Elite U21 and U16 speedway talent racing at Albury-Wodonga

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March 20, 2025

The nation’s elite U21 and U16 speedway talent will converge on Albury-Wodonga for a spectacular weekend of Australian championship action on Dec 13-14. The Albury-Wodonga Motorcycle Club will host four Australian Speedway Championships at its excellent Diamond Park venue. Press: MA

The four categories will reunite for the first time since Tamworth in 2023, coming together at a track which has hosted top-tier Australian Speedway Championship rounds over the last three years. In 2025, that included the final chapter when Brady Kurtz powered to championship glory ahead of fellow FIM Speedway Grand Prix rider Jack Holder.

2025 Australian Speedway U21 Championship
2025 Australian Speedway U16 250cc Championship
2025 Australian Speedway U16 125cc Championship
2025 Australian Speedway U16 125cc Teams’ Championship

Michael West was the last Australian U21 champion in 2023. For Albury pocket dynamo Cooper Antone, it’ll be a special December in front of a partisan home crowd when he defends both U16 championships he won in Kingaroy last year. Albury-Wodonga Motorcycle Club president Shane Clare is delighted to be welcoming Australia’s foremost U21 and U16 riders for one action-packed weekend.

“We are absolutely delighted to be hosting the 2025 Australian U21, 250cc and 125cc Championships at our Diamond Park circuit,” he said. “What really excites our club is the opportunity to play a part in fostering the incredible young talent that is coming through the Australian speedway ranks. Some of these riders have already made their mark on the world stage, however there will be others at these championships who are unknowns at present but one day will be part of Team Australia and possibly become Grand Prix riders.”

Formal nominations for the U21 and U16 championships will open later this year before the line-ups are selected by Motorcycling Australia’s Track Commission. Visit the Australian Speedway Championship website for more info…

2025 ASBK Round One | Waters dominates at Phillip Island

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March 4, 2025

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Josh Waters made light work of his opposition with a brilliant clean sweep at round one of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Phillip Island last weekend. Report: Ed Stratmann/ASBK Media, Photos: Brett Butler

Josh Waters left Phillip Island with a handy early lead in the championship... — Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) left Phillip Island with a handy early lead in the championship…

Waters won all three races in the SW-MOTECH Superbike class, as he completed a flawless season opener on the McMartin Racing Ducati. Waters’ fellow hard-nosed veterans Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) and Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) were second and third overall in round one, while Archie McDonald (Stop and Seal Yamaha) and Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki) were the leading point-scorers in the Kawasaki Supersport and Race and Road Supersport 300 classes after three days of scintillating high-speed action.

“I could not be happier with how this weekend has gone, although it certainly wasn’t as easy as it looked,” said Waters. “But I was super happy with how my McMartin Ducati performed, and this result has certainly put down a very solid foundation for the 2025 season. Racing is still a huge passion for me, and I enjoy competing – and celebrating success – with family and friends.”

Race One

Waters’ superiority in the 11-lap race one started from the get-go when he barrelled into turn one with the lead, followed by Cam Dunker (MotoGo Yamaha) and Jones. That’s as close as the field got to him, although West – who started on the front row alongside Waters – was an early threat after he moved into second on lap two.

West reduced the gap to about half a second with a scorching 1:31.669 on lap three, but Waters’ immediate response was a 1:31.599, which was all the impetus he needed to start the year with maximum points.

The final winning margin was well over four seconds from West, who briefly lost the runner-up position to Jones at turn 10 on the final lap before the Moto2 GP winner performed a swift cutback to regain the ascendancy.

Ducati pair Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing) and Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) were next home, with the top eight completed by Max Stauffer (Yamaha Racing Team), John Lytras (Yamaha) and Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Yamaha).

Tom Edwards (Motoschool Racing Yamaha) and Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha) made impressive rookie debuts to see out the top 10, while Dunker was one of three DNFs after crashing on lap nine while running fourth.

Race One Results

Josh Waters
Anthony West (+4.404)
Mike Jones (+4.421)
Glenn Allerton (+13.809)
Broc Pearson (+14.013)

Race Two

In race two, Waters was again in runaway mode, but this time, Jones turned the tables on West as Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) edged out race one faller Cameron Dunker (MotoGo Yamaha) in a gripping battle for fourth. Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati), Stauffer and Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Yamaha) completed the top eight.

Race Two Results

Josh Waters
Mike Jones (+2.661)
Anthony West (+2.725)
Broc Pearson (+8.758)
Cameron Dunker (+8.863)

Race Three

It only took about 10 seconds of race three for the first flashpoint, with Pearson – who came home with a wet sail in race two – going down at turn one after being clipped and forced wide.

Halliday (flat tyre) and Allerton (mechanical) also failed to finish race three, leaving Waters, Jones and West to be followed home in the 11-lapper by the fast-starting Dunker, Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha), Lytras, Stauffer and Ryan Yanko (Addicted to Track Yamaha).

Josh Waters’ 17th and 18th SW-MOTECH Superbike victories at Phillip were achieved with brutal efficiency, as he sling-shotted off the line on both occasions and then immediately knuckled down to build unassailable leads.

Waters’ three wins and a pole position saw him bank a maximum 76pts (there’s a bonus point for pole position) in round one, from Mike Jones (58), Anthony West (56), Max Stauffer (43) and John Lytras (40).

Race Three Results

Josh Waters
Mike Jones (+2.108)
Anthony West (+2.146)
Cameron Dunker (+12.664)
Jonathan Nahlous (+17.035)

Championship Points

Josh Waters – 76 Points
Mike Jones – 58 Points
Anthony West – 56 Points
Max Stauffer – 43 Points
John Lytras – 40 Points

Kawasaki Supersport

Archie McDonald now has seven wins and 11 podiums from 24 starts in the Kawasaki Supersport class, as the 18-year-old’s stocks continue to rise at a rapid rate. His 1-1 scorecard saw him get the better of Stop and Seal Yamaha teammate Jack Mahaffy on both occasions, while Tom Bramich (Yamaha) and Olly Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki) shared the third places.

Race one was the more intense of the two, with Mahaffy managing to pierce McDonald’s defences a couple of times – but his leadership was fleeting as McDonald immediately regained the top spot. Bramich and Simpson, making his ASBK Kawasaki Supersport debut, were third and fourth in race one, followed by rookie Cameron Swain (Yamaha) and Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki).

