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ASBK RD2: Race Reports From Rd2 Under Lights At SMSP!

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From the second row of the grid, Herfoss blazed away with Sissis for company. The front-row starters were swamped. Herfoss got the elbows out to pass Waters to then seek out Halliday and ultimately race leader Allerton.

The mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) has finally returned to Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) for Rd2 of the 2023 season. There was plenty of action as the two day round got under way under lights. Race Reports: ASBK Media Photos: Half Light Photographic

The mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) has finally returned to Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) for Rd2 of the 2023 season, this time under lights!
The mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) has finally returned to Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) for Rd2 of the 2023 season, this time under lights!

Friday
The afternoon session at an ASBK event on any given Friday usually sees the media crew considering a bar about 4pm, but for 2023 at SMSP ASBK were barely at the halfway point of the day’s on track action. Expectations were high and the field delivered in spades.

Alpinestars Superbike

Practice 3
The early sessions were a seesawing affair and while Josh Waters was certainly up there, the predicted dominance of the McMartin Panigale V4R had failed to materialise. The YRD Yamaha R1Ms of Cru Halliday and Mike Jones had turned up to do some serious business.

The early sessions were a seesawing affair and while Josh Waters was certainly up there, the predicted dominance of the McMartin Panigale V4R had failed to materialise.
The early sessions were a seesawing affair and while Josh Waters was certainly up there, the predicted dominance of the McMartin Panigale V4R had failed to materialise.

And so it was into Practice 3. The early running was all blue bikes with Halliday and Jones at the top- in that order. Waters was able to will himself to the top with a 1:30.382, but Mike Jones bettered that fairly quickly, posting a 1:30.247 to take the top spot. Halliday lurked thereabouts in third, just .173 behind his teammate while Staring was up to fourth, and a determined-to-qualify-better Arthur Sissis was fifth.

At eighteen minutes to go, Waters reclaimed the top spot once again, but was not in the 1:29s per the earlier sessions in the day. The track was at 39c, and one thing we had noted at the test in February was that the Ducati did not fall away in terms of performance the hotter it got. Would that hold now we were here to race for sheep stations?

The early running of practice 3 was all blue bikes with Halliday and Jones at the top- in that order.
The early running of practice 3 was all blue bikes with Halliday and Jones at the top- in that order.

At 14 minutes to go, there was a ceasefire of sorts with half the field and most of the front runners in the pits. But their return to the track was quite a thing. Halliday dropped the fastest lap on two wheels ever at the SMSP complex, banging out a 1:29.003. A few minutes later he was on track to do it again only this time hammered the Yamaha into the shape of a 1:28.895 to send the loudest, clearest message to the assembled audience; Cru Halliday is a very, very serious contender.

The order was heating up and we weren't even into qualifying yet! A hectic session was ahead of us.
The order was heating up and we weren’t even into qualifying yet! A hectic session was ahead of us.

Behind Halliday, Jones had dipped to a once-amazing-but-now-ho-hum 1:29.497 while Josh Waters (3rd)  1:29.573 suddenly made the Ducati seem vulnerable. Staring ended the session fourth, Herfoss was fifth with Glenn Allerton in sixth. The rest of the top ten consisted of Collins (7th), Sissis (8th), Stauffer (9th) and Pearson (10th).


Qualifying 1
The second most important non-racing session of the weekend kicked off at 8:30pm in both darkness and bright artificial light, with the top 12 set to go through to Qualifying 2. Josh Soderland didn’t even complete a lap on his Ducati before getting black-flagged for not having a red taillight.

The second most important non-racing session of the weekend kicked off at 8:30pm in both darkness and bright artificial light, with the top 12 set to go through to Qualifying 2.
The second most important non-racing session of the weekend kicked off at 8:30pm in both darkness and bright artificial light, with the top 12 set to go through to Qualifying 2.

There was a bit of settling and probing from the riders in the early part of the session which saw Jones lead from Herfoss and Stauffer. Halliday was late to the party, so too Allerton and Staring. Dunlop Motorsport Manager Robbie Bugden watched from the sidelines as his qualifying record of 1:29.842 looked under serious threat.

With 10 minutes remining, Halliday and Staring took to the circuit, while Josh Waters quietly went to P1 with a 1:29.071.
With 10 minutes remining, Halliday and Staring took to the circuit, while Josh Waters quietly went to P1 with a 1:29.071.

With 10 minutes remining, Halliday and Staring took to the circuit, while Josh Waters quietly went to P1 with a 1:29.071 and somewhere Robbie Bugden accepted the inevitability of the latest machinery and riders running down all the old records.

A place in the top 12 was the only goal to progress into the final qualifying session of the night. Most pitted, leaving Max Stauffer alone on the circuit chasing a top-five result.
A place in the top 12 was the only goal to progress into the final qualifying session of the night. Most pitted, leaving Max Stauffer alone on the circuit chasing a top-five result.

Seven minutes left and given how exciting the final practice was, this was a somewhat less exciting session as tactics played out slowly as the time ran down. A place in the top 12 was the only goal to progress into the final qualifying session of the night. Most pitted, leaving Max Stauffer alone on the circuit chasing a top-five result. We were still in a Waters/ Jones/Halliday situation with no 1:28s posted while the clock just ran down.

For those on the bump spot, it was on. Matt Walters (11th) pushed hard on his Aprilia, Paris Hardwick was also pressing on for a spot in the final session and Josh Soderland set for an early night. 


Qualifying 2
The most hotly anticipated qualifying session in some time hit the track right on 9pm with 22 degree air temp and 27 degree track temp. Speculation in the media centre was high as predictions about who would be where flew left and right. 

Halliday was ALL business from the jump, banking a 1:29.750 for his first flyer. Teammate Jones was quickly into P2 with Allerton banking a P3 spot early as he's fast and clever.
Halliday was ALL business from the jump, banking a 1:29.750 for his first flyer. Teammate Jones was quickly into P2 with Allerton banking a P3 spot early as he’s fast and clever.

Halliday was ALL business from the jump, banking a 1:29.750 for his first flyer. Teammate Jones was quickly into P2 with Allerton banking a P3 spot early as he’s fast and clever. Halliday then went faster again on his second flyer with a 1:29.347, Mike Jones hit a 1:29.672. Troy Herfoss dipped into the 29s as it was time to bring your A-game.

Halliday pitted. Nine minutes left. Waters was down in fourth with Allerton and Staring chasing. None of these three were yet to get into the 1:29s; the exclusive domain of the top three. Jones and Herfoss both pitted. Staring was now the only rider in the top six still on track. Pearson was yet to bank a flyer.

Qualifying 2 really started to heat up, the usual top five faces were battling it out well and proper.
Qualifying 2 really started to heat up, the usual top five faces were battling it out well and proper.

Five minutes to go and the fast guys re-emerged. Halliday was first out, Waters joined him while Herfoss and Jones decided to wait.  Pearson moved up to 8th while Waters slipped to fifth Behind Staring. Halliday found traffic and could not get a fast lap done. Guest commentator Troy Corser was talking Josh Waters up- and the Mildura lad delivered with a 1:29.227 for provisional pole.

One minute left and Herfoss could not move any further forward. Jones was on a flyer and was threatening to drop a 1:28 something. While it was a 1:29.019 and not in the 1:28s, it was still the fastest time of the session. Jones had maybe 10 seconds in pole position before teammate Halliday delivered on all the promises he’d shown all day and hit a 1:28.970 to take pole.

All smiles for Halliday who trumped his teammate for a number 1 spot on the grid for Saturday.
All smiles for Halliday who trumped his teammate for a number 1 spot on the grid for Saturday.

The chequered flag came out and the last times were banked, but nothing changed, Halliday was the deserved pole sitter…


ASBK SMSP Front Row (Full Qualifying Results Here)

1 Cru Halliday – Yamaha YZF R1 M – 1:28.970
2 Mike Jones – Yamaha YZF R1 M – 1:29.019
3 Josh Waters – Ducati Panigale V4 R – 1:29.020


Michelin Supersport
Qualifying One for Supersport saw Jake Farnsworth post the fastest first flyer that was immediately answered by Sean Condon who posted a 1:33.706 to let the field know that he was absolutely the man to beat this weekend.

Qualifying One for Supersport saw Jake Farnsworth post the fastest first flyer that was immediately answered by Sean Condon who posted a 1:33.706 to let the field know that he was absolutely the man to beat this weekend.
Qualifying One for Supersport saw Jake Farnsworth post the fastest first flyer that was immediately answered by Sean Condon who posted a 1:33.706 to let the field know that he was absolutely the man to beat this weekend.

After three flying laps, Jack Passfield was the man for the task, dropping the fastest time for the session to 1:33.253 and announcing that whatever Condon had, he was ready to go... Condon would not be denied. He immediately replied with a faster time and right at the bell he further dropped the fastest time to a 1:32.509 and none would be able to better that time. Indeed Condon was some .704 faster than Passfield, leaving the field to ponder what the race will look like.

