The ASBK descended upon The Bend for an action-packed final round of the 2021 championship with Jack Miller joining Oli Bayliss aboard a DesmoSport Ducati prepared Panigale V4 R. Ultimately securing 5th in the championship, Oli now sets his focus on 2022 as he begins testing on the Ducati Panigale V2.
Team co-owner, Ben Henry: “It’s strange actually. On paper, we didn’t have a great weekend with Oli. A mechanical issue caused the bike to essentially go into a safety mode in race one, making it impossible for him to continue and in race two he didn’t have the rear grip needed to move forward. It’s not that we didn’t have the speed, I mean Oli was only a tenth off Mike’s (Jones) lap record, but everyone was riding really well this weekend too. It was a lot of fun, and a bit of pressure to also have Jack (Miller) and his crew with us this weekend, and I honestly can’t thank him enough for doing what he’s done this weekend.”
“Having just five weekends of championship racing in two years is really tough, but Jack essentially coming to have some fun with his mates has given us all a much needed boost with huge crowds and record TV numbers. I’m really excited now to help in the final preparations of Oli’stransition to World Supersport, as well as begin our preparations for a full ASBK season in 2022. I finish the season really happy with what we’ve achieved as a team both on the track and off it, and both Troy and I really look forward to announcing some more initiatives in 2022 to keep progressing.”
Oli Bayliss: “The weekend wasn’t exactly what I had pictured for my last race weekend before heading to Europe, but it was great to finally go racing again. Congratulations to Wayne for taking the championship and especially to Broc(Pearson) for taking the SuperSport Championship. We train together a lot, so I’m really happy for him. It was great to have Jack alongside us this weekend, it really lifted the event to have him on track and I picked up a few things from him along the way which was great. This year I’ve learnt so much and so I’m excited to take the next step in my career, but before I go, I really want to thank some people.”
“Obviously Mum and Dad, they’re always behind me and I couldn’t do what I’m doing without them and I really appreciate it. Bryan(Hands) and Byron (Draper), these guys have basically been there for every step of my career with advice, support and hard work. They make me more motivated every time I ride the bike. And Ben. He puts in so much time, effort work behind the scenes that no one ever see’s and I’m sure he sometimes thinks no one notices, but we all do Benny, thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
Troy Bayliss: “It was a great weekend at The Bend, just not the results we wanted or expected really. I’m still impressed with the way Oli rides the bike and sometimes these things happen in racing. With such short seasons the last two years, it’s frustrating that it can cause such an impact on your championship results, but we made no secret of the fact that it was another year of learning and progression for Oli.”
“Next year is already looking really strong though with a great ASBK calendar being released and a little extra exposure thanks to Jack coming for a spin to showcase just how good the racing is here. I wouldn’t be surprised if timing works, that we see some other international riders find bikes and come for race or two. The whole team comes away from the season really upbeat to be honest, and excited for the season ahead.”