The pace was a lot slower in slippery race two conditions, but the same riders battled at the front of the field – minus Swain who went down early on. McDonald won by nearly a second from Mahaffy, with Simpson, Bramich, Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) and Marcus Hamod (Honda) filling the top six positions.

In a sometimes wild and woolly Kawasaki Supersport finale, Jack Mahaffy snapped Stop and Seal Yamaha teammate Archie McDonald’s two-race winning streak to bring up his third win in the category. The start of the race saw Olly Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki), Mahaffy, McDonald and Tom Bramich (Yamaha) constantly swap positions, and on lap seven Mahaffy and McDonald nearly collided at turn four.

That was the trigger point to take a deep breath and, with Simpson soon losing the tow, it boiled down to a race of three.

Round Results

Archie Mcdonald – 71 Points
Jack Mahaffy – 65 Points
Olly Simpson – 51 Points
Jake Farnsworth – 46 Points
Declan van Rosmalen – 43 Points

Championship Points

Archie Mcdonald – 71 Points
Jack Mahaffy – 65 Points
Olly Simpson – 51 Points
Jake Farnsworth – 46 Points
Declan van Rosmalen – 43 Points

Race and Road Supersport 300

Following Tara Morrison’s maiden Race and Road Supersport 300 victory on Friday, it was then the turn of Jordy Simpson (Yamaha) to steal the limelight. Simpson’s win was also a reward for perseverance, with the South Aussie finishing on the Supersport 300 podium six times in 2024 without standing on the top step.

He’s now put that bogey to bed, winning race two after coming from the clouds on the final lap with the fastest lap of the race. His powerful work was rewarded with a tight win over Hudson Thompson (Yamaha) and Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki).

Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha), who finished runner-up in the 2024 championship, recovered from a hapless race one to finish fourth, ahead of Kawasaki pair Oliver Short and Morrison. Sam Drane’s already a junior dirt track star, and now he’s a Race and Road Supersport 300 winner!

The 14-year-old – yes, you read correctly – won another extraordinarily tight battle in Sunday’s third and final race on his Yamaha to make it three different winners across the round. Again, the race came down to precious millimetres, as 18 riders flashed across the finish line 2.2 seconds apart.

After being in the mix in the first two races without quite getting the job done, this time Drane wouldn’t be denied as he inched his way to the front on the second last lap and then kept down the shutters. Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki) was second from 15-year-old Hudson Thompson, followed by Jordy Simpson (Yamaha), Tara Morrison (Kawasaki) and Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha).

Simpson (2-3-4) was the overall round winner from Nicholson (3-3-2), who defeated Morrison (1-6-5) on a countback after they both finished on the same points. Thompson (5-2-3) and Drane (8-8-1) saw out the top five.

Race and Road Supersport 300 Championship Points

Jordy Simpson – 62 Points
Tara Morrison – 56 Points
Scott Nicholson – 56 Points
Hudson Thompson – 53 Points
Sam Drane – 51 Points

All detailed ASBK Championship class results for Round One are here…

WorldSSP 600 Gallery | Phillip Island, Round 1…

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March 3, 2025

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The SuperSport FIM World Championship got underway last weekend with WorldSSP round one held over two races at the iconic Phillip Island circuit in Victoria. Held over three days of rare sunshine for the Island, the action was non-stop in the Supersport 600 class. Here’s our WorldSSP 600 Gallery by Brett Butler.

Our full report for the WorldSSP Round 1 weekend can be found here…

WorldSBK Round 1 | Bulega bags sublime hat-trick

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March 3, 2025

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WorldSBK Round 1 Phillip Island | Bulega bags sublime hat-trickNicolo Bulega couldn’t have asked for a better start to his 2025 WorldSBK campaign, as the Italian rider secured his first ever hat trick at his favourite track. Report: Ed Stratmann/WorldSBK Photography: Brett Butler

Friday practice and Saturday Superpole
WorldSBK

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #11) made it two from two on Friday to top both Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 sessions at the beautiful Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit as he fended off Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven #29) and teammate Alvaro Bautista (#19) on the opening day of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season. The #11 was the only rider in the 1’28s bracket on his way to securing top spot during the Australian Round.

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team #9) completed the lead quartet of Ducatis as he took P4 with a 1’29.584s set in Free Practice 1. Despite being followed by El Turco, Bulega was able to claim pole position for the second time in Australia in a dramatic Tissot Superpole session.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) continued to be the rider to beat during the Australian Round as the 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season’s first competitive session ended with the #11 on pole. He was just under a tenth ahead of rival Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team #1) after the reigning Champion followed last year’s title runner-up on track to set his hot lap during Tissot Superpole at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

WorldSSP

A sunny afternoon at Phillip Island hosted the FIM Supersport World Championship grid, who sunk their teeth into the 2025 season with several key twists already in the season opening session. Dutch rider Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse #11) went fastest despite not finishing the session, suffering a heavy crash with eight minutes left in the session at Turn 2. The WorldSSP season looks like it will be hard to look away from, as the Tissot Superpole session featured 14 riders within a second of the polesitter.

Second placed Booth-Amos (#69) replicated his results from Free Practice earlier in the day with a P2 finish for his first front row in WorldSSP. Making a late jump up the time sheet, 2017 WorldSSP Champion Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA #94) staked his claim on the rostrum with a 1’32.635s time, his first podium since Round 2’s Race 2, where he also claimed third.

Saturday
WorldSK

WorldSBK Race 1

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship returned with a bang! Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) blazed around the track in Race 1, followed by Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in P2 and Alvaro Bautista in P3. Nicolo Bulega capitalised on his Tissot Superpole win, holding off the rest of the grid as he claimed the holeshot. Turn 1 was the closest any rider ended up coming to the Italian sophomore star, finishing with a margin of 4.811s ahead of 2024 World Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu

For his part, Toprak looked more comfortable atop his new BMW M 1000 RR, battling with Alvaro Bautista, Andrea Iannone and Scott Redding (#45) in the laps preceding the mandatory Pit Intervention, to claim P2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) looked to be similarly growing in confidence with his setup, tenaciously defending his podium spot from persistent overtaking attempts from Scott Redding, Danilo Petrucci and Andrea Iannone.

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was composed as ever in Race 1’s return to WorldSBK action. Starting out in P5, he weathered assaults from a resurgent Scott Redding and rival Andrea Iannone to finish P4 and once again be top among the Independent riders in P4.

Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing #45) showed glimpses of his 2021 Ducati-riding form in Race 1, leapfrogging Bautista and Toprak at points to take P3. However, a late move from Petrucci at Turn 1 of Lap 18 narrowly prevented him from claiming the day’s top Independent position.

Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) looked strong to start the contest, claiming P2 exiting the first corner of Lap 1. The Maniac lost much of this early momentum, though, as he appeared to have an issue with his bike in Turn 4 of Lap 2, dropping from P2 to P6 in an instant as he hesitated entering the corner. Later on in the early running, he showed similar signs of a problem with his setup as he ran wide into Turn 1 of Lap 3. Much of his best riding on the day came after the pit stop, where he recuperated positions to finish P6.

“What a way to start the Championship! I’m happy because my feeling was good from the first session of the Monday test. Every time I get on the bike, I know what I can do and what I have to do. I’m just enjoying riding my bike, lap by lap, and it’s an amazing feeling,” explained Bulega.

WorldSBK Race 1 Results

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +4.811s
Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +5.108s
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +6.813s
Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) +6.986s

WorldSSP Race 1

Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing #62) held off a posse of hungry riders for P1 as he won the Yamaha R9’s inaugural race in the FIM Supersport World Championship. A sunny day in Phillip Island saw a dogfight for the podium positions as five riders brawled at the head of the pack.

Starting from P4, Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team #61) jumped into P1 from the second row for the season’s first holeshot. Behind him, Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing #69) held onto P2 exiting the first corner, while Lucas Mahias (GMT94-YAMAHA #94) began the race fighting for the second and third positions.

Following the pit stops, the front five bikes developed a gap separating them from the rest of the pack. Manzi, who entered the pits on Lap 9, a lap later than Masia (#51) and Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing #23), who he would spend the rest of the race battling with for the top of the podium, then took over at the front.

Masia was then given a 3.510s penalty for a Pit Intervention Time Infraction. Masia subsequently fell down the standings to P6, despite crossing the finish line second. On the final lap, at Turn 10, Manzi made a move, pushing Masia wide, although the Spaniard kept P2 on track. Just behind the pair, Schroetter and Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) battled for track position, with Booth-Amos holding Schroetter off to claim P2 once penalties had been applied.

Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse #11) finished P4 despite a 0.855s penalty being applied for a Pit Intervention Time Infraction. Home hero Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing #32) secured a credible P7 on his Triumph debut.

WorldSSP Race 1 Results

Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing)
Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) +0.322s
Marcel Schroetter (WRP Racing) +0.480s
Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +1.447s
Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) +2.513s

Sunday

Superpole Race

2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship runner up Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) dominated once again in the Tissot Superpole Race. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata Go Eleven) recovered from his disappointing P6 result in race 1, giving Bulega a run for his money before he pulled away.

A chaotic Turn 4 fracas saw Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad Racing Team) and Alvaro Baustista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) run off track, hurting their race placement. Razgatlioglu’s P13 finish spelled the end of his streak of P1 or P2 finishes, stretching all the way back to his return from injury in Aragon in 2024’s Round 10.

Nicolo Bulega had much more competition than in his blowout Race 1 win, however, he still claimed P1 by a 2.3s margin ahead of Andrea Iannone. Iannone was tenacious in his leap into the first corner, jumping up from P6 into P2. He nipped at Bulega’s heels in the first laps of the race, posing the greatest threat of the session. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) rounded out the podium. And while a gap separated him from Bulega and Iannone in the top two spots, he did well to hold P3 following a spirited attack by Scott Redding (MGM Bonovo).

Toprak Razgatlioglu and Alvaro Bautista saw their Superpole sessions squandered as they both ran wide through the gravel and onto the grass in Lap 1’s Turn 4, ruining both their placements. Scott Redding once again found himself in the midst of the action and clashing with the other Independent Ducati machines – this time battling with Danilo Petrucci for P3. As Petrucci pulled away later in the race, the hunter became the hunted as Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team #14) challenged his fellow Englishman for his P4 position. Sam Lowes rose to the occasion and landed his best ever race result in World Superbike. His previous best was P6 in last year’s Race 2 in Assen.

Andrea Locatelli (#55) did what he does best at Phillip Island and secured another strong result, this time a P6 to score four points in the Championship.

Superpole Race Results

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
Andrea Iannone (Team Pata Go Eleven) +2.324s
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +4.923s
Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) +5.312s
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +5.452s

WorldSBK Race 2

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was untouchable in Oz as he completed his first ever hat-trick. He won with a very comfortable 2.6s margin to cruise past the chequered flag in style. While Bulega was running away with P1, not all the grid enjoyed such a carefree race. 2024 Riders’ Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) appeared to struggle from lights out, being applied a penalty for irresponsible riding after an aggressive overtake on Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team).

Nicolo Bulega was metronomic in his efficiency Down Under. Testing earlier in the week told a story that he would be a strong contender, but no one on the grid could handle the speeds he would bring to the season opening races. He claimed his career-first hat trick with a Race 2 P1, and speeds like these have to be a concern for the grid’s other riders, as they strive to keep up.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) had a very strong showing in Race 2, fighting his way back from a P11 start after a poor result in the Tissot Superpole Race. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata Go Eleven) joined the Ducati Factory riders on the rostrum. Having started second on the grid, he weathered the storm of other independent riders hot on his tail to land his second podium of the weekend.

Scott Redding (MGM Bonovo Racing) had another day of constant action, fighting tooth and nail with a swarm of other riders (particularly Danilo Petrucci). The 2024 Top Independent rider and Redding battled throughout the second half of the race after the Pit Intervention, exchanging overtakes. In the end, Petrucci came in P5 behind Redding, as this battle of the Independent Riders will be one to watch this season.

Aussie hero Remy Garner’s weekend did not go to plan, with a DNF in race one lap 11, a DNF in race two lap 16, and a 10th in the superpole race. He will be back next round!

“I’m really happy because this is my first hat-trick in WorldSBK. It’s incredible and an amazing feeling to do it at my favourite track and now I want to go back home to celebrate. I’m very proud of the job my team did. My bike was perfect from Monday until the last lap of Sunday in Race 2. I was able to push every lap and I enjoyed every lap, so thank you so much to them,” Bulega reflected.