The battle between Condon and Passfield overshadowed the chasers with Lynch some 1.029 behind Condon in third with Jake Farnsworth in fourth. Hayden Nelson and Cameron Dunker jumped up the order with both Supersport 300 graduates rapidly improving to push Supersport regulars down the order. This saw Dallas Skeer (7th), Olly Simpson (8th), John Lytras (9th) and Tom Bramich in tenth.

fter three flying laps, Jack Passfield was the man for the task, dropping the fastest time for the session to 1:33.253 and announcing that whatever Condon had, he was ready to go.
fter three flying laps, Jack Passfield was the man for the task, dropping the fastest time for the session to 1:33.253 and announcing that whatever Condon had, he was ready to go.

Qualifying Two
Sean Condon again took the Supersport category by the scruff of the neck and posted a time (1:32.509) some .744 faster than second-placed Jack Passfield and over a second faster than third-placed and championship leader Ty Lynch.

At eleven minutes to go, a red flag brought the night session to a halt after Jack Passfield went down and his bike ended up on circuit. Passfield was up and about, but the second-placed rider would take no further part in the session, leaving a yawning chasm betwixt top-placed Condon and nearest threat Ty Lynch.

Despite Passfield going down in Q2, Lynch couldn't claw back at a blistering lap time and settled for third on the grid.
Despite Passfield going down in Q2, Lynch couldn’t claw back at a blistering lap time and settled for third on the grid.

The return session brought little by way of excitement, Condon choosing to stay in the garage while Luca Durning provided a moment of interest, being the first rider black-flagged in ASBK history for not displaying a red taillight during a night session...and so it was. Condon took the extra point and the pole award for Supersport and sits squarely in the box seat for Saturday.


ASBK SMSP Supersport 600 Front Row (Full Results Here)

1 Sean Condon – Yamaha YZF R6 – 1:32.509
2 Jack Passfield – Yamaha YZF R6 – 1:33.253
3 Ty Lynch – Yamaha YZF R6 – 1:33.538


Saturday
There’s been a number of comparisons over the years between Phillip Island and Sydney Motorsport Park and it was SMPS’s chance to really shine. The weather at SMSP was just as unpredictable as The Island, so there’s that and congrats all round…

Riders were in good spirits for a Saturday race day. Most were praying for the rain to stay away...
Riders were in good spirits for a Saturday race day. Most were praying for the rain to stay away…

Alpinestars Superbike
The warm-up was declared dry and so Josh Waters naturally went .9 of a second faster than most and Glenn Allerton brought his usual game-day excellence to the caper and was up to P2. At the end of the short session, it was Waters still up top with pole sitter Cru Halliday in second, Allerton third, Bryan Staring looking very good in fourth and Arthur Sissis up to fifth.

Race One
Herfoss, Allerton and Waters all got a ripping start, but it was Josh Waters on that ever-present McMartin Ducati Panigale V4R. Cru Halliday – by his self-admitted lowly standards – got a great start and was second to Josh Waters who ripped out a 1:34 standing lap, a time that would have once been a pretty good flying lap.

Herfoss, Allerton and Waters all got a ripping start, but it was Josh Waters on that ever-present McMartin Ducati Panigale V4R who got the jump...
Herfoss, Allerton and Waters all got a ripping start, but it was Josh Waters on that ever-present McMartin Ducati Panigale V4R who got the jump…

Settling slightly through to lap three, it was Waters from Halliday and Allerton who had Troy Herfoss and Mike Jones for company. Arthur Sissis had been unable to really launch like the rabbit he usually is and was fifth with Bryan Staring sixth.

Herfoss laid down a big black rubber line that impressed many but cost him four spots. Waters was now out to a half-second lead from Halliday and then a three-second gap back to Allerton in third. Waters’ fastest lap was a 1:29.001 to obliterate the lap record- indeed the top three had already knocked off the lap record.

Settling slightly through to lap three, it was Waters from Halliday and Allerton who had Herfoss and Jones for company.
Settling slightly through to lap three, it was Waters from Halliday and Allerton who had Herfoss and Jones for company.

Bryan Staring was in the 1:29s and was stalking Allerton who had slipped down to fourth after Mike Jones did stealthy Mike Jones things to limit his losses once again.

With nine laps to go, Herfoss was now working his way back into contention, passing Sissis and on a mission to get to Bryan Staring who in turn was all over Glenn Allerton. They swapped positions a few times, allowing Herfoss to get closer still.

Halliday was the fastest man on the circuit, but Waters was still .75 up on the factory Yamaha R1M.
Halliday was the fastest man on the circuit, but Waters was still .75 up on the factory Yamaha R1M.

A few light drops of rain kept life interesting and uncomfortable, but lap times remained in the 1:29s. Allerton, Staring and Herfoss got into an old school gentleman’s Donnybrook. Halliday was the fastest man on the circuit, but Waters was still .75 up on the factory Yamaha R1M.

At six laps to go, Staring and Herfoss tried to get through on Allerton, but Allerton can late brake like few others and Staring and Herfoss simply swapped spots while leaving Allerton in fourth. Waters out front was looking composed, while Halliday was clearly not giving up the chase. The gap was now down to .5 of a second, but it felt like Waters was working his lap board pretty well. Herfoss was finally past Allerton to take fourth position, while Staring remained in sixth.

Herfoss was finally past Allerton to take fourth position, while Staring remained in sixth.
Herfoss was finally past Allerton to take fourth position, while Staring remained in sixth.

Waters’ lead was down to just .2 of a second as Halliday was having the “ride of his life” according to commentator Steve Martin. The cameras cut to Mike Jones’ bike as it massively let go an engine with a huge cloud of blue smoke. Shortly afterwards, the bike caught fire and brought out the red flag to stop the race.

Ten laps had been completed and race direction declared it a done deal. Josh Waters was the winner from pole-sitter Cru Halliday and the ever-present Troy Herfoss. These were strange days, but Waters was still king.


Race Two
From the second row of the grid, Herfoss blazed away with Arthur Sissis for company. The front-row starters were swamped. Allerton went around the outside of everyone to take the lead. Halliday had just described the back side of the circuit as “sketchy as” and the whole field was now sketching their way through this section.

From the second row of the grid, Herfoss blazed away with Sissis for company. The front-row starters were swamped. Herfoss got the elbows out to pass Waters to then seek out Halliday and ultimately race leader Allerton.
From the second row of the grid, Herfoss blazed away with Sissis for company. The front-row starters were swamped. Herfoss got the elbows out to pass Waters to then seek out Halliday and ultimately race leader Allerton.

Allerton led from Halliday, Waters, Herfoss and Staring. Broc Pearson had done a great job and worked his way up to sixth with Artur Sissis shuffled back to seventh, despite being second early in lap one. Herfoss got the elbows out to pass Waters to then seek out Halliday and ultimately race leader Allerton.



Meanwhile, Mike Jones was down in a lowly eighth position on his second bike and would need to move forward to limit his losses. Waters was past Herfoss for third and he and Halliday were off after Allerton. Allerton put his hand up down the straight to indicate rain, but new-found waterman Halliday took the lead with his foot down like a motocross rider through turn one and we wondered if there would be a red flag. It was hard to tell if it was raining elsewhere, and the merciful red flag came out after just three laps as the rain really fell in earnest.

Race Two Restart
At the restart- in order they crossed the line a lap earlier- Halliday led the bunch despite not getting the best jump. Sissis did the crazy fast start thing as he is want to do and this time he made it stick and he was third behind Herfoss. Herfoss moved into the lead while Allerton went around Waters for third.

Elbows were out at the restart, Halliday, Herfoss, Sissis and Pearson all battling for that top spot.
Elbows were out at the restart, Halliday, Herfoss, Sissis and Pearson all battling for that top spot.

Herfoss went wide at turn six and Halliday politely followed so he wouldn’t feel alone. The rain continued. Mike Jones was back in tenth and struggling once again. With five laps to run, Waters was out to a three-second lead with a gaggle of chasers: Allerton, Halliday, Herfoss, Sissis and Pearson.

Five laps to go, Waters had a three-second lead with a gaggle of chasers: Allerton, Halliday, Herfoss, Sissis and Pearson.
Five laps to go, Waters had a three-second lead with a gaggle of chasers: Allerton, Halliday, Herfoss, Sissis and Pearson.

Four laps to go and Waters was absolutely trucking. He was now six seconds up the road and effectively gone. Herfoss moved back into second on a mission like we had rarely seen before. Allerton continued to chase, but Halliday passed him down the straight as we ticked down to three laps remaining. Herfoss ran wide again, but this time lost no places but gave even more time to the seemingly absent Josh Waters who was now eight seconds ahead.

Two laps left and Herfoss was second from Halliday , Sissis and Allerton. The nine-second lead Waters enjoyed continued to grow. Herfoss seemed secure in second place, with Halliday also comfortably ahead of Sissis.

At the finish, it was the dominant shape of the McMartin Ducati Panigale V4R with Josh Waters aboard taking an easy win by 6.3 seconds (he gave them a few seconds on the last lap) from Troy Herfoss.
At the finish, it was the dominant shape of the McMartin Ducati Panigale V4R with Josh Waters aboard taking an easy win by 6.3 seconds (he gave them a few seconds on the last lap) from Troy Herfoss.

