and it won’t be long until he will attempt to stamp his authority on his rivals and achieve back-to-back titles. Winton Motor Raceway witnessed Herfoss clench the 2016 Championship last year, so he will be looking forward to competing at a track which holds great memories for the Honda star.

Robbie Bugden of the Kawasaki BCperformance Team has utilised his wealth of Superbike experience and is sitting pretty in third position in the standings. While he hasn’t managed to claim a win in 2017 yet, Bugden has achieved excellent consistency with many podium finishes. Budgen is a natural fit for the ZX-10R and will likely achieve wins in the near future if he maintains this level of competitiveness.

The Official ASBK Test at Winton Motor Raceway (11-12 April) provided an insight as to which of these riders might perform at the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 at Winton Motor Raceway. Daniel Falzon in particular looks competitive around the Winton circuit, as he achieved the second fastest lap time of the Official ASBK Test. Herfoss also improved in the standings towards the end of the Official ASBK Test to claim the third fastest time, after not appearing as strong as the Yamaha’s on day one. Bugden finished in a solid eight position in the overall lap times.

With plenty of Championship points to play for at the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 at Winton Motor Raceway. This trinity of riders will likely be locked in a competitive battle for the Championship lead. Riders will have to walk the line between pushing hard for victory and playing it safe to secure points.

Be sure to attend the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli at Winton Motor Raceway 28-30 April, near the town of Benalla, VIC, to see who emerges as the 2017 Championship frontrunner.

Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike
Championship Points

2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship Presented by Motul Pirelli Calendar:
Round 3    Spokes.com.au presents Winton Motor Raceway, VIC    28-30 April
Round 4                                           Hidden Valley Raceway,     NT    7-9  July          
Round 5                                           Morgan Park Raceway,      QLD 25-27 August
Round 6                                           SMSP Eastern Creek,        NSW  8-10 September  
Round 7    Spokes.com.au presents Phillip Island Circuit,    VIC 6-8  October
Don’t forget to catch live ASBK footage from the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 at Winton Motor Raceway on SBS and Live Streaming 

SBS will be broadcasting Live from 12:30 AEST, with direct action from the track.

For the hard-core ASBK fan who cannot miss any of the electrifying race day action, the Live Streaming feature on asbk.com.au and the ASBK Facebook page.

Stay up to date with all the latest news and updates from the ASBK by liking ASBK on Facebook, following the @asbk on Instagram and checking out the ASBK website here.

ASBK Live Timing can be accessed on asbk.com.au via the live timing tab.

Photos courtesy of Russell Colvin from the Official ASBK Test at Winton Motor Raceway.

Top Picture:
Pictured left Robbie Bugden, centre Daniel Falzon and right Troy Herfoss.

Botton Picture:
Pictured left Troy Herfoss, centre Daniel Falzon and right Robbie Bugden.