WorldSBK Race 2 Results

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +2.603s
Andrea Iannone (Team Pata Go Eleven) +3.980s
Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) +8.043s
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +10.009s

Championship Points

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 62 points
Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 36 points
Andrea Iannone (Team Pata Go Eleven) 35 points
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) 31 points
Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) 30 points

WorldSSP Race 2

Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) is now a FIM Supersport World Championship race winner after taking Triumph to the top step of the rostrum at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. The #69 took the British manufacturer’s second win in the Championship as he secured his second podium of the weekend during the Australian Round.

Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) etched his name into the list of FIM Supersport World Championship race winners as he topped the podium for his first ever WorldSSP win at Race 2 in Australia. With his win, Booth-Amos became the fourth rider to win a race in both World Supersport and World Supersport 300. He and Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) traded places from Race 1’s podium, as Manzi led the race for long stretches, but was outpaced on the Gardner Straight by Booth-Amos to give up P1.

Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) avoided much of the chaos at the front of the grid by nature of his poor start to the race. Having started the race in pole position, Bendsneyder fell to P13 only a few turns into Lap 1. He gritted his teeth and climbed back up to round out the rostrum in P3.

Atop the new Yamaha R9, GMT94 Yamaha teammates Michael Rinaldi (#21) and Lucas Mahias had a strong showing in Race 2, especially in the case of Rinaldi, who had not shown the same pace as Mahias in prior races this weekend. Splitting the two Yamaha teammates was Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki Racing Team #52), who climbed to a late P4 position. But after his 6.78s Pit Lane Infringement penalty was applied, he ended up P5.

How Did the Aussies Do?

Oli Bayliss represented for the home crowd to clinch P7 again, making it a very successful weekend for the PTR Triumph Factory Racing Team. Harrison Voight (D34G WorldSSP Racing Team #29 Ducati) and Luke Power (MotoZoo Me Air Racing MV Agusta #68) finished the weekend at The Island with Power taking 12th in race one, while Voight unfortunately had a DNF on lap 3. In race two Power went one better with 11th, while Voight finished 14th. Awesome results for the pair…

WorldSSP Race 2 Results

Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing)
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +0.671s
Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +1.125s
Michael Rinaldi (GMT94 Yamaha) +3.373s
Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) +9.467s

Championship Points

Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) 45 points
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) 45 points
Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 29 points
Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) 18 points
Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) 17 points

For the full WorldSBK Round One results in all classes for all days, click here...

2025 Kawasaki Supersport Championship

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February 12, 2025

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In race one, Voight led off the line but it wasn’t long before Simpson muscled his way into the lead with the knowledge that he had to win both races for any chance of wresting the title from Dunker’s grasp.

Kawasaki, a brand with over 60 years of racing heritage, has been announced as the new naming rights partner of the Australian Supersport Championship. The partnership comes at an exciting time for the category, which has undergone significant revitalisation in recent years. Press: ASBK Media

As a key stepping stone to the premier Superbike class, the Supersport series continues to develop the next generation of elite riders.

The BCperformance Racing Team and 16-year old Hayden Nelson gear up for an exhilarating 2024 season, introducing a fresh face and embracing new challenges as they proudly unveil the newly homologated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. — Hayden Nelson will again be riding for BC Performance Kawasaki.

Several top contenders in the 2025 Superbike roster, including Broc Pearson, Cameron Dunker, Tom Toparis, and Jonathan Nahlous, honed their skills in the Supersport category before making the leap to the premier class. The series provides an essential platform for riders to refine their race craft without the challenge of managing extreme horsepower.

The 2025 Kawasaki Supersport Championship will kick off at the season-opening round of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on February 21-23.

With Kawasaki’s backing, the Supersport class is set for an electrifying season, reinforcing its reputation as a crucial proving ground for future Superbike champions.

Andrew Pitt won the Shell Oils Australian Supersport Championship back in 1999 before moving to Superbike. He finished runner up in the Superbike Championship the same year, also for Kawasaki Australia.

Since the debut of its Ninja ZX-6R in 1995, adorned in Kawasaki’s signature lime green livery first seen in 1968, the brand has been a dominant force in the Australian Supersport Championship, securing its first title in 1996 with Kevin Curtain, followed by Damon Buckmaster in 1998 and Andrew Pitt in 1999.

Pitt went on to win the World Supersport Championship in 2001 and 2008.

In 2025, Kawasaki’s Supersport campaign will be led by the BCperformance team, featuring Hayden Nelson and new recruit Olly Simpson, competing in a highly competitive field of veterans, rising teenage stars, returning Aussie internationals, and promising graduates from the Supersport 300 class, including last year’s Kawasaki-mounted champion, Josh Newman.

Gina Costello, Lead Brand Marketing Specialist, Kawasaki Motors Australia:

“Kawasaki is incredibly proud to extend the support of the ASBK Championship and become the naming rights sponsor of the Supersport category.

“Production-based racing has been a cornerstone of Kawasaki motorcycle development for decades and is an integral part of the iconic Ninja’s DNA.

“The Ninja ZX-6R is an exceptionally competitive platform for riders to challenge for the championship and, through this partnership, Kawasaki is enthusiastically contributing to the future of racing in Australia.”

Peter Doyle, CEO, Motorcycling Australia:

“It’s great to see Kawasaki committing to the ongoing success of the Supersport category and, more broadly, the continued growth of the ASBK Championship.

“Kawasaki’s motorcycle racing pedigree is legendary, and to have such an iconic marque joining the ASBK paddock is a major boost.

“The Supersport class has delivered superb racing over the last few years, and I fully expect we’ll be witnessing more of the same in 2025.”

Yamaha and MotoSchool Partner Up For Rider Training

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February 11, 2025

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SMSP based training academy MotoSchool has partnered with Yamaha Motor Australia to offer industry-leading track-based rider training. MotoSchool will operate with a fleet of the latest Yamaha sportsbikes to introduce new riders and upskill existing riders of all levels. Press: YMA

The partnership is set to open up opportunities for existing Yamaha sportsbike riders as well as enticing new customers to the R-Family and MT model ranges. “Yamaha is the dominant player in the road bike segment in Australia, with the best-selling road bike in 2024 being the YZF-R7LA,” explains YMA Customer Activation Co-ordinator Jake Belford.

“The next step for these riders will be our all-new YZF-R9 arriving around May. We want to engage all these new Yamaha customers – as well as existing riders – and encourage them to ride in a safe and controlled environment. To achieve this goal we are pleased to provide MotoSchool with high performing, confidence-inspiring motorcycles for coaching duties. We look forward to creating many Kando memories for Yamaha customers,” ends Belford.