At the finish, it was the dominant shape of the McMartin Ducati Panigale V4R with Josh Waters aboard taking an easy win by 6.3 seconds (he gave them a few seconds on the last lap) from Troy Herfoss, Cru Halliday, Arthur Sissis and Glenn Allerton in fifth.

Five wins from five starts. The only blemish for the entire season to date was the single point missed for pole at round two. While Josh Waters might have been under some pressure leading into the round where he was dominant at the test, the pressure was now all the other way; how will the field respond? But as Mike Jones had discovered at SMSP; even the seemingly invincible can have a day that goes DNF and 10th…


ASBK SMSP Round Podium (Full Results Here)

1 21 Josh WATERS
2 65 Cru HALLIDAY
3 17 Troy HERFOSS


Michelin Supersport

Race One
The weather was again all the talk, but the precipitation thankfully stayed away. Pole sitter Sean Condon led them away from pole, but both Hayden Nelson and Tom Bramich fired off the line and were at the front or close to it.

Pole sitter Sean Condon led them away from pole, but both Hayden Nelson and Tom Bramich fired off the line and were at the front or close to it. Bramich managed to hold on to a podium for some important points.
Pole sitter Sean Condon led them away from pole, but both Hayden Nelson and Tom Bramich fired off the line and were at the front or close to it. Bramich managed to hold on to a podium for some important points.

A few riders ran wide early and trying to work out who was where was a challenge. Olly Simpson completed his first racing lap of Sydney Motorsport Park in the lead, Jake Farnsworth put a solid pass on Sean Condon while Olly Simpson was nearly unseated. That gave Farnsworth the opening he needed to take the lead.

Championship leader Ty Lynch was back in seventh while season-long contenders Lytras and Bramich were fifth and sixth. At the front, Olly Simpson had a big moment and ran wide, allowing the likes of Bramich and Lytras to move forward.

A lot of the Australian Supersport 600 class were new to SMSP. They got to grips with it quite quickly though...
A lot of the Australian Supersport 600 class were new to SMSP. They got to grips with it quite quickly though…

Condon was boxing on and was back up to second and then took the lead via a clever late braking move. Farnsworth nearly threw himself down the road after getting on the gas a little early. Condon was leading and had the fastest lap of the race to boot.

Olly Simpson was working himself back into the caper and was back up to fifth. Passfield had found himself involved in some early bar banging and was down in 14th. Condon ripped out a 1:32.969 to stretch his lead to .7 of a second with six laps to go.

Jake Farnsworth put in an awesome ride on his Yamaha YZF-R6 to finish second in race one!
Jake Farnsworth put in an awesome ride on his Yamaha YZF-R6 to finish second in race one!

The order settled for the top three with Condon, Jake Farnsworth and Tom Bramich all evenly spaced. The battle was on for fifth with 2022 Supersport 300 champion Cameron Dunker leading a solid group that included John Lytras, Ty Lynch and Hayden Nelson. At three laps to go, Condon was out to a second-plus gap and set sail for home for his first win of the year. Farnsworth was secure in second place with Bramich also solid in third.

While Farnsworth was able to chip away at Condon’s lead, it certainly felt like Condon was just doing what he needed to chalk up 25 points- which he did. The gap was still a second to second and Tom Bramich was a further 2.5 seconds in third. Olly Simpson was fourth with Cameron Dunker fifth.


Race Two
With a mixed grid of wets and dry tyres and weather conditions that could have been a separate article, it was always going to be a very different sort of race. Jake Farnsworth was pulled from the grid at the 11th hour due to a faulty rear light.

Race two was a different story for the Supersport class, the rain started to sprinkle down...
Race two was a different story for the Supersport class, the rain started to sprinkle down…

The wet tyre crew took off as expected, with flat track wonderkid (And baby faced assassin) Cameron Dunker out quickly, but Ty Lynch was first through turns one and two and took off as best he could on what must be wet Michelins.

Olly Simpson- another rider very handy when the going gets weird, was up to second with Dunker settling into third.
Olly Simpson- another rider very handy when the going gets weird, was up to second with Dunker settling into third.

Olly Simpson- another rider very handy when the going gets weird, was up to second with Dunker settling into third. With about one third of the circuit dry and the rest varyinging degrees of damp, Simpson pushed past Dunker to take second and the top runners were off in an attempt to get away before the circuit got too dry.


Pole man Sean Condon was way down in 20th and would have been screaming for dry running, but it was still too early to say whether slicks were the wrong call. It was still very wet at turn two, and the lack of a breeze and high humidity stopped the drying process.

Pole man Sean Condon was way down in 20th and would have been screaming for dry running, but it was still too early to say whether slicks were the wrong call.
Pole man Sean Condon was way down in 20th and would have been screaming for dry running, but it was still too early to say whether slicks were the wrong call.

Up front, Olly Simpson was leading by half a second to Cameron Dunker and a few more seconds back to Ty Lynch. Luke Sanders went down on the exit of turn four, throwing away a chance at a podium finish. For the regulars, the contenders and past race winners it was a disaster: Lytras was in 10th, Bramich 16th, while Condon was the mover up to 12th.

For the regulars, the contenders and past race winners it was a disaster: Lytras was in 10th, Bramich 16th, while Condon was the mover up to 12th.
For the regulars, the contenders and past race winners it was a disaster: Lytras was in 10th, Bramich 16th, while Condon was the mover up to 12th.

Passfield was rumored to have chosen the odd combo of a slick front and wet rear, but no matter what he was running, he was still in fourth, just two seconds behind third placed Ty Lynch. Cameron Dunker is a renowned flat tracker and was a smooth as butter in the mixed conditions. The gap between him and Simpson was down to half a second.

Passfield was past Lynch for third, but Lynch was determined to hang on to both Passfield tail and the championship lead.
Passfield was past Lynch for third, but Lynch was determined to hang on to both Passfield tail and the championship lead.

Sean Condon went down at turn six to end his night and really create issues for the once favoured rider for champion in 2023. Jack Passfield was past Ty Lynch for third, but Lynch was determined to hang on to both Passfield tail and the championship lead.

Dunker continued his march to the lead, and the pressure he was excerting worked when Olly Simpson had a huge moment into turn one with two laps to go. Dunker was able to get .8 ahead almost immediately and set off for his first ever Supersport race win after a championship Supersport 300 year in 2022.

Scott Nicholson took third after Passfield was shuffled back to seventh! An awesome finish for the pink machine.
Scott Nicholson took third after Passfield was shuffled back to seventh! An awesome finish for the pink machine.

Ty Lynch was slowing significantly and was swamped by a group including Jonathan Nahlous, Dallas Skeer and Scott Nicholson. Lynch was in survival mood.

Some riders take years to get a race win and /or a round win in Supersport. It took Cameron Dunker two rounds of Supersport to achieve both goals.
Some riders take years to get a race win and /or a round win in Supersport. It took Cameron Dunker two rounds of Supersport to achieve both goals.

Dunker still had a .8 second lead into the last lap and was able to hang on for the win in his second-ever event in the Supersport category. Olly Simpson rolled through for second, but it was Scott Nicholson who took third after Passfield was shuffled back to seventh. Some riders take years to get a race win and /or a round win in Supersport. It took Cameron Dunker two rounds of Supersport to achieve both goals.


ASBK Supersport 600 SMSP Round Podium (Full Results Here)

1 3 Cameron DUNKER
2 45 Olly SIMPSON
3 279 Hayden NELSON


Supersport 300

(Race One results here)

Race Two
Brandon Demmery would start from pole in the second Supersport 300 race of the weekend and the second-to-last race before the night sessions began in earnest. The commentators teased the assembled crowd with the usual weather talk, but we started the race without precipitation, but with Brandon Demmery off the front into turn one. Marcus Hamod had a great start and was up to second and Henry Snell was also away well and into third.

Brandon Demmery and Marcus Hamod had a great start! Hammod was up to second and Henry Snell in third.
Brandon Demmery and Marcus Hamod had a great start! Hammod was up to second and Henry Snell in third.

OJC graduate Ryan Larkin was fourth with Jai Russo nipping at his heels. Snell got through Hamod mid-lap while Demmery held a small .1 lead. The first trip down the straight saw the usual shuffling of the pack with Snell and Larkin being the biggest beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Race Direction noted the start was once again under investigation.

Henry Snell got through Hamod mid-lap while Demmery held a small .1 lead.
Henry Snell got through Hamod mid-lap while Demmery held a small .1 lead.

Cameron Swain had been stalking the field for some time and was now up to third with Ryan Larkin behind him. Swain was soon into the lead, and Demmery was happy to let them lead and observe for a time. Swain had his “I’d like to get away thanks” attitude in full effect and was out to a .5 lead over Snell and Demmery. At four laps to go, Demmery was back into the lead, dashing Swain’s hopes of a solo win. Russo was in third while Brodie Gawith and Henry Snell were fourth and fifth.

As the laps ran down, there was a clear lead group, but no clear leader. Russo, Swain and Demmery all spent time on the front while Casey Middleton and Cooper Rowntree stayed in contact.
As the laps ran down, there was a clear lead group, but no clear leader. Russo, Swain and Demmery all spent time on the front while Casey Middleton and Cooper Rowntree stayed in contact.

As the laps ran down, there was a clear lead group, but no clear leader. Russo, Swain and Demmery all spent time on the front while Casey Middleton and Cooper Rowntree continued to stay in contact.

Race two was red-flagged due to an accident. The crazy racing would continue later in the arvo...
Race two was red-flagged due to an accident. The crazy racing would continue later in the arvo…

The lead group was seven deep and all were capable of taking the win. Brock Quinlan was down and the race was red flagged with six laps completed due to Quinlan’s bike being in a dangerous place. The lead riders looked at each other, understandably confused about who was the winner. Race direction declared Cameron Swain the winner from Brandon Demmery and Jai Russo after winding the clock back a lap per the usual red flag rules.


Race Three
The night race for the 300s was still damp and so the teams took their cues from the just-completed Supersport race where those on wet tyres capitalised. Cameron Swain jumped away with plenty of company but lead through lap one with Brandon Demmery and Brodie Gawith second and third.

The night race for the 300s was still damp and so the teams took their cues from the just-completed Supersport race where those on wet tyres capitalised.
The night race for the 300s was still damp and so the teams took their cues from the just-completed Supersport race where those on wet tyres capitalised.

A chase group formed with Luke Jhonston, Henry Snell, Marcos Hamod and Jai Russo all jostling for position. At the head of the group, Demmery and Swain were swapping off but not breaking away. At six laps to go, it was still Swain and Demmery but they had plenty of willing company, but no definitive challenger for the top spot. Indeed, the leading pair were now out to a small but important lead of about 3.5 seconds.

The race was now down to Demmery and Swain and they spent the last few laps working out what to do as they headed to the finish.
The race was now down to Demmery and Swain and they spent the last few laps working out what to do as they headed to the finish.

Not realising that their dicing was going to end with no better result than third, the chasing group continued to box each others ears. The race was now down to Demmery and Swain and they spent the last few laps working out what to do as they headed to the finish.

Swain decided to try to establish a break of his own as he did at Phillip island a few weeks ago. He bever achieved more than a few tenths of a second and perhaps was playing into Demmery’s hands. Then there were reports of some rain falling- just to ensure the drama had drama on drama.

The battle for fifth was dramatic as they tried for five wide over the line but it was Hamod from Knezovic, Middleton, Russo, Jhonston and Josh Newman 10th...
The battle for fifth was dramatic as they tried for five wide over the line but it was Hamod from Knezovic, Middleton, Russo, Jhonston and Josh Newman 10th…

But Demmery continued to fox behind Swain, absolutely content to let him lead as we headed into the last lap. Their gar was out to 4 seconds, but Swain decided he’d had enough leading and slowed even more. You lead!… no sir YOU LEAD! But at the line, it was Demmery who picked Swain’s pocket for another win. Brodie Gawith was third, some 3.3 seconds behind with Henry Snell right behind him

The battle for fifth was dramatic as they tried for five wide over the line but it was Hamod from Knezovic, Middleton, Russo, Jhonston and Josh Newman 10th…


ASBK Supersport 300 SMSP Round Podium (Full Results Here)

1 11 Brandon DEMMERY
2 26 Cameron SWAIN
3 32 Jai Russo


The bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup

Race One
A brand new experience sat in front of our juniors. You could feel the tension in the air, see the focus in their eyes and hear the last-minute motivational talks, it was time to go racing. While the weather forecast had predicted rain, we were fortunate enough to see a crisp, clear Sydney night and a dry track, slicks it was. In typical OJC fashion the Yamaha YZF R15s launched off the line and quickly went four or five wide into the flat-out turn one. It was a drag race to the infamous turn two and an opening group of riders emerged. Confidence under the lights was key in race one and it was clear who had it, the top 10 quickly established themselves and broke away from the second half of the field.

OJC is designed to educate and teach our youngest road racers the fundamentals while building their confidence in racing situations, Sydney Motorsport Park was providing an excellent opportunity to do this for round one. The long run out of the final corner to the finish line meant that riders had a tough decision to make heading into the final lap – Where did they want to be? Put yourself in first position and risk being out-dragged to the line, or put yourself second or third and risk being shuffled back and missing and opportunity to be in that final drag race for the win.

The battle inside the top ten was heating up but a scuffle in the second half of the ten as they battled to position themselves for the final lap meant that the pack was now split. John Pelgrave, Riley Nauta, Rossi McAdam and Ethan Johnson were now off the back and unlikely to feature for the win. Race one finished as close as it started, with the top five separated by just 0.387 of a second as Haydn Fordyce, Valentino Knezovic, Hunter Corney and Ella McCausland went four-wide to the finish line for race one honours.



Race Two
Slicks were the go and the go was slick for Bodie Paige who jumped away to a small lead, but with an enthusiastic group chasing. Immediately, race direction noted the start was under investigation after a few nervous clutch hands were faster than the start lights. By half lap, Bodie had a half second advantage with Archie Schmidt and Ella McCausland fighting for the right be first to chase Bodie.

Immediately, race direction noted the start was under investigation after a few nervous clutch hands were faster than the start lights.
Immediately, race direction noted the start was under investigation after a few nervous clutch hands were faster than the start lights.

Of course, this simply allowed Bodie Paige to grind out a slightly bigger gap. But McCausland was having none of it and around the time she took the lead of the race down the main straight she was also announced has having jumped the start.

At two laps to go, Paige led while McCausland was clearly measuring her run for the finale.
At two laps to go, Paige led while McCausland was clearly measuring her run for the finale.

Whether McCausland knew this via the race direction boards at the track was impossible to say, but she continued to race hard and remained close to or at the front for much of the middle part of the race. The leading group was now McCausland, Bodie Paige, Riley Nauta, Valentino Knezovic and Hunter Corney rounding out the top five.

The racing is always close in the OJC! The future world champions all on equal machinery.
The racing is always close in the OJC! The future world champions all on equal machinery.

At two laps to go, Paige led while McCausland was clearly measuring her run for the finale. The riders diced as they do through the last lap, all competing to get into the ideal spot for the run to the line. McCausland led, but seemingly didn’t want to.

The race direction penalty to McCausland for a jump start was applied and the win went to Haydn Fordyce from Valentino Knezovic and Bodie Paige in third.
The race direction penalty to McCausland for a jump start was applied and the win went to Haydn Fordyce from Valentino Knezovic and Bodie Paige in third.

The run to the line: McCausland lead them down the straight and inexplicably none we able to make a run past her and she hit the line as the first female to cross the line first in the bLu cRU Oceania Junior Cup….then the race direction penalty for a jump start was applied and the win went to Haydn Fordyce from Valentino Knezovic and Bodie Paige in third.


Race Three
The final Oceania Junior Cup race of the weekend was an exciting affair with plenty of action from start to finish. Ella Mcausland made a great start, quickly moving up to third after losing out in race two. Meanwhile, Bodie Paige took the lead by half a second and looked comfortable in the opening stages of the race, with the track not entirely wet and the back half dry.

Paige continued to lead the pack, with Nauta and Mcausland battling for second place. However, their fighting allowed Paige to extend his lead to one second on lap three. McAdam went down at turn two, but rejoined the race unharmed.

Racing was underway in the dark for the final OJC race of the weekend, the drying track made for interesting conditions.
Racing was underway in the dark for the final OJC race of the weekend, the drying track made for interesting conditions.

The lead group eventually split, with Paige signalling to the riders behind him that working together would be the only way to catch up. The group of four began to close in on Paige, but Oscar Lewis went down at turn two and Bodie Paige’s visor apparently started fogging up, causing him to wipe it repeatedly for visibility.

The lead group was now five strong, with a gap of 6 seconds to sixth. However, a mistake from Nixon Frost dropped him several positions from the front of the chasing pack. Mcausland made a great move from fifth to second at turn three, while Nauta was unseated at the exit of turn two, but able to continue.

Archie Schmidt made an impressive move from fourth to second at the turn nine hairpin on the last lap, while Nauta and Schmidt claimed the final podium spots.
Archie Schmidt made an impressive move from fourth to second at the turn nine hairpin on the last lap, while Nauta and Schmidt claimed the final podium spots.

The first sector was still wet, but Corporate Hill and T9 were drying quickly. Early podium sitter Lazos went down at T2, which claimed its third victim of the race. Paige took advantage of all the battling behind him to open up a multi second gap, eventually claiming a dominant victory.

Archie Schmidt made an impressive move from fourth to second at the turn nine hairpin on the last lap, while Nauta and Schmidt claimed the final podium spots. All in all, it was a thrilling race full of ups and downs, and Paige proved to be the strongest rider of the day. The overall round win went to rookie OJC entrant, New Zealand lad Haydn Fordyce who took up motorcycle racing less than a year ago…!