“Our entire coaching team is familiar and comfortable on Yamaha’s wide range of sportsbikes,” says MotoSchool CEO and founder Haydan Parker, “which allows us to offer personalised data-driven coaching and a fully immersive experience,” he continues. “Our current events are based at Sydney Motorsport Park, across both the South and Grand Prix Circuits, we have also recently introduced training courses for beginners on the Skid Pan. In 2025 we will expand into a national operation visiting exciting new circuits and track facilities. We welcome enquiries from Yamaha dealers who may want to be involved with customer or staff demo experiences,” ends Haydan.

Daniel ‘Chucky’ Sanders dominates 2025 Dakar Rally

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PitBoard

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January 20, 2025

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Australia’s Daniel ‘Chucky’ Sanders is victorious in the Dakar Rally of 2025, taking a near nine-minute victory in a display of total dominance. Sanders won five of the 12 gruelling stages, where competitors raced over nearly 8,000kms of tough terrain in the remote areas of Saudi Arabia. Press: MA.

His speed and skills were showcased from the outset, winning the prologue, the opening stage and the ultra-tough 48-hour Chrono stage to get the early upper hand that put him in a great position early on. Further wins in stages four and seven on his KTM 450 Rally followed shortly after, and put in solid performances in the remaining stages to ensure he is just the second rider in the history of the Dakar Rally to lead from start to finish, echoeing Marc Coma’s efforts in 2009.

The final quarter of the 16-day event did, however, have some challenges thrown his way, including a tough run in stage 11 where his overall lead was slashed by seven and a half minutes, but Sanders held his nerve and steadied for the 61km final dash to the flag, with a sixth-place finish enough to clinch overall victory. With the win coming in Sanders’ fifth attempt of the rally, he is also the second Australian to win the iconic event following Toby Price’s efforts in 2016 and 2018.

‘Chucky’ Sanders was dominant in the Dakar Rally, leading from start to finish “It’s a massive accomplishment from myself and the team after a tough year, and I can’t thank everyone enough for the support,” he said. “It’s been a long journey, and I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone “Now it’s time to kick back and relax after a long two weeks.”

Tosha Schareina (Monster Energy Honda, +8:50) and Adrien Van Beveren (Monster Energy Honda, +14:46) were second and third respectively.

It was a mixed bag for the remaining Australians competing in Dakar, with Toby Hederics (BAS World KTM) putting in a formidable performance to finish 19th overall in the bike classification, while Andrew Houlihan (Nomadas Adventure KTM) withdrew following stage eight.

Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “That’s the 2025 Dakar done! I’m super happy for Chucky and the rest of the guys, the win is so well deserved. To be the second person ever to lead from the first day to the end is something really special. What we have achieved in a year is unique and we are very proud. I’m happy for the team, for KTM, and we are going to celebrate for sure!”

Provisional Standings – 2025 Dakar Rally (after 12 of 12 stages)

Daniel Sanders (AUS), KTM, 53:08:52
Tosha Schareina (ESP), Honda, 53:17:42 +8:50
Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 53:23:38 +14:46
Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 53:31:08 +22:16
Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 53:38:42 +29:50

Aussies Racing Abroad | January 2025

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PitBoard

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January 17, 2025

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Aussies Racing Abroad January 2025 | With many Australians showcasing their skills abroad in a range of disciplines both on-track and off-road, our latest column focuses on how they’re faring battling it out with the best in their chosen classes and on their off season plans…

On-Track
Jack Miller – MotoGP

Ready for a fresh start after a frustrating 2024 aboard his Red Bull KTM, where he finished 14th in the MotoGP standings, Jack Miller’s move to Pramac Yamaha offers him a perfect chance to go again. Having struggled to find comfort on the bike and been forced to ride around many issues that he and the team couldn’t find solutions for, it’ll be intriguing seeing how he fares with his new team.

Already gaining some valuable insight and information from the recent test on the Yamaha, he’ll be hoping for a smooth adaptation in his quest to get back in the mix. Seeing as Yamaha know they need major improvements if they’re to compete with the likes of Ducati and Aprilia, much positivity could be extracted from the fact they’re ready to test their new V4 engine. Given the Iwata marque has hired a host of talented and experienced engineers to ensure they can close the gap, watching their progress will be fascinating.

Read our previous Aussies Racing Abroad columns here…

Courtesy of Miller’s vast knowledge and time working with many teams and manufacturers, he’ll back himself to adjust and get the bike at a competitive level sooner rather than later. All eyes will now shift to the first tests in 2025, where Miller, and his fellow Yamaha pilots, will get their first chance to try out this potentially game-changing package.

Off-Road
Luke Clout – World Supercross

Racing the World Supercross Championship with Rick Ware Racing, Luke Clout had a mixed WSX campaign that was full of highs and lows. Getting the ball rolling with a challenging opener in Canada, where, despite qualifying fourth fastest, crashes and bad luck ensured he had a tough night at the office on a very difficult track.

The well-travelled star then enjoyed an excellent home round in Perth, as he secured fourth and fifth overall finishes in the double-header. While things didn’t go entirely to plan to close out his WSX exertions in Abu Dhabi, with him, and many more, enduring issues with the tight start, he still clinched 11th overall to power him into sixth in the final SX1 standings.

“WSX done, ended the championship P6 overall,” recalled Clout. “Last night’s first turn into a wall jump got me every race, so we won’t go into that. Massive thank you to Rick Ware Racing, I had an awesome time with you guys. And to Aaron Clout for the hard work as always! Let’s do it again. Looking forward to some time off now and doing some more cool things in 2025!”

Matt Moss – World Supercross

Despite Matt Moss’ WSX campaign being littered with hurdles, the popular legend still produced many glimpses of his class. Teaming up with superstar Eli Tomac, who went on to reign supreme in the elite WSX class, under the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy awning, the veteran relished the opportunity to test himself against some of the world’s best. Holding his own and getting some excellent starts, Moss eventually bagged 10th in the SX1 standings, as untimely mistakes and adversity prevented him from finishing any higher.