ASBK OJC SMSP Round Podium (Full Results Here)

1 17 Haydn FORDYCE
2 48 Valentino KNEZOVIC
3 42 Riley NAUTA


ASBK Superbike Masters SMSP Round Podium (Full Results Here)

1 43 Keo WATSON
2 63 Robert YOUNG
3 778 Corey GLOCK



MA Official Statement On Brayden Erbacher

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Motorcycling Australia, ProMX Management Team and the wider motorcycling family are united in grief at the passing of ProMX MX2 rider #59 Brayden Erbacher.

Motorcycling Australia, ProMX Management Team and the wider motorcycling family are united in grief at the passing of ProMX MX2 rider #59 Brayden Erbacher, who passed away as a result of injuries sustained in race one of Round One of the 2023 ProMX Championship.

Motorcycling Australia, ProMX Management Team and the wider motorcycling family are united in grief at the passing of ProMX MX2 rider #59 Brayden Erbacher.
Motorcycling Australia, ProMX Management Team and the wider motorcycling family are united in grief at the passing of ProMX MX2 rider #59 Brayden Erbacher.

Season 2023 was to be Brayden’s second year in the MX2 Championship, the pinnacle series for 250cc Four Stroke machines. Although a late starter in racing compared to some, Brayden had come to Wonthaggi from Queensland with his family and his Roo Systems Diesel Tuning Race Team to take on Australia’s best. His first ProMX campaign in 2022 had seen illness prevent him from competing for the full season, but a vigorous and productive off-season on the push bike, in the pool and in the gym had seen him return to full fitness and he noted “head is down, bum is up, plenty of work to be done…!” in anticipation of a full ProMX season in 2023.

Away from racing, Brayden was a likeable, handsome, and creative young man. He enjoyed his fishing, camping, and playing the guitar. In his own words, he liked “to keep things fun but I’m also a determined person and like a challenge.” In line with his cheeky nature, he said his career highlight to date was “beating Dan Reardon in a 125 race” and listed his hero growing up as US champion motocross racer Ryan Villopoto. He also noted he was responsible for “making the #59 more famous than Dad ever did…”

While the ProMX Championship is the peak of Australian competition motocross, and the racing is close and often fiercely competitive, they are still a very close-knit community where friendships and camaraderie cross all bike brands, events and sponsors. MA say Brayden’s passing has affected everyone deeply.

Away from racing, Brayden was a likeable, handsome, and creative young man. He enjoyed his fishing, camping, and playing the guitar. In his own words, he liked "to keep things fun but I'm also a determined person and like a challenge."
Away from racing, Brayden was a likeable, handsome, and creative young man. He enjoyed his fishing, camping, and playing the guitar. In his own words, he liked “to keep things fun but I’m also a determined person and like a challenge.”

“Today we share the grief and sadness of Brayden’s family and reflect on a good life that was well-lived but tragically cut short. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends, but also with our own wider motocross and motorcycling family, our officials, volunteers, staff, partners, sponsors and of course the fans of this brilliant but occasionally cruel sport.”

“Motorcycling Australia will continue to co-operate with the relevant authorities as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident continue. We have offered unconditional cooperation and assistance in these matters.”

Motorcycling Australia is assisting the Erbacher Family and Brayden’s team at this difficult time. The Erbacher Family wish to make to the following statement:

“The Erbacher Family would like to thank everyone at Racesafe including the paramedics, first responders and the riders and families that supported us. We are beyond proud to call Brayden our son and will be forever grateful for having him in our lives. He is our hero and will be greatly missed.”

Never let weakness convince you that you lack strength” – Ryan Villopoto’s creed.


Brayden Erbacher, 2/10/2002 – 5/3/2023


ASBK Rd2, SMSP, All You Need To Know…

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While Josh Waters and McMartin Racing dominated the opening round of the season, there were plenty of intriguing storylines to come out of Phillip Island as ASBK looks ahead to a history-making round two at Sydney Motorsport Park. News: ASBK Media… 

The playing field is reset ahead this round, very few prior laps have been completed by our championship protagonists outside of the Official ASBK pre-season test and Summer running. With a compressed two-day round format, riders and teams will need to dial in their motorcycle as quickly as possible in the short and sharp practice sessions ahead of qualifying Friday night.



For the championship, it is the first time since 2019 an official race event will be held at the 3.93KM circuit where it hosted the then-season finale in a thrilling three-way fight between Wayne Maxwell, Troy Herfoss and eventual champion, Mike Jones, who was then aboard a DesmoSport Ducati. In what is regarded as one of the best all-round circuits in Australia, the circuit is a tale of two halves, with the fast and open first and third sectors catering to machines like the Ducati, whereas the much tighter and intricate sector two favours the more nimble Yamaha and Honda, setting up an exciting prospect for the racing ahead.

Alpinestars Superbike
Hit the reset button. The unbeatable combination of Josh Waters aboard a McMartin Racing Ducati Panigale V4R at Phillip Island are behind us. Sydney Motorsport Park represents a much bigger challenge for the current championship leaders with a significant portion of the circuit favouring more agile bikes. However, the big, booming Ducati will be hard to beat down the Brabham Straight and into turn one, keep an eye out for Waters to be lining them up in the first sector and then defending through the rest of the lap.


If the Official ASBK Test is anything to go by, it will be close up front. Cru Halliday, Mike Jones, Troy Herfoss and newly-confirmed full-season entrant Glenn Allerton are the expected protagonists to the championship leader. The Yamaha, Honda and BMW all share a fundamental difference with the Ducati and it will be most visible in the tight and twisty middle sector. Rewinding back to 2019, Herfoss and the previous model Fireblade were able to pull off moves that a then Mike Jones piloted Ducati could not respond to – look for our Superbike challengers to be applying pressure in this key sector of the lap where agility, tyre management and front-end confidence matter most.

Announced just last week, Glenn Allerton has secured and confirmed his 2023 future in a new joint venture with Trevor Groeneveld as GT Racing begins operations this weekend. “I’m extremely excited and also grateful for the new opportunity with GT Racing Team, with the help of Trevor (Groeneveld) and his team we have been able to put together a lot of pieces from my old team and some exciting new prospects going forward,” said Allerton.

Glenn Allerton

Newly-minted team owner, Trevor Groeneveld is no stranger to the superbike scene, “I’ve been around superbikes now for a few years doing track days and some club racing. It’s a sport I really enjoy. I’ve also been helping Glenn now for the past few years as a personal sponsor and as part of the former team. When the opportunity came along to become a team owner, it was hard to say no. Looking ahead, the one part of the puzzle I have no concerns with is Glenn’s ability to fight for the top spot every time he pulls the helmet on. The challenge for this team is to ensure we give him the right support and equipment to do the job and to that, we are all 100 percent committed.”

We are however without two stalwarts of the class, as both Mark Chiodo and Michael Edwards will miss this round of the championship due to injury. For Chiodo, he must be questioning his luck as during a test at The Bend Motorsport Park, he suffered a mechanical failure with his Fireblade at over 260km/h into the sharp turn one. Breaking his collarbone in the crash, there is no set return date for the Honda rider as he looks to take his recovery slowly and methodically to ensure he is at full fitness when he does next swing his leg over the bike.


For Michael Edwards, it’s a case of an injured knee. The veteran superbike rider kept his cards close to his chest via an announcement on social media, with his intent to return to the paddock for his home round at Queensland Raceway next time out. We wish both Mark and Michael the best in their recoveries and look forward to welcoming them back to the championship in full health when the time comes.

Michelin Supersport
Championship leader Ty Lynch was exceptional at Phillip Island. The determined Lynch pulled off gritty ride after gritty ride in classic Phillip Island conditions when his rivals all parted company with their machines. Luck may have played a role in round one for our Supersport Championship Leader, but he and his team left The Island knowing they need to unlock more speed from their YZF-R6 if they are to keep up this championship challenge.

Reigning champion John Lytras had an opening weekend to forget, aside from one podium in treacherous conditions, the gold #1 was tough to spot, consistently mid-pack. Lytras and Lynch are in a similar position heading into round two, as both of them acknowledge they openly struggled for pace and confidence at Phillip Island. However, it’s a long year, with many unknowns in front of them. This weekend is a chance to take the championship by storm and put your rivals on notice. Lytras knows how to win, and knows how to put together a championship-winning season, expect to see him up the pointy end this weekend as they rebound.

Supersport 300
The points setup for ASBK favours consistency. Despite the SS300 crew having three races a weekend, a DNF can leave you in the dust both literally and figuratively.  Even a poor points result can be damaging, so even if you can’t win, scrape all the points you can. Looking at round one, it’s hard to go past Brandon Demmery. But on closer inspection, he missed the winning break in race three (9th) and had to settle for 12 points, when he was previously able to take 20 and 25 respectively.

Jai Russo did just enough to scrape through for the round win with 58 points, just ahead of Brendon Demmery on 57.

While round winner Jai Russo was able to snaffle a race win, he was also “only” able to finish third and sixth in the other two races. Pole-sitter Cameron Swain was off the pace in races one (8th) and two (9th), but also sailed into the distance for a rare solo race win in race three.

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Rhys Budd Rebounds For A Good Finish At Appin ProMX

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After a disappointing first round, Serco Yamaha’s Rhys Budd, has rebounded strongly at round two of the ProMX Championship with a fourth place finish in the MX2 division for the day.

After a disappointing first round, Serco Yamaha’s Rhys Budd, has rebounded strongly at round two of the ProMX Championship with a fourth place finish in the MX2 division for the day, highlighted with a podium in race two.

Budd and teammate, Jesse Dobson, both faced some challenges over the weekend as the Appin circuit again provided a confronting stage for the riders with its long and twisted ruts and huge jumps.

Budd was confident coming into the Appin round as he is familiar with the circuit having spent plenty of time here as a junior but with the hot weather expected, the track conditions were considerably different to what he would have experienced in the past with plenty of water pumped into the track to keep the dust under control.

After a disappointing first round, Serco Yamaha’s Rhys Budd, has rebounded strongly at round two of the ProMX Championship with a fourth place finish in the MX2 division for the day.
After a disappointing first round, Serco Yamaha’s Rhys Budd, has rebounded strongly at round two of the ProMX Championship with a fourth place finish in the MX2 division for the day.

It was those muddy conditions that caught Budd out in moto one when he was barrelled into turn one only to be severally roosted by flying dirt debris as the 40 rider field leaned back in the throttle. Budd’s vision was reduced to nothing and before lap was even completed, he was into the mechanics area for a goggle swap which left him towards the back and a lot of work to be done.

With some new goggles and clear vision began his climb back through the field and made his way from 32nd place back to 10th by race end in a commendable effort. Despite the first race charged, he wasn’t satisfied with the result and vowed to do better in race two.

“We had to work hard for it today,” Budd begins. “The track was pretty wet and sloppy, and I didn’t get a great lap in qualifying in and not the best choice of gate."
“We had to work hard for it today,” Budd said. “The track was pretty wet and sloppy, and I didn’t get a great lap in qualifying in and not the best choice of gate.”

He ripped a great start and parked his YZ250F in the lead on the opening laps. Slotted in behind him were the heavy weights of the field but Budd dug in and was up for the fight. Wilson Todd was able to sneak by, then Nathan Crawford, as Budd settled into third place. Crawford go the better of Todd, then Budd stayed in touch with Todd all the way until the finish but unable to slip past. His 10-3 results gave him fourth for the day and moved him up to sixth in the MX2 championship.

“We had to work hard for it today,” Budd begins. “The track was pretty wet and sloppy, and I didn’t get a great lap in qualifying in and not the best choice of gate. Then I was just smashed with mud in the first few turns and had to get some goggles as it was too dangerous to race with out them. I did what I could but the leaders were long gone. For race two, we just put a lot of focus on the start, and I was able to get the holeshot and lead for a couple of laps. Nathan and Wilson got past me and I had Alex Larwood right behind me so the pressure was on the whole race but I managed to stay in third and finish the day strongly.”

It was a tough day for Jesse Dobson who just couldn’t find any flow or consistency on the Appin circuit.
It was a tough day for Jesse Dobson who just couldn’t find any flow or consistency on the Appin circuit.

“Thanks to the Serco Yamaha team and our sponsors for the support and things are starting to come around. I’m looking forward to the next round and keep fighting my way back into this championship,” Budd said.

It was a tough day for Jesse Dobson who just couldn’t find any flow or consistency on the Appin circuit. His qualifying was a bit off and could only manage 6-11 results in the two motos to land in seventh for the day and sit fourth in the championship.

“Not a real lot to say unfortunately. I just had an off day and couldn’t get comfortable on the track." said Dobson.
“Not a real lot to say unfortunately. I just had an off day and couldn’t get comfortable on the track.” said Dobson.

“Not a real lot to say unfortunately. I just had an off day and couldn’t get comfortable on the track. I had speed at times but it wasn’t fast enough for long enough to get the result myself and the team deserve. I want to watch the video of the race to see what the other riders were doing and why I was struggling so much. You can still learn a lot from a tough day like this and I want to ensure I bounce back at the next round and give the Serco Yamaha team a result they can be proud of,” Dobson offers.


ASBK SMSP Return for DesmoSport Ducati This Weekend!

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The Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) returns to Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) this weekend to race under lights on Saturday night for the first time in the championship’s history. Press Release: DesmoSport Ducati.

An unexpected start to the 2023 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) has seen DesmoSport Ducati leave Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit sitting 10th in the championship.
SMSP is a track with incredible memories for the DesmoSport crew with Mike Jones securing the ASBK championship aboard the DesmoSport Ducati Panigale 1299 Final Edition at the circuit in 2019, now Broc takes the reigns in 2023.

A track with incredible memories for the DesmoSport crew with Mike Jones securing the ASBK championship aboard the DesmoSport Ducati Panigale 1299 Final Edition at the circuit in 2019, the entire team is looking forward to Broc Pearson getting back on board the Panigale V4 R in a unique two-day format for round two of the championship.


Read the SMSP round preview here…


Team co-owner, Ben Henry: “Phillip Island saw some uncharacteristic mistakes from our whole team and that led the way to Broc feeling uneasy on the bike. We were lucky enough to have some time with Pirelli at Phillip Island on the Monday following and it returned a lot of Broc’s confidence. We’ve taken a step back, really tightened up our processes, while also looking to find ways to keep increasing how comfortable Broc feels on the bike. 2023 is about allowing Broc to learn and grow as a rider while still making steps forward, so he can reach his full potential on a superbike and I think we’re set to see a good weekend unfold.”

"We tested well here, and I was able to race a few of the St George night races over summer to try and learn the track since I haven't ever ridden a superbike around here before, and I'm feeling pretty good." said Broc.
“We tested well here, and I was able to race a few of the St George night races over summer to try and learn the track since I haven’t ever ridden a superbike around here before, and I’m feeling pretty good.” said Broc.

Team co-owner, Troy Bayliss: “I’m really looking forward to seeing these guys race under lights. We’ve done some club racing in the Summer Series here over the last two years, and we ran the Ducati Track Day powered by DesmoSport Ducati under lights here in Sydney too, so while Broc hasn’t done a huge amount of laps at the track, we’ve been here, we’ve done pretty well here in the past and we have the ingredients to start working our way forward.”

Broc Pearson: “We tested well here, and I was able to race a few of the St George night races over summer to try and learn the track since I haven’t ever ridden a superbike around here before, and I’m feeling pretty good. I like the track, and it’s exciting to ride and watch under lights so I think it’s going to be a great weekend. Everyone in the team has put a lot of effort in after round one to make sure we finish the weekend where we should be, and I can’t wait to get on track later today.”


Yamaha Racing Head To Mendooran AORC Round

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Alongside Bacon is the old man of Australian off Road, Josh Green. Green, now in his 12th year with Yamaha continues to shine with 2022 one of his most successful seasons despite being on the shady side of 30.

The 2023 Yamaha Australian Off Road Championships (AORC) are set to go with rounds one and two locked-in at Mendooran, NSW on March 25-26, with Yamaha Racing out in full force.  After a hugely successful year in 2022 and amassing a handful of championships, Yamaha teams and riders will be out to make 2023 even better and are primed to go.

It was Bacon’s time to shine, as he screamed across the Final Moto with a total time of 15:14.491.
The 2023 Yamaha Australian Off Road Championships (AORC) are set to go with rounds one and two locked-in at Mendooran, NSW on March 25-26.

ShopYamaha Off Road
The ShopYamaha Off Road Racing team are back and headlined with two of the best off road riders in the business with Kyron Bacon and Josh Green at the controls. Bacon stunned the off-road world in 2022 has he went from possible round contender to outright championship dominator. The 20-year-old Tasmanian took all before him in 2022 as he won the AORC and the A4DE in both class and Outright in a record-breaking year. Bacon is back for 2023 and on board his trusty 250F and raring to go.

Bacon stunned the off-road world in 2022 has he went from possible round contender to outright championship dominator.
Bacon stunned the off-road world in 2022 has he went from possible round contender to outright championship dominator.

Alongside Bacon is the old man of Australian off Road, Josh Green. Green, now in his 12th year with Yamaha continues to shine with 2022 one of his most successful seasons despite being on the shady side of 30. Green loves racing and continues to work hard at his craft to stay ahead of the pack. Mounted on the all-new YZ450F, Green is excited with the new bike and cant wait to put it to the test at Mendooran. 

“The off season has gone really smoothly for us and we are ready to go for the opening weekend of racing,” states team manager, AJ Roberts. “We have made a few tweaks to Kyron’s bike to cater for his development as a rider while Josh is loving the YZ450F and it’s proving to be as good in the bush as it is on the motocross and supercross tracks.”

Alongside Bacon is the old man of Australian off Road, Josh Green. Green, now in his 12th year with Yamaha continues to shine with 2022 one of his most successful seasons despite being on the shady side of 30.
Alongside Bacon is the old man of Australian off Road, Josh Green. Green, now in his 12th year with Yamaha continues to shine with 2022 one of his most successful seasons despite being on the shady side of 30.