“That’s a wrap on 2024 SX! Definitely not the season I wanted lots of crashes and just not myself. I would like to thank everyone involved with the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team for the season. Special thanks to Troy Moynihan – you’re an amazing mechanic and person. Sorry I didn’t deliver, but I’m glad I had you by my side. Now to spend time with the family and sit down and see what’s next but for now thank you to friends and family and all my supporters,” Moss reflected.

Ryder Kingsford – World Supercross

Young speedster Ryder Kingsford flew the flag for the Aussie 250 contingent impressively in WSX by recording some brilliant results on the big stage. Heading in full of determination and chomping at the bit to showcase his skills on this platform, observing him handle the step up in quality with aplomb was a testament to all his hard work and talent.

“WSX has an international grid of very talented riders, and I’m excited to put myself up against some of the best in the world. With third in the ProMX SX2 series, 2024 has been good for me so far and so much of our sport is based on form and momentum. I feel like momentum is with me, but I know I can’t take anything for granted. I just want to maximise every opportunity, do the best that I can on track, and see what that leads to,” Kingsford commented ahead of the series beginning.

Rising to the occasion strikingly on his CDR 250, there was plenty to get excited about when he grabbed a superb second in the first SX2 final in Canada on his way to securing seventh overall. Next on the agenda were the final rounds in Perth and Abu Dhabi, where his highlights were a ninth and an eighth overall to propel him to eighth in the SX2 championship.

Kaleb Barham – World Supercross

After banking a solid eighth in the first round in Vancouver, rotten luck struck Kaleb Barham in Perth, as he suffered a devastating broken arm. Ending his season right there, just when he was gaining momentum, was a real blow to the likeable ace, especially seeing how much he was loving his time racing with the CDR squad.

“Sucks to be making this post, but unfortunately I had a crash at WSX resulting in a dislocated wrist with a couple of breaks. Obviously I am gutted, but as we all know, this is how the sport goes sometimes,” Barham explained.

“Thankfully the Race Safe crew had me sorted until I was able to fly home and now I’m getting ready for surgery with Dr. Steve Andrews to let the body heal. Thank you to the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team, Yamaha Motor Australia and the Yamalube Yamaha team for this opportunity. Met some people I have looked up to my whole life, raced some of the baddest dudes on the planet and made some cool mates along the way.” Barham has now turned his attention to his recovery in preparation for 2025.

Gus Riordan – GNCC

It’s been another successful season for Australian Gus Riordan, who flexed his muscles yet again in America by becoming the 2024 U.S Sprint Enduro Pro 2 Champion for the second consecutive campaign. The man who also represented Australia at the ISDE and raced a round of EnduroGP in Wales will be gunning for more glory in 2025 too, with him contesting the GNCC XC2 Class and debuting in the National Enduro NE Pro2 Class.

“This year was good and we’re swapping it up for next season, switching to the National Enduro Series. I’m looking forward to that and GNCC as well, so hopefully we can get some wins and challenge for those titles,” Riordan stated.

The FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers hotshot is currently enjoying some time back home in Australia before heading Stateside again to get dialled in ahead of a busy 2025.

Josh Strang – GNCC

Heavy hitter in the American off-road scene for nearly two decades, former XC1 champion Josh Strang has been named East Coast Off-Road Team Manager for the Liqui Moly Beta Race Team. Not only will Strang manage the day-to-day operations for the team, but he’ll also compete in the XC1 class on a Beta 480 RR, as he’ll be eager to add to his 87 podiums and 24 wins in the category.

“I’m excited to join the Beta Off-Road Team as a racer and East Coast Manager. I have been looking for an opportunity to move into a position like this for some time and I believe I can learn and do a good job representing the Beta brand in our community. I’m also very excited to enter into my 19th season of GNCC racing,” insisted Strang.

Stoked at the challenge ahead and set to be a huge asset to the Beta squad, both he and team are fully focused on making 2025 a terrific one, where his expertise, knowledge and experience will be a real game-changer.

Lyndon Snodgrass – GNCC

Although former XC2 GNCC Champion Lyndon Snodgrass has confirmed he’s without a ride for next season, he promisingly expects to still be lining up. Leaving Team Babbitt’s after five years and many good times, it’ll be a case of watch this space to see what he figures out for 2025. Positively, he finished his time with the squad by claiming a podium at the finale at Ironman to wrap up what was an up and down campaign for the Aussie.

“Five years with Team Babbitt’s has come to an end. I want to thank the whole crew for their efforts. We achieved a lot over the years, including the 2022 GNCC XC2 Championship, which was a goal of mine from the moment I stepped foot in the U.S. It’s hard to accept that I don’t have a ride for the 2025 season, but I’m not going to give in yet. I have another goal to chase. I’ll see you all at round one,” he posted.

Editor’s Note – If you would like someone included in Aussie’s Racing Abroad, contact us via our contact page…

Yamaha WR250F | 2025 Model Full Test

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PitBoard

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January 16, 2025

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The 2025 Yamaha WR250F features an extensive list of changes. Boasting a slimmer, lighter chassis and a lower centre of gravity for a start. The changes are adopted from the newest YZ250F motocrosser that Dan tested, but modified for enduro competition. Check it out… Test: Dan Thomerson Pics: iKapture

2025 Yamaha WR250F, slimmer, lighter, more powerful than the previous model. — 2025 Yamaha WR250F, slimmer, lighter, more powerful than the previous model and $16,799 Ride Away…

With a short one hour flight from Melbourne to Canberra, I arrived at the Vibe Hotel in time for the 2025 Yamaha WR250F presentation. That is where I got to lay eyes on the brand new WR250F for the first time. After the presentation we had a bite to eat while discussing some of the features of the WR with the team, before heading to bed. After testing the latest YZ250F, I was keen to try the WR.

The following day was a nice early start as we had a good couple hours drive up to Lyndon Heffernan’s Academy of Off Road Riding property at Bateman’s Bay to put the WR250F through its paces. Arriving at Heffo’s property, we were met with a fleet of 13 brand new 2025 yamaha WR205F’s just waiting for us to throw our legs over and have some fun.

The 2025 Yamaha WR250F Australian launch was held at The Academy of Off Road Riding.

Tech Highlights

Starting off with the updates to the chassis, the new bilateral beam chassis is identical to that of the YZ250F but with new enduro tuned engine mounts, making the WR250F more agile and able handle the different terrains you would find on any enduro course with ease. New aluminium footpeg brackets not only save weight but are also 10mm lower, creating a lower centre of gravity to optimise handling and open up the rider position.

The YZ250F frame is used but the engine mounts are different to offer a more enduro suitable stiffness.

The WR250F comes with a slimmer body thanks to its new slim 7.4 litre fuel tank and its slim radiator shrouds, which offer a comfier rider position and allow more for movement towards the front of the bike, making the WR250F easier to throw around in those tight and twisty sections out in the bush. The new seat is flatter with rounded edges, which increases the degree of freedom for the rider, allowing better movement and comfort during the ride.

The rear guard is redesigned stronger and with a hand held section giving you the perfect spot to pick the rear of the WR250F up if you’re in a sticky situation on a trail.

Fitted with revised 48mm KYB front suspension with 300mm of travel the forks are identical to the YZ250F suspension but tuned for enduro. There is also with a tool-free compression damping adjustment knob on the top of the fork for quick and easy adjustment to suit any terrain.

A revised KYB shock pairs with the front-end of the WR250F for precise control over the varied terrains that you will encounter. This also assists in increasing the traction on the front and rear for a more planted feel and to optimise handling. The 2025 WR250F also has a new lightweight rear wheel with a three-spoke lacing pattern and longer spokes for more flex, with a blue anodized 18 inch Excel rim laced to a 262G lighter reduced width hub.

The upgraded Power Tuner app now comes with a user-friendly interface, with intuitive tuning using a scroll bar to adjust between smooth and aggressive options. Traction control now has three levels of adjustment, there’s also a built in lap timer function and suspension and power tuning set-up advice.

The new multifunction mode switch comes with integrated engine stop and mode selection switch, making it easy to switch between two customisable power modes whilst out on your ride. The second power mode when the blue light controls traction control, making it easier to switch between modes with or without traction control during a ride.

The engine definitely wasn’t left untouched. Revised with a new reduced friction camchain paired with new camshaft sprockets, new camchain guide and new camchain guide stopper all helping to reduce the load and prolong the life of the engine.

The airbox and filter system has been modified allowing more airflow with air coming in from different directions. A curved filter element and optimised case increasing the volume of air flow by 30 per cent. Inside the airbox under the filter, the WR250F has a new funnel shaped design to create a smooth and longer air draw to increase torque.

The WR250F comes with a model specific ECU with optimised fuel and ignition settings. The ECU maps are similar to the YZ250F yet made to suit enduro competition riding and various terrains. Other components changed for light weight include the sub-frame, lightweight throttle cable, a new compact bar pad and a new shorter muffler.

The ride

After being told the WR250F offers more power while being lighter and with a lower centre of gravity, creating a more agile bike, I was eager to put the WR250F through its paces. And as soon as I sat on the WR250F it was clear how slim it is compared to previous models. Heffo’s property was the perfect place to test out the WR250F, with a motocross track, a linked enduro loop, and a flat track all surrounded by an uncountable amount of enduro trails leading in every direction!

"As soon as I sat on the WR250F it was clear how slim it is compared to previous models"... — “As soon as I sat on the WR250F it was clear how slim it is compared to previous models”…

After starting the WR250F my first thought was that it is much quieter than anticipated due to its new shorter muffler. At first this put a doubt in my mind, to which I am glad the WR250F changed very quickly. As I twisted the throttle I realised that a quieter exhaust doesn’t mean a less powerful bike.

The 270mm front brake disc and 240mm rear disc are paired with Nissin calipers, providing a strong and even braking power that is easy to control…

After a couple laps warming up on the flat track to familiarise myself with the WR250F it was time to open up the throttle and see what the 2025 WR250F has to offer. I was not disappointed, with plenty of torque and smooth linear power deliverance paired with the new slim body, made attacking the flat track feel as if I was on a motocross bike, the WR handling the soft loamy corners with ease and putting the power to the ground effortlessly on the straights.

"The WR handling the soft loamy corners with ease and putting the power to the ground effortlessly on the straights"... — “The WR handling the soft loamy corners with ease and putting the power to the ground effortlessly on the straights”…

The 270mm front brake disc and 240mm rear disc are paired with Nissin calipers, providing a strong and even braking power that is easy to control whether you need to come to a quick stop or to wash off a little bit of speed before entering a corner.

After a few laps on the flat track we headed to a small river crossing, where I really noticed the lower centre of gravity. This made the WR250F easy to control through the rough and rocky uneven terrains.

2025 Yamaha WR250F has a lower centre of gravity, which Dan noticed in the rocky river crossings.

The WR250F comes with a cable operated clutch. Going through the rocky terrains I noticed the clutch engagement point felt a little off for my riding style, to which the cable made it easy to simply adjust on the fly to change the feel and suit my riding style with ease.

Although there is a larger preference of the hydraulic clutch over a cable, the WR250F’s cable clutch definitely holds its own feeling very light and smooth throughout the entire ride. The smooth and light clutch paired with easy to operate shift cam and six-speed gearbox made changing gears a breeze.

2025 Yamaha WR250F has a cable clutch, which initially Dan found was not quite on point until some easy adjustment.

I was able to really put the clutch and gearbox to the test on Heffo’s property on the many hills of various terrains we tackled throughout the day. The 2025 WR250F has plenty of torque and down low power allowing you to ride in a taller gear even uphill under load with minimal clutch slips. Being a 450 rider myself I was very impressed as normally on a 250 I find myself jumping through the gears.

Being a 450 rider myself I was very impressed as normally on a 250 I find myself jumping through the gears…

The KYB front and rear suspension worked hand in hand with the chassis and engine of the WR250F allowing me to tackle anything thrown at me throughout the day. With the easy to adjust compression damper on the forks I was able to tune the forks to suit the terrain in front of me. This also came in handy on our long trail ride at the end of the day. As I started to get a little fatigued, I simply turned down the compression by a couple of clicks making the forks a little softer and less intense to provide a smoother ride.

Unfortunately I didn’t change any of the maps using the Power Tuner app but I did swap through the two standard maps that come stock on the WR250F. The maps that are equipped suited the terrains perfectly. Giving you the option to switch between traction control on with map two and traction control off with map one. I had fun trying out both in the wet and dry sections on the property, finding I was able to tackle any terrain without hesitation.

After having lunch we set out on a trail ride for a couple of hours, during which we tackled many different terrains consisting of rock beds, river crossings, long and tall hills and some single trail twisty sections. The 2025 WR250F tackled all of these obstacles with ease.

Overall, I enjoyed riding the 2025 Yamaha WR250F. With handling that felt like I was riding a motocross bike on a single trail enduro track. I did feel that the 2025 WR250F inspires confidence in its rider with its linear power delivery and wide range six-speed gearbox making it easy to tackle any obstacle in front of you.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider the WR250F will put a smile on your face with its user-friendly Power Tuner app, you can easily change the map settings to suit you and push your limits. The comfortable riding position, new slim feeling, lower centre of gravity, plus KYB front and rear suspension make riding effortless and will leave you with a smile on your face.

Read our in-depth tech look and see the video of the new WR250F here…

2025 Yamaha WR250F Specifications

Yamaha-Motor.com.au

Price: $16,799 Ride Away
Warranty: N/A
Colours: Team Yamaha Blue
Claimed Power: N/A
Claimed Torque: N/A
Wet Weight: 113kg
Fuel capacity: 7.4L
Fuel Consumption Claimed: N/A
Fuel Consumption (measured): N/A

Engine: Liquid-cooled four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, 77 x 53.6mm bore x stroke, 250cc, 13.8:1 compression, wet sump, EFI, electric start, TCI ignition, five-speed gearbox, cable clutch actuation

Chassis: Frame: Bilateral alloy beam frame.
Rake: N/A Trail: N/A
Suspension: Fully adjustable inverted KYB fork, 300mm travel (f) Fully adjustable KYB shock, 306mm travel. Aluminum swingarm (r).
Brakes: 270mm disc, Nissin two-piston caliper (f), 240mm disc, Nissin single piston caliper (r), Nissin master-cylinders.
Tyres: 90/90 – 21in Dunlop 54R EN91F (f), 140/80 – 18in Dunlop 70R EN91 (r).

Dimensions:
Seat height: 955mm
Ground clearance: 330mm
Overall width: 825mm
Overall Length: 2170mm
Overall height: 1265mm
Wheelbase: 1470mm

Instruments & Electronics: Digital ODO/Speedo instruments, Engine Mapping, Traction Control, Launch Control, Lap timer via Yamaha Power Tuner app.

Editor’s Note: If you are reading this article on any website other than BikeReview.com.au, please report it to BikeReview via our contact page, as it has been stolen or re-published without authority.

Max Stauffer joins three-time ASBK champion, Mike Jones, at YRT

By

PitBoard

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December 30, 2024

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The Yamaha Racing Team (YRT) will have the perfect balance of youth and experience in 2025, when young gun, Max Stauffer, joins three-time ASBK champion, Mike Jones, behind the screens of the teams R1M’s. Press: Yamaha Racing Team Pics: Yamaha

Max Stauffer, a long time Yamaha rider who has progressed quickly through the ranks, will join the Yamaha team to contest the Superbike division at the Australian Superbike Championship in 2025. The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2024 to finish fourth in the championship, highlighted with podium results at several rounds this season. With the support of the in-house Yamaha team, Stauffer expects the steep learning curve to continue and believes the 2025 season will be his best yet.

“Getting the phone call from John Redding offering me the YRT ride for next season was one of the best calls I have ever had,” Stauffer beams. “It’s been a goal of mine to get the opportunity to ride for YRT and now that I have been able to make that happen, I plan on making the most of the chance I have been given.

“Mike and Cru have showed the bike is clearly capable of winning at every track and the team has the knowledge and experience to help me become a better rider. I can’t wait to get to work with the team and start the next phase of my career.

“Thank you to all the people who have helped me get to this point and the years of hard work my family have put in. This is what we have all worked so hard for and now that I’m in this position, I won’t let anyone down,” Stauffer ends.

Back for his fourth year with YRT is Mike Jones. Since joining the Yamaha squad in 2022, Jones has been a model of consistency and professionalism on and off the track with results to prove he is one of Australia’s premier riders.

Jones was second in the 2024 championship, racking up round wins at Queensland Raceway and Morgan Park as well as race wins at One Raceway and The Bend as he took the championship chase all the way down to the final race of the season.

But coming so close to victory in 2024 is what is motivating him for 2025, and Jones already has plans in place for next season and is eager to continue his successful relationship with the team.

“My relationship with Yamaha and YRT has been very successful and one that we both wanted to continue,” Jones begins. “In the three years with the team we have finished first, fifth and second in the ASBK Championship and we’re focused on winning another one next year.

“YRT are a dedicated and professional team who I enjoy working with and I genuinely love the feeling of racing the Yamaha R1M. I’m also really excited to be teammates with Max next year. He is an exciting young talent, and we get along well off the track too. I think his youthful enthusiasm will be an added boost for us all and I look forward to another fun and successful racing season.”

Team owner, John Redding, anticipates both riders raising the bar again in 2025 and believes both are capable of outstanding results in the ASBK championship.

“Mike and Max will be a formidable team in 2025 as they are dedicated and determined riders willing to challenge themselves and the team to be better. Off the track they are also polite and well-respected riders among their peers and good ambassadors for the Yamaha brand.

“I would also like to take the time to thank Cru Halliday for his passion and efforts for YRT over the past decade. Cru had been with us for a long time and YRT has played a big part in his career, and he will always be a part of the Yamaha / YRT family. We wish him well for the future and YRT will always be there to assist him if required.

“The team are already hard at work for the 2025 season and the pre-season will come around quickly so there is no time to rest,” Redding said.

Race One

Race Two

Race Three

Kawasaki Supersport

Race and Road Supersport 300

Friday practice and Saturday Superpole WorldSBK

WorldSSP

Saturday WorldSK

WorldSBK Race 1

WorldSSP Race 1

Sunday

Superpole Race

WorldSBK Race 2

WorldSSP Race 2

How Did the Aussies Do?

On-Track Jack Miller – MotoGP

Off-Road Luke Clout – World Supercross

Matt Moss – World Supercross

Ryder Kingsford – World Supercross

Kaleb Barham – World Supercross

Gus Riordan – GNCC

Josh Strang – GNCC

Lyndon Snodgrass – GNCC

Tech Highlights

The ride

2025 Yamaha WR250F Specifications

Latest Posts

Most Popular

Fast Access

Friday practice and Saturday Superpole
WorldSBK

Saturday
WorldSK

On-Track
Jack Miller – MotoGP

Off-Road
Luke Clout – World Supercross