“The guys and fit, the team is organised and Yamaha continue to support off road in Australia so an exciting year lays ahead for us,” Roberts ends.

Yamaha JGR Ballards Off Road
Multi-time world off road champion, Jess Gardiner will again lead her team into battle in the 2023 Australian Off Road Championship. Gardiner remains the Queen of off-road racing in Australia with a list of national championships longer than your arm and has assembled her riders and sponsors again for 2023.

Multi-time world off road champion, Jess Gardiner will again lead her team into battle in the 2023 Australian Off Road Championship.
Multi-time world off road champ, Jess Gardiner will lead her team into battle in the 2023 Australian Off Road Championship.

Gardiner will contest the Women’s division and aim for her seventh national crown, while Jeremy Carpentier will move to the E2 class on the WR450F. Danielle Macdonald will fly the flag in the junior girls division as well as contest selected motocross events during the year.

“Last year we came into line with Yamaha and that has been rewarding for both of us as the team is now involved in many coaching and riding activities with Yamaha Motor Australia. It’s a great partnership to have and one that we cherish.

Gardiner will contest the Women’s division and aim for her seventh national crown, while Jeremy Carpentier will move to the E2 class on the WR450F. Danielle Macdonald will fly the flag in the junior girls division as well as contest selected motocross events throughout the year.
Gardiner will contest the Women’s division, while Jeremy Carpentier will move to the E2 class on the WR450F. Danielle Macdonald will fly the flag in the junior girls division as well as contest selected motocross events throughout the year.

“Our season has already been busy not just building and preparing the new bikes for the team but also our coaching and camping events have been successful and we have already had several so far in 2023. We have more planned for the year and hope to continue promote what a great sport we have and encourage plenty of new riders to give it a try,” Gardiner explains.

Yamaha bLU cRU Support
New for 2023 with Yamaha is the addition of the bLU cRU support program. The team has been established to assist off road riders in making the transition from junior riders to the pro level and now Yamaha has something in place to continue to elevate riders.



The riders for 2023 are Jett Yarnold (Super Moto New England) and Wil Dennett (Lismore Motorcycles) in the EJ (Under 19) class as well as Cooper Sheidow (WSB Distributors) in the E1 division. The new arrangement offers additional support for up-and-coming riders and allows them to take the next step in their careers.

Cooper Sheidow (WSB Distributors) will be racing in the E1 division of the AORC.
Cooper Sheidow (WSB Distributors) will be racing in the E1 division of the AORC for the 2023 season.

GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing
2023 will mark the introduction of Yamaha Junior Racing into off road. YJR started nationally in 2005 but in motocross but will now branch out to include off road and provide development roll with riders. Queenslander Harley Hutton will fly the flag in the J2 class on his YZ85 while Marcus Nowland will do like wise in the J3 category on his YZ125. 



Both the bLU cRU Support and the Yamaha Junior Racing teams will work closely with AJ Roberts and his ShopYamaha team for advice and technical support at national events and believe this will fast track rider development.

The opening round will be a fast, furious and somewhat sandy affair as over 200 riders converge on Mendooran, near Dubbo for the season starter.  


Espargaró Cleared To Race After Forearm Surgery

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"It’s two very important races for us. Mugello is very important for Aprilia, I’m very happy to ride in Italy in this way, with good results." said Aleix.

Following fatigue in his right forearm, which occurred during the recent MotoGP tests at Portimao, Aleix Espargaró underwent a series of tests between Tuesday and Wednesday at the Dexeus University Clinic in Barcelona. The checks revealed a fibrosis in the muscle for which a surgical operation was needed.

Aleix Espargaro didn't manage to capitalise on the number 20's P8 at Silverstone as he took ninth, but after a huge highside on Saturday left him racing with a broken heel, that became a job well done.
Aleix Espargaró underwent a series of tests between Tuesday and Wednesday at the Dexeus University Clinic in Barcelona. The checks revealed a fibrosis in the muscle for which a surgical operation was needed.

The cleaning operation, carried out yesterday, was largely successful and will allow the rider to recover in view of the first race of the season, scheduled for the weekend of the 24th-26th March.

Dr. XAVIER MIR – MD PhD
“Aleix Espargaró underwent surgery on his right forearm, due to a fibrotic retraction of the forearm fascia with compression of the median nerve in the proximal third of the forearm. An antebrachial fasciotomy and an arch release of the pronator teres muscle was performed using microsurgical techniques. He will start his recovery as soon as tomorrow”.


Jay Marmont Joins CDR Yamaha In 30 Year Celebration

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One of CDR Yamaha’s most successful riders, Jay Marmont, will be the special guest of the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team at round two of the ProMX at Appin this weekend. The appearance of Marmont at the Appin round is the first of many celebrations CDR Yamaha will undertake for 2023 as they celebrate their 30th year of operation.

One of CDR Yamaha’s winningest riders, Jay Marmont, will be the special guest of the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team at round two of the ProMX at Appin this weekend.
One of CDR Yamaha’s successful riders, Jay Marmont, will be the special guest of the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team at round two of the ProMX at Appin this weekend.

Marmont, who lives in Wollongong and not far from the Appin circuit, raced for the CDR Yamaha team for five seasons, from 2008 to 2011 and then again in 2014. In that time, he amassed an incredible four MX National championship and one Australian Supercross Championship with the team and on the YZ450F. In that four-year reign of MX National championships from 2008 to 2011, Marmont was nearly unstoppable as he raced with passion and determination that defines a very special athlete.

“It will be great to have Jay as a guest of the team for the Appin round,” offers team owner, Craig Dack. “Over the five years of working together not only Jay and the team bonded closely but also his family and I’m sure we all have many happy memories of our time and success together. Jay developed not only into a sensational rider, but also a champion of our sport. While we have kept in contact over the years, it will be our honour to have him and his family as the special guests of CDR and celebrate our 30th anniversary with him,”

Marmont, who lives in Wollongong and not far from the Appin circuit, raced for the CDR Yamaha team for five seasons, from 2008 to 2011 and then again in 2014.
Marmont, who lives in Wollongong and not far from the Appin circuit, raced for the CDR Yamaha team for five seasons, from 2008 to 2011 and then again in 2014.

For Marmont, the years with CDR Yamaha were the most memorable of his career and established a resume that will take some beating in the future. He joined the sports legends of Stephen Gall and Craig Dack as the only four-time MX National champions after clinching the championship in 2011.

“It was exciting to get the call from Craig and be invited out to the Appin round of the ProMX as a guest of CDR. The team has a long and proud history and I’m grateful that I was able to play my part in making the team as successful as it has been,” said Marmont.

Action starts at 8am on Sunday March 19. Marmont will be at the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team truck throughout the day signing posters and also have his 2014 YZ450F on display.   
Action starts at 8am on Sunday March 19. Marmont will be at the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team truck throughout the day signing posters and also have his 2014 YZ450F on display.

“I raced for plenty of teams, both here and in the US, and CDR Yamaha was the best in terms of people, professionalism and dedication. That four-year run of winning the MX Nationals is something I cherish and look back on fondly and its cool that it’s still recognised today. I’m looking forward to spending the day back with the motocross community and seeing a heap of fans support the riders. I’m friends with both Luke Clout and Aaron Tanti, so I will also be cheering them on and hoping to see both up front and carrying on the CDR Yamaha success.”

Action starts at 8am on Sunday March 19. Jay will be at the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team truck throughout the day signing posters and will have his 2014 YZ450F on display.   


 

Aussies Racing Abroad: March 2023

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Oli Bayliss was third on the opening day of the Official Test ahead of his home round this weekend.
Unable to shift gears and clearly in pain, Bayliss is now doing all he can to get back as soon as possible.

With many Australians showcasing their skills abroad in a range of disciplines both on-track and off-road, our monthly column focuses on how they’re faring in 2022 battling it out with the best in their chosen classes against the best riders in the world. Words: Ed Stratmann.

Miller is back! We saw him dressed in orange at the official MotoGP tests, the back will take some more getting used to.
Miller is back! We saw him dressed in orange at the official MotoGP tests, the back will take some more getting used to.

Jack Miller – MotoGP
Having made the high-profile switch to Red Bull KTM for 2023 and with excitement high that Jack Miller can achieve big things this year, the fact his latest test didn’t go so well in Sepang has tempered expectations. With Miller only able to record a pair of 16ths and a 19th in the fastest times charts, this doesn’t bode well for the crusade ahead.

“The expectation was quite high. We missed something, to be completely honest and fair. In the next few weeks we have to work to get the best potential from what we tested,” said team manager Francesco Guidotti. “But I’m not trying to find excuses. We are working hard to give our riders the best possible [bike]. The expectation was a little bit too high, maybe. I don’t know.”

"We sort of hit a wall a little bit, so just understanding the geometry and getting myself more comfortable." said Miller.
“We sort of hit a wall a little bit, so just understanding the geometry and getting myself more comfortable.” said Miller.

Miller then shared his typically honest thoughts on how things went, expressing: “We sort of hit a wall a little bit, so just understanding the geometry and getting myself more comfortable. We made a step right before lunch and were pretty happy with that. We’re making another step just to understand what is the limit and to basically gauge where we’re at in terms of balance.”

“We can see on the data that I’m struggling quite a bit compared to the other boys mid corner and just getting things to rotate and to get it off the corner. It’s all about going through these motions and trying to understand the bike and to adapt with it the best we can. No one likes seeing themselves in the bottom half of the timing screen. But that’s not the main focus for us. The focus is to try and build this thing up and get it somewhere reasonable for Portimao.”

The popular #43 did also importantly mention improvements are still being made all the time and he's excited about the process of making further strides in their quest to ensure the bike is as competitive as possible come the season opener.
The popular #43 did also importantly mention improvements are still being made all the time and he’s excited about the process of making further strides in their quest to ensure the bike is as competitive as possible come the season opener.

The popular #43 did also importantly mention improvements are still being made all the time and he’s excited about the process of making further strides in their quest to ensure the bike is as competitive as possible come the season opener.

Remy Gardner – World Superbike
Even though Remy Gardner’s World Superbike debut on home soil at Phillip Island will be remembered mostly for him accidentally taking out teammate Dominique Aegerter in the Superpole race, he still enjoyed a decent weekend under the GRT Yamaha awning.

Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) took 12th on his WorldSBK debut on home soil, finishing ahead of teammate Dominique Aegerter in 13th.
Remy showcased his impressive skills and speed, his race finishes of 12th and 10th respectively were admirable to begin his season in light of the circumstances.

Showcasing his impressive skills and speed, his race finishes of 12th and 10th respectively were admirable to begin his season in light of the circumstances.

“It’s been a complicated weekend, not just for the races, but because of the weather. We didn’t expect to have a wet race in Race One and I struggled a lot in the wet yesterday,” he explained. “I was hoping for dry [weather] and we had a good start to the Superpole Race and I felt quite strong to be honest. But then I made a mistake in turn four and went in too deep and made contact with Domi.”

Remy Gardner was the fastest Rookie in seventh place, finishing 0.926s behind Razgatlioglu.
Despite the contact with his teammate, a lot of good can be said about Remy’s WorldSBK debut.

“First of all, I would like to apologise to Domi and the Team for the Tissot Superpole Race crash. I’m really sorry, we both could have made a good result. Anyway, we have to be happy with our pace; and we were fighting for the podium positions, which was beyond our expectations before this weekend. Starting from so far back on the grid in Race Two with a long lap penalty didn’t help, but that’s a lesson for the future.”

Gardner will now shift his attention to the second round in Indonesia, where he’ll be keen to enjoy a drama-free second stop on the calendar.

Oli Bayliss was third on the opening day of the Official Test ahead of his home round this weekend.
Oli Bayliss was third on the opening day of the Official Test but had some back luck during race weekend.

Oli Bayliss – World Supersport
Oli Bayliss endured a lively day in World Supersport to start his season on the home confines of Phillip Island. Grabbing sixteenth in race one, this wasn’t what he had in mind as a gamble on using slick tyres didn’t come to fruition courtesy of the rain returning. But there was a marked improvement in the second stanza, with him well and truly in the mix for a top five finish before ultimately dropping to tenth in the red flagged race when another rider suffering a mechanical issue got in his way.

“It’s a pity how the weekend went results-wise, because I felt good on the bike and we had the potential to do much better. We worked well together and showed good speed, but unfortunately the two races were quite eventful and surely not favourable to us,” the Team D34G Racing talent said. “We have to keep working hard in the same direction and try to capitalise in Indonesia in less than a week.”

The inordinately gifted Aussie phenom keeps on flexing his muscles Stateside, as he looks set to add another 250 title to his list of honours before moving up to the 450 when AMA Pro Motocross begins in May. Photo: HRC Global.
The inordinately gifted Aussie phenom keeps on flexing his muscles Stateside, as he looks set to add another 250 title to his list of honours before moving up to the 450 when AMA Pro Motocross begins in May. Photo: HRC Global.

Jett Lawrence – AMA Supercross
The inordinately gifted Aussie phenom keeps on flexing his muscles Stateside, as he looks set to add another 250 title to his list of honours before moving up to the 450 when AMA Pro Motocross begins in May. Currently sitting atop the 250SX West standings by 20 points over R.J Hampshire having won three of the four main events and bagged second in the other, it’ll take something special to stop the 19-year-old grabbing the title.

Clearly a cut above the competition and riding with a maturity and skill that belies his tender years, the Team Honda HRC star continues to take the sport by storm.

Jett has been absolutely blitzing the competition in the 250 class, hopefully he can follow it up on the 450. Photo: HRC.
Jett has been absolutely blitzing the competition in the 250 class, hopefully he can follow it up on the 450. Photo: HRC.

A massive hit on and off the track, it’s easy to see why the likeable youngster is such a drawcard already. Despite all the noise surrounding him, it’s important to note that his dad and trainer, the legendary Johnny O’Mara, keep him on the right path needed to fulfil his immense potential.

Hunter Lawrence – AMA Supercross
Hunter Lawrence has been in similarly excellent form, as he’s following his brother’s lead impressively on his way to winning two of the three 250SX East rounds. Producing the goods and well placed to win his first championship in America, Hunter’s leading the title chase by 11 points from Max Anstie.

Hunter has also been riding flawlessly, finishing rounds just behind his brother. The Lawrence family is a name that will go down in motocross history.
Hunter Lawrence has been in similarly excellent form, as he’s following his brother’s lead impressively on his way to winning two of the three 250SX East rounds.

Taking his game to another level in 2023 and riding with tremendous confidence, composure and speed, it’s been a joy to watch him strut his stuff, with his last corner win in Tampa especially catching the eye.

Wilson Todd – AMA Supercross
Making his AMA Supercross debut at the start of the year, Wilson Todd deserves enormous credit for putting in all the hard work to reach this milestone. Although things haven’t gone entirely to plan for the talented pilot, there’s vitally been signs of his undeniable speed.

Racing in the 250SX West division, crashes, bad luck and injury have frustratingly scuppered his progress despite his pace in qualifying and practice underlining he has what it takes to mix it inside the top 10. While a torn ligament in his thumb hindered him, Todd’s focus now shifts to the Australian ProMX series, where the reigning MX2 Champion will be back in action on the 250 for the start of the season this weekend in Wonthaggi.

Matt Moss – AMA Supercross
Securing a fill-in ride with the BarX Suzuki squad to race 250SX West, experienced veteran Matt Moss showed his class in his first race for the team in Oakland.

Securing a fill-in ride with the BarX Suzuki squad to race 250SX West, experienced veteran Matt Moss showed his class in his first race for the team in Oakland. Photo Via Matt Moss Facebook.
Securing a fill-in ride with the BarX Suzuki squad to race 250SX West, experienced veteran Matt Moss showed his class in his first race for the team in Oakland. Photo Via Matt Moss Facebook.

Kicking off his day in fine style by bagging the sixth fastest time in combined qualifying before transferring comfortably to the main by virtue of his third place heat race finish, this was an exceptional way to stamp his mark. Disappointingly, he couldn’t carry his momentum into the main event, for an early crash that injured his thumb ended his night due to him unable to grip the bike well enough.

“I was feeling really good all night, and finished third in my heat. Got an okay start (in the main). I was sitting in fourth when I landed awkwardly on my thumb. I could barely hang on. Disappointing, but overall happy with my speed, a few things to work on. Looking forward to being back behind the gates at the next round. Thanks for the support legends,” he insisted.


Meet The Empire Kawasaki ProMX Team In Sydney!

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Fans will have the chance to meet and greet the Empire Kawasaki riders Friday (March 17th) between 12:30pm-1:30pm!

Head to Kawasaki head office and meet the Empire Kawasaki Motocross Race Team. Get up close and personal with the skilled riders before they head to round 2 of the Australia ProMX Championship at Appin. Fans will have the chance to meet the riders Friday (March 17th) between 12:30pm-1:30pm!

Fans will have the chance to meet and greet the Empire Kawasaki riders Friday (March 17th) between 12:30pm-1:30pm!
Fans will have the chance to meet and greet the Empire Kawasaki riders Friday (March 17th) between 12:30pm-1:30pm!

Haruki Yokoyama (MX2 rider and all-Japan motocross champion) and Cambell Williams (MX3 contender), the team owner and mechanics will share their experiences and insights into the world of racing. Hear firsthand stories about their plan to take it to the top in 2023, the challenges they will face, and the triumphs they have already achieved.



Learn about the upcoming racing at Appin, NSW, the preparation behind the KX250 bikes, and the strategies that go into winning a race. Head down to Kawasaki Australia HQ!


Key Info

  • Location: Kawasaki Head Office, Unit Q, 10-16 South Street, Rydalmere, NSW, 2116
  • Date: Friday, 17th March 2023
  • Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm