2022 Official Program - Rnd 4 ASBK - Hidden Valley, NT by Motorcycling Australia

MA 2673

HIDDEN VALLEY RACEWAY, NT SUPERBIKES

17 – 19 JUNE

OFFICIAL EVENT PROGRAM

CONTACT MI-BIKE

visit www.mi-bike.com.au or call 1300 780 446

CONTACT AMMF

visit www.ammf.com.au or call 1300 263 123

CONTENTS Click a title or page number to be redirected.

Welcome Message from MA & MiBike

Round 4 Schedule

Hidden Valley Raceway Circuit Map

What is an ASBK Spec Superbike?

2022 ASBK Series Calendar

ASBK Season Recap

Alpinestars Superbike Championship

Michelin Supersport Championship

Dunlop Supersport 300 Championship

Yamaha Finance R3 Cup

bLu cRU Oceania Junior Cup

ASBK Flashback

ASBK Series Officials

ASBK Official Series Sponsors

Race Flags

Photos in this publication are by Russell Colvin, Karl Phillipson and Andrew Gosling

WELCOME FROM MA

On behalf of Motorcycling Australia (MA), we would like to welcome fans, riders and officials to the 2022 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, at Hidden Valley Raceway.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in this weekend’s event including our fantastic volunteer marshals, the ASBK Senior Officials and staff, for their hard work in planning and running the event.

The 2022 Championship runs across seven rounds in Australia, with Phillip Island, Queensland Raceway and Wakefield Park Raceway already behind us. After Darwin we will head to Morgan Park Raceway, then a return to Phillip Island before wrapping up at The Bend Motorsport Park.

Thank you to our riders, teams, crew and sponsors for continuing to support the Championship.

For our Australian and international fans, you won’t miss a minute of the season-long race action with our exclusive television coverage through our TV partners SBS, Stan Sport Australia and ASBK TV Live Stream.

Remember to always; Ride. Race. Enjoy!

We can’t wait to see who is crowned Motorcycling Australia’s ASBK 2022 Champion. MA wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable event

Peter Doyle CEO Motorcycling Australia

WELCOME FROM MI-BIKE MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE Mi-Bike Motorcycle Insurance is excited to again be the Naming Rights partner for ASBK in 2022. We’ve been enjoying a big year of racing ahead after the disrupted program last year, and it’s been great seeing the riders take to tracks across 5 states and territories. Mi-Bike’s partnership with ASBK is a natural fit, and we enjoy being able to meet with our customers and fellow ASBK fans trackside to talk about our insurance products and services, and your experiences in dealing with us.

The MA Member Benefits Program discount offer on Mi- Bike has been really well received by members; and we are delighted to be able to invest some of our income back into the sport through the ASBK sponsorship as well as other MA programs.

Mark Bradley General Manager mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance

ROUND 4 SCHEDULE FRIDAY 17TH JUNE START - FINISH

CATEGORY

SESSION

DURATION

10:00 – 10:40

ASBK Alpinestars Superbikes

Race 2*

16 Laps

13:55 – 14:35

ASBK Alpinestars Superbikes

Race 3*

16 Laps

This schedule is approximate; and all starting times, length of sessions and races are subject to change; and may be changed in the event of an incident or delay in operations.

Key: *Live TV coverage where applicable

HIDDEN VALLEY RACEWAY

TRACK INFORMATION TRACK INFORMATION Turns

Track Length

2.87 km

Address

171 Hidden Valley Road, Hidden Valley, Darwin NT 0822

ASBK LAP RECORDS Superbike

Oli BAYLISS (QLD)

Superbike (Qualifying)

Wayne MAXWELL (VIC)

1:05.445 1:05.181

LIVE TIMING COMPUTIME Race Timing Systems has been the providing timing services to the ASBK at selected rounds since 1990, and has been the series timekeeper since 2004. Live timing and results services can be accessed as follows: In pit lane and parts of the pits (local wireless network): · · ·

Connect to the RACETIMING wire less network Open your web browser and type www.localtiming.com as the web address Follow the links to live timing, results, or other pages

NOTE: The RACETIMING network does not provide internet access

Anywhere else at the venue or anywhere else in the world: · Ensure you have internet connectivity · Open your web browser and type www.computime.com.au as the web address · Follow the links to live timing, results, or other pages for this event For all your live timing results please go to Computime http://www.computime.com.au/Default.aspx and follow the links to ASBK Live Timing. Go to ASBK.COM.AU for live timing.

Protect your entire body on every ride.

POWERING YOUR PASSION AMMF offer flexible tailored finance solutions to motorcycle & marine customers across Australia.

AMMF BENEFITS

Quick

Flexible

Fixed

Competitive

Flexible

Industry specialists

& easy

finance

rate

rates

repayment

that understand

approvals

options

term

options

your needs

CONTACT AMMF

For Finance and Insurance needs visit www.ammf.com.au or call 1300 263 123 to speak with our friendly consultants today.

Disclaimer: Finance available to approved applicants. Credit criteria, fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. Australian Motorcycle and Marine Finance Pty. Ltd. ABN: 85 603 969 875 Australian Credit Licence 472918

WHAT IS AN ASBK SPEC SUPERBIKE? They’re fast, they’re spectacular and they sound awesome, but they’re also very accessible. Bikes very similar to the ones that compete in the Australian Superbike Championship Alpinestars Superbike class can be purchased off the showroom floor by members of the general public. Engine capacities for the ASBK machines are restricted to 1,000cc and 168kg for four-cylinder bikes and 1,300cc and 172kg for two and three-cylinder machines. Engine modifications for the race versions of superbikes are extremely limited and Yamaha Racing Team Manager, John Redding, says the engine is not an area of major focus when it comes to performance gains for the Superbike class.

“Compared to the street version of the bike, the race bike will have different shock absorbers and fork internals, providing a much more adjustable setup.” Another area of race bikes that has undergone significant innovation in recent years has been the electronic systems, which have been adapted to provide functions such as fuelling, traction control, engine braking and anti-wheelie control. “Electronics are one of the most important areas of development and something that has become a critical factor in determining the speed that can be achieved by different bikes,” Redding said.

“To get a performance improvement of 10 per cent over the standard output is about as much as you can expect,” Redding said. “You can increase the compression ratio, fine-tune the degrees on the valve seats and adjust the cam timing for different tracks, but that’s about it. “One of the advantages of keeping the engines relatively standard is they are cheap to maintain and last a while between rebuilds.” “There are significant advantages to be gained in having the best electronic set-up.” The brakes on racing bikes are also upgraded, with items such as the master cylinder, brake lines, pads and discs all being replaced with race-specific items. “In a race situation, maximum stopping power is a priority, but brake wear is much less of a consideration than it would be on a road bike, because components can be changed after every session,” Redding said.

With the engine and gearbox both being close to standard, teams have turned to other aspects of the Superbikes to improve their performance. “Suspension has been a major area of development on the race-spec bikes,” Redding said.

Overall, Redding said the bikes in the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, are much closer to road bikes than other Superbike championships around the world. “The permitted modifications are much more limited here in Australia, which has the advantage of containing costs,” Redding said.

“The suspension on a street bike is compromised for ride comfort, but on a racetrack, comfort isn’t a factor – it’s all about optimising the handling and the corner speeds that can be achieved.

2022 MI-BIKE MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE

ROUND 1: WSBK - Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Date: 25 - 27 February 2022 Permit: MA 2670 Circuit Details: Approx. 4.445 km, anti-clockwise Classes: Alpinestars Superbike, Michelin Supersport, Dunlop Supersport 300, Yamaha Finance R3 Cup, bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, Superbike Masters

ROUND 2: Queensland Raceway Date: 18 – 20 March 2022

Permit: MA 2671

Circuit Details: Approx. 3.126 km, clockwise Classes: Alpinestars Superbike, Michelin Supersport, Dunlop Supersport 300, Yamaha Finance R3 Cup, bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, Horsell F1 & F2 Sidecars

ROUND 3: Wakefield Park Raceway Date: 22 – 24 April 2022

Permit: MA 2672

Circuit Details: Approx. 2.2 km, clockwise Classes: Alpinestars Superbike, Michelin Supersport, Dunlop Supersport 300, Yamaha Finance R3 Cup, bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, Battery World Aussie Racing Cars

AUSTRALIAN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR

ROUND 4: Hidden Valley Raceway Date: 17 – 19 June 2022

Permit: MA 2673

Circuit Details: Approx. 2.86 km, anti-clockwise Classes: Alpinestars Superbike

ROUND 5: Morgan Park Raceway Date: 5 – 7 August 2022

Permit: MA 2674

Circuit Details: Approx. 2.415km, clockwise

ROUND 7: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Date: 18 - 20 November 2022

Permit: MA2676

Circuit Details: Approx. 4.445 km, anti-clockwise

ROUND 8: The Bend Motorsport Park Date: 25 – 27 November 2022

Permit: MA 2677

Circuit Details: Approx. 4.95 km, clockwise

ASBK SEASON RECAP After pre-season testing, it was all about Wayne Maxwell and his Ducati Panigale V4S - the question at this point was: could he be beaten.. at all? Round One - Phillip Island, Victoria Alpinestars Superbike A fast and consistent Bryan Staring took the round one victory of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK). In Alpinestars Superbikes race one at Phillip Island, Wayne Maxwell (Ducati V4R) was the only rider in the 1:31’s and was looking untouchable until a stumble on lap 5 saw last year’s ASBK champion crash out at turn eight. Maxwell walked away unscathed, but the error left Bryan Staring (Ducati V4R) a clean road ahead with a four-second margin over the rest of the field. An emotional Staring was almost lost for words on the podium, saying that he’d been “pretty patient for a pretty long time” waiting for this victory. “We were chasing (Wayne) all weekend,” said Staring. “I knew that we had good race pace, but I didn’t know how good it needed to be though. Once we set out I could see the areas where we were strong and in the end, I kept the pressure on.”

Despite nursing a sore ankle from his excursion at Hayshed in race one, Maxwell kept it neat and clean in race two and was able to slowly edge a two-second gap to the fellow Ducati rider to take victory ahead of Staring and Cru Halliday (Yamaha YZF-R1). Maxwell commended his team on preparing the number two bike to give him the win. “It was good to get a bit back,” said Maxwell. “I’ve got a few bruises so I’ll go and get the body healed up.”

ASBK SEASON RECAP CONT. Round Two - Queensland Raceway, Queensland Alpinestars Superbike

of turn two. Arthur Sissis (Unitech Racing YZF-R1) and Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1) would argue over fourth and fifth respectively. This duel would be settled before the chequered flag when Halliday stopped on the penultimate lap with mechanical issues.

Mike Jones completed a perfect weekend to take two wins from two races at Round Two of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Queensland Raceway. Bryan Staring (DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4-R) got the early jump on Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing YZF-R1) to take the lead in race one, with Glenn Allerton (Maxima Oils Racing BMW M1000RR) also making a big first lap move up to fourth. Jones would briefly retake the lead on lap two, but left the door open enough for Staring to nudge through. A mid-corner error from Staring saw the championship leader drop out of contention and hand second place to Wayne Maxwell (V4-R). Jones would cruise to a 5.6-second lead to take victory ahead of Maxwell and Josh Waters (Maxima Oils Racing BMW M1000RR). Maxwell timed his launch perfectly to take an early lead in race two ahead of Jones and Staring. It would be short-lived however as Jones ran past the Ducati through the outside

Staring would shadow Jones more closely in the afternoon race, albeit two-seconds adrift. Eventually, Jones took his second win by 4.6 seconds ahead of Bryan Staring and Wayne Maxwell. Jones now leads the championship on 86 points over Bryan Staring on 70 points with Josh Waters on 67 points. Jones, by his own admission, was surprised to be so competitive so early. “I was hoping as the season went on to get to grips with the Yamaha and be able to challenge, so to lead the championship is a little bit above my expectations,” added Jones. Second-placed Staring was circumspect after a crash in race one effectively lost him the championship lead to Jones, but philosophical nonetheless about his return to form. Third-placed Maxwell was happy to score two podiums on what he deemed to be his ‘bogey’ circuit.

Got the gear? Ride with it.

ASBK SEASON RECAP CONT. Round Three - Wakefield Park Raceway, New South Wales Alpinestars Superbike Ordinarily, the morning warm-up would pass with barely a mention. But Wayne Maxwell had noted at the Saturday evening press conference that the Boost Mobile with K tech team would be returning to previous settings, so interest was piqued. The #1 plate was up by a lot on Friday and had conceded ground in every session from then on. In the warmup it was Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) from Maxwell with Cru Halliday third.

At the front, Jones was probing and poking the bear that is Wayne Maxwell. While Maxwell was in P1 with the fastest lap of the race, he was somehow not riding away. Smooth, yes, alone; no. A 0.3 of a second lead was the most he could manage, and as ASBK Commentator Phil Harlum would note: “that’s a Wakefield zero”. Behind the leading quartet, Bryan Staring found himself in no man’s land while Sissis, Waters, Allerton, Falzon and Epis all fought for position. Marcus Chiodo was having a solid dice with this second group until a crash at turn one ended his race and turned his bike into a collection of spare parts. He walked away, seemingly uninjured, but an ankle injury would see him out for the day. At the front, it remained tense. At half distance, Maxwell and Jones remained locked in an immovable arm wrestle. Every fast Maxwell lap saw Jones follow suit. The gap between the two sat at less than 0.2 of a second and the pundits wondered aloud if Jones was just content to stay where he was and wait for the final act. While Halliday had fallen into Herfoss’ clutches for a time, he just put his head down and worked his way back into contention, but with six laps to go, he sat just a tantalising 0.8 off the back of the leading pair. Herfoss had been unable to stay with Halliday and a four-second gap opened. Jones stopped biding his time with three to go and showed Maxwell a wheel at every opportunity. Finally putting a pass on the 2021 champion to take the lead into turn three - much to the surprise of onlookers and riders alike. It was as unexpected as it was brilliant, and Maxwell seemed to have no answer. Immediately, Jones pushed his Yamaha R1 ahead and opened a seemingly unbeatable 0.6 gap to Maxwell’s familiar Boost Mobile Ducati.

Notable news from the warmup were crashes from both Lachlan Epis and Broc Pearson. In Pearson’s case, the Racesafe medical team were dispatched to attend to him. Shortly after the session concluded, race direction sent out a bulletin indicating that Pearson was to be transferred to the hospital for further investigation and would play no further part in the day’s proceedings. As they say, once the flag drops, the BS stops and it was Wayne Maxwell who took the lead into turn one, showing the Yamaha Racing Team pair of Jones and Halliday the way around the 2.2km Wakefield Park Raceway.

It remained thus: Maxwell, Jones and Halliday. Local lad, the muchimproved Troy Herfoss, worked his way up to fourth and when Halliday had a small glitch early in the race, Herfoss found himself in contention for a podium spot.

Jones would hit the finish line by 1.118 seconds to take a tactically perfect victory and increase his lead in the Alpinestars Superbike Championship. Halliday would finish third with the top ten made up of Herfoss, Staring, Sissis, Allerton, Waters, Falzon and West. In race two, Jones got the good start he needed, and a motivated and aggressive Cru Halliday held on for second with Wayne Maxwell similarly aggressive. These two came together as they came onto the straight and set the tone for the rest of the 20-lap journey. Halliday would get shuffled back to fourth by Bryan Staring as Jones again tried to get away from the pursuing pack. Maxwell, who led the first race, now found himself as the hunter and settled happily into second place.

Meanwhile, fifth-placed Troy Herfoss stayed in contention behind Halliday. Up front, Maxwell was all over Jones but these two had now opened a onesecond gap to the riders behind. Arthur Sissis showed he’s realising his huge potential by sitting in sixth with a German triumvirate of BMWs behind him in the form of Waters, Allerton and Epis. Out front, Maxwell seemed to be playing the numbers and saving his tyres. While Jones happily - in Maxwell’s words “did the donkey work”, the 2021 champion did the same thing Jones did in race one; observed, poked and prodded.

On lap 14, Maxwell ran out of patience - or saw an opportunity - and took the race lead into the last turn. Immediately he did the expected thing and banged out a fast lap. But he might as well have been actually towing Jones around as the blue R1 stayed glued to his tailpipe. Meanwhile, Herfoss was as brave as he was confident, and tried to get around Halliday, only to run wide and let Halliday get away. At the pointy end, the tables were turned, with Jones now in hot pursuit. Maxwell was riding 10/10ths and while there were only a few laps left, it was far from over.

Halliday got past Staring in an important championship-points situation. Staring’s tyre woes appeared to have struck as Herfoss also put a pass on the Western Australian’s DesmoSport Panigale.

Maxwell got out to a 0.3 second lap, but for all that effort, Jones reeled him in again with a lap to go, to get back on terms. For all his efforts, Jones seemed to be losing some drive and Maxwell was clearly hungry for the win.

At the halfway point it was Jones and Maxwell out front with Maxwell “shadowing Jones perfectly” according to ASBK commentator Steve Martin. The tactic also seemed to suit Maxwell physically, who had complained of arm pump in race one.

Maxwell played the last lap to perfection and drove the Ducati to the line to take the win to put himself well into the championship contention in terms of points and perhaps even more importantly, put himself psychologically back in the game.

Herfoss and Halliday were trading lap times in third and fourth, but neither was able to set off after the leaders, while Staring was clearly struggling with his Ducati’s rear grip.

APLPINE SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 5 AFTER ROUND 3 Pos.

No.

Name Machine Points

Mike JONES

Yamaha

132

Wayne MAXWELL Ducati

109

Bryan STARING

Ducati

102

Josh WATERS

BMW

Cru HALLIDAY

Yamaha

See the results in full at: www.asbk.com.au/results/

ALPINESTARS SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP

The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul. While you can never take too much away from the preseason official ASBK test at Phillip Island, it appeared Wayne Maxwell was set to continue from where he left off last year. Maxwell secured his third ASBK title in 2021 and was the class benchmark rider of the field. Maxwell is in the form of his career and looks hungry to achieve in his quest for a hattrick of Aussie titles and further become the first rider of the modern era to claim four ASBK titles. In a rarity, six former Alpinestars Superbike champions are on the grid in 2022, making this season one of the most competitive in recent history. Of the major contenders,

Troy Herfoss is a major threat to Maxwell with the pair engaged in some titanic duels over the years, while Bryan Staring (the only rider to become an Australian Champion in three different classes) will be looking to add to his own tally after finishing in the top three in testing. Lachlan Epis was another to perform strongly in the pre-season test and will be looking to consolidate on the anticipation surrounding BMW Alliance’s return to form. Cru Halliday will have other plans however and will be set on keeping Yamaha at the pointy end of the grid.

AUTONOMOUS AIRBAG SYSTEM C O M PAT I B L E W I T H A N Y M O T O R C Y C L E J A C K E T

FOR UNRIVALED UPPER BODY PROTECTION

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO ALPINESTARS.COM/TECH-AIR-5

BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE

PHILLIP ISLAND GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT, VIC QUEENSLAND RACEWAY, QLD WAKEFIELD PARK RACEWAY, NSW HIDDEN VALLEY RACEWAY, NT MORGAN PARK RACEWAY, QLD PHILLIP ISLAND GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT, VIC THE BEND MOTORSPORT PARK, SA PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

25 – 27 FEBRUARY 18 – 20 MARCH 22 – 24 APRIL 17 – 19 JUNE 5 – 7 AUGUST 18 – 20 NOVEMBER 25 – 27 NOVEMBER

ROUND 4 SUPERBIKE RIDER LIST #

FIRST

SURNAME

STATE

MAKE

MODEL

CAPACITY

ENTRANT Boost Mobile Racing with K-Tech

SPONSOR

Wayne

MAXWELL

VIC

Ducati

V4-R

1000

Mark

CHIODO

VIC

Yamaha

YZF-R1

1000

Alpinestars, Suomy Helmets, Yamaha

Anthony

WEST

QLD

Yamaha

YZF-R1

1000

MotoGo, Yamaha, Dunlop

Glenn

ALLERTON

NSW

BMW

M1000RR

1000

Maxima Racing Oils .Film BMW

Troy

HERFOSS

QLD

Honda

CBR1000SP

1000

Penrite Honda Racing

Maxima Racing Oils .Film BMW

AMA, Ipone, Pirelli, McMartin Racing

Maxima Racing Oils .Film BMW

Penrite Honda Racing Maxima Racing Oils .Film BMW, Broadspring Consulting Pty Ltd, Adtech Electrical Solutions, Visit Mildura

Josh

WATERS

VIC

BMW

M1000RR

1000

Daniel

FALZON

Yamaha

YZF-R1

1000

Max

STAUFFER

NSW

Yamaha

YZF-R1

1000

Ben

STRONACH

Yamaha

YZF-R1

1000

Dynapumps, VRT Signs

Michael

EDWARDS

QLD

Yamaha

YZF-R1

1000

Northstar Yamaha, Addicted to track

Mike

JONES

QLD

Yamaha

YZF-R1

1000

Paul

LALLY

Yamaha

YZF-R1

1000

Arthur

SISSIS

Yamaha

YZF-R1

1000

Unitech Racing

Cru

HALLIDAY

NSW

Yamaha

YZF-R1

1000

Yamaha Racing Team

Bryan

STARING

Ducati

V4-R

1000

DesmoSport Ducati

Luke

MCDONALD

Kawasaki

ZX-10R

1000

Nathan

SPITERI

VIC

BMW

M1000RR

1000

Livson Racing

Lachlan

EPIS

NSW

BMW

S1000RR

1000

BMW Alliance Racing

William Adams CAT

GTR MotoStars Team

Yamaha Racing Team

GTR Motorstars, Doctor Mak, RS+C, YRD, Racers Edge, KYT

Yamaha

DTA Contractors ,GD Contracting, KHC Group ,Eprint, TERRA Remo Contractors, SA Profiling, Aus Crush & Recycle, YRD

Yamaha

DesmoSport Ducati

Top North Auto Air

Livson, Alpinestars, SignPro, JDS Moto, ABC Transport, Alpha Racing

OFF-TRACK ACTION! Visit the Spectator Info Page on asbk.com.au for details on the activities below!

ASBK Timing by Computime

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE TIMING!

ASBK YouTube

CLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE

EVER WANTED TO TRY SOMETHING NEW? Here’s your chance to catch all the action up close! Come and Volunteer as an Official! Visit asbk.com.au for more info

LIVE BROADCAST INFORMATION Fox Sports Australia

Channel 7

Friday - Free Practice 2 and Free Practice 3

Saturday - Race 1

Saturday - Qualifying 1 & Qualifying 2, plus Race 1

Sunday - Race 3

Sunday - Race 2 (Exclusively Live on Fox) & Race 3

Special edition replay of ASBK Round 4 Darwin on SBS - Sunday 3rd July 1300 - 1500 AEST.

GET A QUICK QUOTE TODAY We are Motorcycle specialists, it’s all in the name. We understand how important your Motorcycle is to you and because of this, mi-bike covers you and your Motorcycle with features and benefits which may suit your riding needs.

MI-BIKE BENEFITS Simple & Convenient Competitive Rates Easy Claims Process

VISIT WWW.MI-BIKE.COM.AU OR CALL 1300 780 446 FOR A QUICK QUOTE TODAY

Insurance issued by HDI Global Specialty SE – Australian Branch ABN 58 129 395 544, AFSL No. 458776 acting through its agent Yamaha Motor Insurance Australia Pty. Ltd. ABN 48 603 882 980, AFSL 497198. Information provided is general advice only and does not take into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) available at www.mi-bike.com.au for full details on policy coverage before you make any decisions about whether to buy or continue to hold a policy.

MICHELIN SUPERSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP *Please note - this championship is not part of the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown. Your next opportunity to see the Michelin Supersport Championship in action will be at Morgan Park Raceway, Queensland, 5-7 August 2022.*

Jack Passfield (8th) Jack is another quiet achiever and a consistent top six finisher. His improvement signals he can be a threat over a full season. Tom Bramich (9th) Tom enters his second full season in the class and with the support he has behind him, I expect things will click for the 2015 Australian Moto 3 and 2018 Supersport 300 Champion. With a solid year he’ll get closer to the front as the season progresses. Ben Baker Ben Baker comes into the class as the reigning Australian Supersport 300 and Yamaha R3 Cup Champion - the only rider that has managed to claim both titles in the same year. Another graduate of GP Juniors Cup, Baker has an extremely promising future. He has grown considerably in the past 18 months and that will be an asset as he adapts to the 600cc machine. Also keep an eye out for others that may shine throughout the year. Supersport has a tendency for throwing up the unexpected.

While the 600cc Michelin Supersport class is just as competitive as the main Superbike series, they also provide extreme fun without the unsettling power and brutality of a Superbike. Broc Pearson and Max Stauffer may have exited the class, but more riders have stepped up to challenge. After finishing runner-up in the title by just six points, Tom Edwards has remained in the class on the Bikebiz Yamaha. After coming through the junior ranks of the MRRDA and GP Juniors (as well as racing in Asia), Edwards ventured overseas to compete in the World Supersport 300cc class in 2018-19 where he finished 23rd and 17th respectively with his best results being a brace of sixth places. Naturally, he is the favourite for the title, with added the incentive of a Supersport championship being the perfect addition to his resume to return to the world championship ranks. Listed in their finishing position last year, the challengers to the 2022 title include:

MICHELIN SUPERSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 5 AFTER ROUND 3

Scott Nicholson (4th)

Pos.

No.

Name Machine Points

Since starting in the junior categories, the young Victorian has progressed well through the ranks and has been knocking on the door of regular visits to the top of the podium. He also claimed a new Supersport lap record at Broadford in December last year. Keep an eye on #39.

308

John LYTRAS

Ty LYNCH Yamaha 100

Dallas Skeer (5th)

Scott NICHOLSON

Yamaha

Dallas is a quietly spoken South Australian who switched from Suzuki to Yamaha this year after purchasing one of Broc Pearson’s championship winning machines. He is not far off his first win in the class.

Mitch KUHNE

Yamaha

Tom DRANE

Yamaha

John Lytras (7th) Hailing from the Sunshine Coast and entering his second year in the 600s, Lytras has made an impression in every class he has contested since he commenced road racing in the GP Juniors in 2017. He’s certain to be a race winner by year’s end.

Yamaha

117

Michelin

POWER PERFORMANCE SLICK

Michelin

POWER PERFORMANCE CUP

Michelin POWER RAIN

Delivering race-winning pace lap after lap! easy to control

NON ROAD LEGAL MOTO 1000 & 600 MANDATORY TYRE WARMERS

Michelin

Developed to suit amateur to experienced riders and all types of motorbikes.

Delivering race-winning pace lap after lap!

The tyre provides the grip needed from the first laps. The materials used allow the rubber to warm up quickly. It benefits from the latest technologies developed in MotoGP™.

POWER PERFORMANCE SLICK

competition

track day

road

Warm-up

Performance made to last The tyre delivers consistent performance, stint after stint*. Consistence achieved thanks to a footprint that is uniform over the various camber phases.

weather

Warm-up NON ROAD LEGAL MOTO

600CC MANDATORY TYRE WARMERS

Michelin

POWER PERFORMANCE CUP Delivering race-winning pace lap after lap! competition

track day

road

Extreme grip even in the rain!

The rain tyre for the track competition

track day

weather

https://gasimports.com.au/brands/michelin/track-racing-tyres

Driving ease

Michelin POWER RAIN

Authorized Distributor Ph 03 8331 0300

Performance made to last The tyre delivers consistent performance, lap after lap. Consistence achieved thanks to a footprint that is uniform over the various camber phases.

Treaded version of the MICHELIN Power Performance Slick, developed to suit both amateur and experienced riders and all motorbikes. The tyre is optimized for Supersport 600cc bikes riding in national and international championships.

weather

NON ROAD LEGAL

The tyre provides the grip needed from the first lap. The materials used allow the rubber to warm up quickly. It benefits from the latest technologies developed in MotoGP™.

road

Specially designed so that your track days and races can go ahead even in the rain! The compound has been developed for maximum wet grip and its grooved tread ensures optimum water drainage.

DUNLOP SUPERSPORT 300 CHAMPIONSHIP *Please note - this championship is not part of the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown. Your next opportunity to see the Dunlop Supersport 300 Championship in action will be at Morgan Park Raceway, Queensland, 5-7 August 2022.* The Dunlop Supersport 300cc class is open to all brands of single or twin cylinder, four-stroke machines with a capacity limit of 500cc. At present, the class pits the Kawasaki 400cc Ninja against the Yamaha R3 as in recent seasons the KTM single cylinder 390cc bike has fallen out of favour. For a level playing field, different performance parameters have been incorporated for parity given the Kawasaki is 400cc and the Yamaha is 320cc – both twin cylinder units. Riders must be 13 or over with no older age limit for participation, so it is a great class for older riders that may not have the budget or experience to enter the larger capacity classes and want to enjoy their racing aboard pretty even machinery.

When you add in those that have graduated from the Oceania Junior Cup to those that remain in the class, the battle for honours is an open slather. Cameron Dunker and Glenn Nelson are the two (of the top 11) that remain. Dunker finished third in the R3 Cup and fourth in the SS300, while Glenn was runner-up in the R3 Cup and eighth in the SSP300, so both will be full of confidence to start the year. Nelson broke through for his first wins in both classes at the final round last year, while Dunker is knocking on the door of greeting the chequered flag there’s a very good chance that will come to fruition in the first round. Sure to be a major threat, Glenn’s father Kevin has been in his corner since the very beginning of dirt track and his progress through the GP Juniors. Dunker is in a similar position but due to their long association, Jamie Stauffer will offer guidance. OJC Champion, Cameron Swain, is making the move and at the recent test he was the fastest in the SSP300 class but he has a sweet dilemma. It will be interesting to see how he goes, as Cameron is also a member of the Asia Talent Cup squad for 2022 and will miss a few rounds with date clashes. At just 13 he has a very promising career in front of him. As for others in contention, just keep checking the entry lists at each round as there will be many we haven’t mentioned that will come to the fore during 2022 but one thing will remain the same; it will be another exciting freight train of action as the leading bunch will swap places and paint at every corner.

DUNLOP SUPERSPORT 300 CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 5 AFTER ROUND 3

The Supersport 300 and R3 Cup classes are terrific preparatory classes for a number of career moves. This year is a classic example as nine out of the top 11 riders from last year’s SSP300 class have moved onwards and upwards. Seven youngsters head to prestigious championships such as the CEV, Red Bull Rookies, the Asia Talent Cup, European Talent Cup and MotoAmerica, while locally, Ben Baker (who, last year was the first rider to claim both titles) and Tom Drane have moved to the ASBK 600cc Supersport class.

Pos.

No.

Name Machine Points

Cameron DUNKER

Yamaha 184

James JACOBS

Kawasaki

159

Glenn NELSON

Yamaha

158

Henry SNELL

Yamaha

155

Taiyo AKSU

Yamaha

126

PERFORMANCE H IG H G R I P - LO N G M I L E AG E .

Dunlop Motorcycle Tyres are distributed throughout Australia & New Zealand:

SCAN ME! TO VIEW THE C ATA L O G U E

Ficeda Accessories AU – 1300 437 711 Ficeda Accessories NZ – 9265 6568 Fulton Enterprises TAS – (03) 6326 9199

@dunloptyresanz | @ficedaaccessories @ridedunlopau | @ficeda_acc

YAMAHA FINANCE R3 CUP *Please note - this championship is not part of the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown. Your next opportunity to see the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup in action will be at Morgan Park Raceway, Queensland, 5-7 August 2022.* As the name of the class hints, the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup is for the dynamic little twin cylinder 320cc R3 machines. All competitors cross-enter into the Supersport 300, a class which is open to other manufacturers such as the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and the KTM 390. The RC3 Cup is a great concept, as it gives the riders who are predominately teenagers a lot more track time - with three races of each class over the course of the weekend to speed up their learning curve on race craft - and test their race fitness! The competition is intense and over the season, consistency in results is premium. One DNF can have a major bearing on success, but with the large amount of racing encompassing over 42 races over 7 rounds, it is almost guaranteed that every rider is going to have at least one tricky weekend during the season.

One constant that won’t alter is that rarely will you see any races decided before the final turn of the final lap! The last-lap slipstreaming drag to the line usually decides the victor, making the R3 Cup one of the most entertaining classes in ASBK.

YAMAHA FINANCE R3 CUP TOP 5 AFTER ROUND 3

Glenn Nelson and Cameron Dunker started as pre-season favourites, but many others will have gained the confidence to push harder - given what they learnt in 2021. With riders like current OJC Champion, Cameron Swain entering the class, there will be a swathe of class debutants that will make an instant impression.

Pos.

No.

Name Machine Points

Glenn NELSON

Yamaha

Cameron DUNKER

Yamaha 178

279

Hayden NELSON

Yamaha

141

Henry SNELL

Yamaha

131

181

Liam WATERS

Yamaha

120

188

Disclaimer: Finance to approved applicants. Credit criteria, fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. Yamaha Motor Finance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 29101928670 Australian Credit Licence 394553 Disclaimer: Finance to approved applicants. Credit criteria, fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. Yamaha Motor Finance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 29101928670 Australian Credit Licence 394553

Legend Blue

Midnight Black

All new 2022 XSR900 rolls with vintage Legend Blue vibes but cutting edge performance. • High torque 889cc triple All new 2022 XSR900 rolls with vintage •vibes Deltabox aluminium chassis but cutting edge performance. • High Sophisticated electronic • torque 889cc triple rider controls • aluminium chassis • Deltabox High performance brakes and suspension • Sophisticated electronic rider controls •• QSS, cruise control, A&S clutch High performance brakes and suspension • QSS, cruise control, A&S clutch Legend Blue

Midnight Black

All new 2022 XSR900 rolls with vintage vibes but cutting edge performance. • High torque 889cc triple • Deltabox aluminium chassis • Sophisticated electronic rider controls • High performance brakes and suspension

AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES RETAILER

E G N A R T S E G G BI S D N A R B BEST E H T R O F X M A S H O P AT E H T D AN

r u o h t i w s e c i r p t s e w o l e h t All at E E T N A R A U G H PRICE MATC



With all the leading brands in store like Shoei, Fly Racing, Sidi, Alpinestars, Fox, Dririder and so much more, we are bound to have the parts and accessories you’re looking for. And with our price match guarantee, you can be sure it’s at the right price.

Find your nearest store at www.amx.com.au

OVER 3800 PARTS & ACCESSORIES

FREE POSTAGE ON ALL ONLNE ORDERS

SHOP 24/7

www.amx.com.au

SHOP AT 19 AMX STORES ACROSS AUSTRALIA Shop online at www.amx.com.au 7

OPEN DAYS

*Price match terms and conditions apply

BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP *Please note - this championship is not part of the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown. Your next opportunity to see the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup in action will be at Morgan Park Raceway, Queensland, 5-7 August 2022.* Since its inception in 2019, the FIM Oceania and Dorna Sports supported bLU cRU - Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) has become firmly established as a stepping-stone to the international racing arena. The OJC concept was created by Motorcycling Australia as a method of setting up a junior race academy that would produce a nurturing environment for young riders to experience road racing at a national level, to learn, improve and showcase their talents. Even before the inaugural OJC season commenced in 2019, Dorna Sports officially recognised it as a Road to MotoGP category. As a result, a formal pathway was created for the most outstanding OJC riders to progress to other international categories, such as the Asia Talent Cup and Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. The Dorna commitment provided five guaranteed positions in the 2019 Asia Talent Cup Selection Event for riders from the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, and cements MA’s objective to develop clear pathways for junior road racers in the Oceania region. Even though it is only in its fourth season, OJC has already earned a formidable reputation as a breeding ground for stars of the future with 60 individual kids earning the road racing craft in that time. The 2022 season will see nine new riders debut with the return of 11 riders from the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup 2021 year. Further, some 19 OJC graduates and current riders are racing overseas in 2022.

The OJC formula is simple, but effective. Competitors aged from 11 up to under 16 (as of January 1, 2022) compete against each other on identical Yamaha YZF-R15 race-prepped motorcycles, equipped with control Dunlop tyres, Öhlins suspension, YamalubeYamahalube and DID chains. In the interests of making the entry-level pathway into motorcycle road racing as hassle-free as possible, the OJC package includes transport of the motorcycle to and from each round of the series, along with professional preparation and maintenance during and between events. This removes barriers to entry for competitors and families who may not have the logistics or technical expertise to prepare their own motorcycles. OJC riders also receive (and keep!) Shark branded helmets, Ricondi leathers, boots, gloves and a team uniform as part of the deal. SHARK helmets joined the OJC at the start of 2022 and of course safety is their focus, with many elements learned from racing incorporated into the road helmet range. One of the benefits of the OJC is the emphasis on young rider education throughout the year, as well as specialised training camps. In 2022, OJC competitors will be treated to an intensive training program as part of the junior road racing academy program and conducted by former 500cc Motorcycle and World Superbike winner, Garry McCoy. Competitors receive tuition on racing and riding techniques as well as undergoing gruelling fitness training. They will also be educated on off-track aspects of the sport, such as career planning, media and sponsorship. The OJC season includes one official two-day test, a twoday coaching academy and six televised rounds of the championship.

The OJC has a massive learning curve for rookie riders and thanks to Mototrack Accessories, every rider will have use of a SpeedAngle GPS Lap Timer. For Steve Thibou at Mototrack Accessories, it’s an opportunity to help OJC riders be their best. Future hopefuls can register their interest to receive further details regarding the 2023 Season. To register your interest in the program head to: www.asbk.com.au/about-asbk/oceania-junior-cup/

BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP TOP 5 AFTER ROUND 3 Pos.

No.

Name

Points

Harrison WATTS

176

Hudson THOMPSON 163

Cameron RENDE

152

Sam DRANE

141

Marcus HAMOD

132

Developed with

Technical partner

ducati.com

New Ducati Multistrada V4

Rule All Roads

Get ready to discover the fourth Multistrada generation. Sportier and more touring, stronger for off-road use and easier in the urban environment. Lightweight and compact, with the new 170 HP V4 Granturismo engine for a sporty and exciting ride on mixed terrains. Ready for long journeys thanks to the navigation-system that can be viewed on the dashboard and the innovative rider assistance radar-system, it will offer you excellent riding comfort and a main service-interval after 60.000 km. And when the asphalt ends the fun will continue thanks to the high ground clearance, the electronic suspension, the surprisingly fluid power delivery and the perfect ergonomics for stand-up riding. After your adventures you will feel great ease and control in daily use thanks to the advanced electronic ride assist systems and the ability to adjust the seat down to 810 mm in height. New Ducati Multistrada V4: ruling all roads has never been easier. Displacement 1,158 cc (71 cu in) | Power 170 hp (125 kW) @ 10,500 rpm | Torque 12.7 kgm (125 Nm, 92 lb ft) @ 8,750 rpm | Dry weight 215 kg (474 lb)

Discover the MY21 Ducati Range at ducati.com/au Overseas model is shown and specifications may vary for the local model. The model in this image may feature accessories and merchandise that are not supplied as standard. Always wear protective motorcycle clothing when riding and obey local road regulations. Do not attempt to recreate the riding scene depicted in this image. Contact your Authorised Ducati Dealer for more information.

If you seek different, this is the holiday for you.

northernterritory.com

NEVER MISS OUT ON THE

ACTION! FOLLOW US

ONLINE! CLICK ON THE ABOVE ICONS TO FOLLOW US!

ASBK.COM.AU

ASBK FLASHBACK By ASBK Trackside Commentator Mark Bracks

WHO CAN CATCH THE “WAYNE TRAIN”?

CONTENDERS TO THE CROWN

There shouldn’t be too much taken out of the official ASBK pre-season test at Phillip Island, but it seems that Wayne Maxwell is in “full steam ahead” mode as he continues on from where he left last year. Maxwell took the 2021 title with a pole position, two wins and a new lap record to secure his third ASBK title. At the test he was very smooth and fast and appeared to be riding well within himself, to be just one-tenth of a second off his all-time best lap of the circuit he set two years ago Maxwell is in the form of his career in his quest for a hat-trick of Aussie titles and become the first rider of the modern era to claim four ASBK titles.

There are a number of contenders that could wrestle the crown from Maxwell, but they will have to be on their game at every round.

With two titles on the trot, Maxwell has to be a firm favourite. Adding to the favouritism for the title is the Boost Mobile with K-tech Team as the sole leading contender that has retained the same personnel. A massive bonus.

Penrite Honda has to be the favourite. In recent years, Troy Herfoss has been the major threat to Maxwell with the pair engaged in some titanic duels that will be long remembered.

Fans are so fortunate that he reversed his decision to retire at the end of last year, to give it another crack. You are a long time retired, and after the rocky road of the past two years, Maxwell and his team are keen to dominate over the entire season.

That’s not to say that Maxwell will have a perfect run. With the level of competition intensifying each year, one mistake can break a season and every rider and team has to be on their game with minimal mistakes and hopefully zero mechanical gremlins. Mike Jones found this out the hard way in the first race of his title defence in 2020 when his Ducati suffered a mechanical issue on the grid - thwarting his championship chances before they really began.

There’s no doubt that Troy has the commitment and passion to rekindle the form that has seen him claim two ASBK titles, and runner up twice in the past three years. The big question is how long it will take him to return to full fitness after the severe leg, hip and arm injuries he suffered at the V8 Supercars round at Hidden Valley (NT) in June last year.

One important cog that’s missing from the Penrite Honda squad this year is Paul Free, who has moved on to the 727 Team with Jed Metcher and Broc Pearson. Who will be Free’s replacement for

the year has not been decided but the legend who is Phil Tainton was assisting at the ASBK test last month. Whether he signs on for the entire year is another question as he has often stated that he wants to spend more time with his extended family. Phillip Island has not been the most successful happy hunting ground for Herfoss in the past, but there’s nothing like the opening round of a championship to focus the mind and block out the pain.

Waters’ most recent title was in 2017, but last year was the most challenging one for him on a Kawasaki in nearly 20 years. Waters and Bryan Staring attempted to develop the all-new Kawasaki ZX10RR with no data from overseas to work with. The Team was flying blind and it was reflected in the results. Josh’s best result (an eighth place finish at Hidden Valley) is definitely not a reflection on his ability. The frustration of both riders was evident in body language with no need to ask the obvious. As for Allerton, he and team owner Shane Kinderis have an extremely long racing relationship that will no doubt help him to go one better than his second place overall last year, and claim his first ASBK title since way back in 2014. Allerton should be the fittest he has been in years after recovering from seasonal injuries. There’s going to be plenty of work for team owner, manager, crew chief and major backer, Kinderis, attempting to keep two riders satisfied but if anyone can do it, the man from Wangaratta can. Then there’s the newly-formed BMW Alliance Team, owned by Wayne Hepburn and Nathan Webb.

While a fit Herfoss and the Penrite Honda team may appear to be the major apex predator in ripping Maxwell’s jewels from him, there are a few more sharks circling, impatient to attack. The Next Gen Maxima Racing Oils .Film BMW Team will also be a major threat, with a two rider assault that boasts six Australian Superbike titles, with longterm rider Glenn Allerton joined by Josh Waters. That’s just a little experience and with the impressive form of the new BMW the pair will be hunting at the front from the outset.

ASBK FLASHBACK After parting with the Next Gen team before the final round last year, there is a lot expected with Lachlan Epis as the lead rider, and long-time privateer Nathan Spiteri coming on board for a two-rider team. There is a mass of technical support with experienced hands from lands near and far. At the end of last year Phil Tainton cast his trained eyes over telemetry and overall setup to give the team some direction, before the team brought in Jake Skate from Alpha Racing (who is an official partner of the BMW World Superbike Team that ran Tom Sykes and Michael Van De Mark last year). He may

only be a short-term hire but with Skate they have a very knowledgeable local crew and early signs are that they will be on the pace from the start. With a wealth of experience in his corner, the responsibility for constant top three results is up to Epis. Having competed in the World Supersport Championship for a few years – he was the youngest ever rider to have a full-time ride in the championship – and a few rounds of the WSBK last year – there is a lot expected of him. Yamaha is the only true factory supported effort in the ASBK, and is the best represented brand on the grid with at least 10 R1s lining up. The other teams have support to varying degrees, but Yamaha

CONTINUED

provides the only true factory supported two-rider effort. Yamaha has a very strong line up and entering into his fourth year with the team is Cru Halliday third overall last year and 2018 600cc Supersport Champion and has run the Yamaha brand for many years. Joining him is two-time ASBK champ Mike Jones back on a Yamaha, but this time on a Superbike. The team has returned to running Pirelli rubber and both riders are extremely happy and very confident heading into the first round. Back on Pirelli bags, Cru will be on the pace from the start and hopefully he has the ammunition to go a couple of spots better to return Yamaha to championship winners. His new teammate, Mad Mike will no doubt be looking to reproduce that championship winning form. 2021 was a write-off for the Queenslander as he was forced out of the Darwin round with a hand and foot injury suffered during practice and qualifying. Jones will be keen to prove that he is still a rider capable of race victories and claiming a third ASBK title. There are three other major Yamaha teams boasting championship-capable riders. Returning with the MotoGO team will be Anthony West, hoping for a dramatic turnaround in results and reliability. MotoGO will be the only major running on Dunlop rubber - adding another factor but he will receive major focus from Robbie Bugden and his tyre team.

Developed with

Technical partner

ducati.com

Panigale V4 S

The Evolution of Speed The evolution of performance never stops at Ducati. As is the case in MotoGP and WorldSBK, the Panigale V4 is updated and improved year after year, and the 2022 version represents the most significant evolution. This improvement takes in all aspects of the bike, the aerodynamics, engine, chassis, ergonomics, and electronics. The final outcome is a bike that is even faster on track and, at the same time, increasingly intuitive and less tiring, as effective in the hands of a professional rider as it is gratifying for an amateur. New Panigale V4 S: evolution of speed. Engine Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4 | Displacement 1,103 cc | Power * 158.5 kW (215.5 hp) at 13,000 rpm Torque * 123.6 Nm (91.2 lb-ft) at 9,500 rpm | Dry weight 174 kg (384 lb) |

Find out more at your local dealer and on ducati.com Overseas model is shown and specifications may vary for the local model. The model in this image may feature accessories and merchandise that are not supplied as standard. Always wear protective motorcycle clothing when riding and obey local road regulations. Do not attempt to recreate the riding scene depicted in this image. Contact your Authorised Ducati Dealer for more information.

ASBK FLASHBACK The new players in the paddock on Yamaha will be the debut of the 727 Moto Team with Jed Metcher and last year’s 600cc Supersport Champion, Broc Pearson. No effort has been spared in the setup and recruitment of team members, with Paul Free the major and surprise signing. After long term stints at Honda interrupted with a few seasons at the DesmoSport Ducati team, he makes the move to Yamaha to oversee the fortunes of the new team.

Back on Yamaha this year in a privateer team is Aiden Wagner, who had two frustrating years in the factory team. He will be under the ‘Addicted to Track’ banner owned by passionate Queenslander, Mark McGregor. The smile on his face after the test confirmed that he is in a happy place with the new team to end up fifth and just a second off Maxwell’s best time. Will their on-track rivalry be re-ignited this year? Mark Chiodo is on a Yamaha for the second year, running Pirelli rubber. Chiodo has had a meteoric rise through road racing having never raced a bike until 2015. He first competed in Supersport before graduating to ASBK in 2018 in Team Suzuki, then in 2019 when he was with the Penrite Honda Team. In 2022 Chiodo has dual BSB Supersport

CONTINUED

Champion, Glen Richards as crew chief. Richards has a wealth of knowledge – both in the UK and Australia – and it is somewhat of a coup that Chiodo managed to secure his services for the year in front of other more fancied folk hunting for his expertise. In the background will be engine tuner extraordinaire, Gary House. It appears to be a close knit team that gets on well together, which may well prove to be a strong combination. I’m tipping that we may even see a podium visit as Chiodo proved in 2019 that he can lead a race as he did at the Bend that year. Another rider who may well climb the podium is South Australian, Arthur Sissis. Since he jumped on a Yamaha, his results and consistency have ramped up and he showed at the Bend late last year he has tuned some serious speed and horsepower. Combine that with his bullet-like starts and there’s a good chance that Arty will be a consistent top five runner. After running Mike Jones and Oli Bayliss in the DesmoSport Ducati team last year, it will be a solo rider outfit for 2022. Bryan Staring joins the team after being cut loose late last year after five years with the BC Performance Team when Kawasaki withdrew factory support. Along with Waters, Staring sat out the final round at the Bend in December after riding with the team since 2018. Staring is a three-time Australian Champion in three different classes, (125cc, Supersport and Superbike) the only rider to do so. He has also competed successfully in the now defunct World 1000cc Superstock Championship that was run with the WSBK as well as points scoring finishes in a MotoGP season in 2013.

MI-BIKE BENEFITS Simple & Convenient Competitive Rates Easy Claims Process

VISIT WWW.MI-BIKE.COM.AU OR CALL 1300 780 446 FOR A QUICK QUOTE TODAY

ASBK FLASHBACK

CONTINUED

In his first hit out on the Ducati V4 at the recent test he seemed comfortable on the bike from the start and made steady progress over the rain-interrupted two-day session to be fourth fastest. With a resume such as his, swapping over to Pirelli rubber, and his results on the Kawasaki, discount Staring at your peril.

BCPerformance returns with Kelvin Reilly at the helm, but on a much smaller scale budget than what Staring and Waters enjoyed last year. 2022 rider Ben Burke has raced extensively in the UK and Asia where he tasted success and while he may not be up the front every weekend, he will be keeping plenty of the field honest.

In the Kawasaki corner is journeyman Matt Walters. The Rover Coaches/Kawasaki Connection Team is very much a family run affair. While Kawasaki officially withdrew from the ASBK late last year, Walters now has support through the Kawasaki dealer network and is more than capable of pulling off a few surprises against more fancied rivals.

The ASBK features a very strong line-up of talent and there will be plenty to keep fans interested, with tantalising battles shaping up throughout the top 15. It’s my estimate that lap times will be closer than ever; bringing the field closer together.

Just what spectators and riders thrive on.

ASBK SERIES OFFICIALS Peter

SMITH

MA Steward

Simon

MAAS

ASBK Series Safety Officer

Tom

WILLIAMS

ASBK Series Race Director

Sam

PHILLIPS

SBK Series Chief Pit Lane

Denise

STRONACH

ASBK Series Race Secretary

Robert

SCOTT

ASBK Series Chief Technical Officer

Gary

BLEAZBY

ASBK Clerk of Course

Brendan

FERRARI

ASBK Series Starter

Phil

REIMEN

ASBK - Assistant Clerk of Course

Scott

LAING

ASBK Series Chief Timekeeper

Mark

ARNOLD

Deputy Series Chief Timekeeper

Ian

REDDIN

ASBK Series Deputy Technical Officer

Peter

BLACK

ASBK Deputy Clerk of Course

MOTORCYCLING AUSTRALIA WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK ALL THE ASBK VOLUNTEER OFFICIALS!

SERIES MEDICAL TEAM

Dr Ryan

BRESLIN

Jasmin

POOLE

Mark

BACKWAY

Daryl

MCHUGH

ASBK Medical Delegate

COMPUTIME SERIES OFFICIALS Scott

LAING

Mark

ARNOLD

Andrew

MCCALLUM

2022 ASBK OFFICIAL SPONSORS

The MA RACESAFE Medical Team launches into a new Australian Superbike Championship season, all thanks to the support of our major sponsors Motorcycling Australia, Motul Pirelli and Thor. The highly trained & dedicated team of Medical Professionals includes Doctors, Surgeons, Intensive Care Paramedics, Emergency Nurses and Physiotherapists. The team will continue to fulfil the critical role as the Official Medical Team for the 2022 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championships, presented by Motul. The 2021 RACESAFE season was full of thrills and spills which kept the RACESAFE Medical Team busy at every event. Emergency Medical & Sports Medicine treatments were provided to competitors, with the RACESAFE Medical Team again spearheading exciting new developments in its well established rider care program. The expertise of the MA RACESAFE Medical Team is in hot demand, with this team now providing the Official Medical Service for the 2022 Australian Motocross Championships - MX Nationals, 2022 Australasian Supercross Series and Troy Bayliss Classic, just to name a few. Thanks to a shared vision for rider safety with their sponsors, the MA RACESAFE Medical Team has continued to pioneer new levels of rider care across Australia. Without their dedicated sponsors the MA RACESAFE Medical Team would never make it to track to provide this crucial role.

“Motorcycling Australia is very pleased to come on board as the major sponsor of RACESAFE Australia for 2022 and beyond. The RACESAFE team will be key component of the 2022 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championships, presented by Motul, as well as at the MX Nationals, Australian Supercross Championship and other major MA national events throughout the year. The level of medical service and support provided to these events and our motorcycling community as a whole is unrivalled, and that is why we had no hesitation partnering up together for the good of all of our stakeholders. We are looking forward to working together with RACESAFE to support and enhance the range of services they can offer, which will no doubt benefit our MA membership in many ways.” Quoted Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Boyle. Exclusive to the Motorcycling Australia’s national motorcycle championships, is the MA RACESAFE Mobile Medical Unit. This world class facility will travel to each round of the ASBK series and will provide an onsite Emergency Medical centre, Physiotherapy facility, plus Mobile Command Unit for the MA RACESAFE Medical Team. Equipped with the most modern advance life support medical and sports medicine equipment, this unit is a first for Australian Motorsport. The project rivals any unit worldwide.

www.racesafe.com.au

MA RACESAFE Mobile Medical Unit includes: • Philips Critical Care Monitors with ECG, SP02, NIBP, etC02 • Philips MRx Heart Defibrillator • BOC Medical - Oxygen Systems • BOC Medical - Suction Unit • I.V systems • Intubation / Airway Management Unit • Sphygmomanometers • Otoscope & Ophthalmoscope • X-Ray Viewer • Trauma Beds • Ultrasound Unit • Portable Interferential Unit • Arm Pump Treatment Unit • Simoco Two-way Radio Systems MA RACESAFE Medical Team will include for the 2021 Australian Superbike Championships : • • •

Motul RACESAFE Medical Chase Cars - Fully equipped with Advanced Life Support Equipment

•

MA RACESAFE Medical Team including, - Emergency Director - Series Chief Medical Officer - Intensive Care Paramedics - Emergency Nurses - Sports Physiotherapists - High Speed Chase Driver - Technical Support Officer - Orthopaedic Surgeons - Emergency Doctors

CELEBRATING

RACE FLAGS

YELLOW FLAG

CHEQUERED FLAG

BLUE FLAG

BLACK FLAG

RED FLAG

YELLOW & RED STRIPED FLAG

Waved - danger ahead Riders must slow down and be prepared to stop. Overtaking is forbidden.

Waved - flag indicate a rider that they are about to be overtaken.

Waved - race or practice interrupted. Riders must return to the pits.

GREEN FLAG

The track is clear.

Waved - race or practice session is over.

Riders whose number is shown with the flag must stop at the pits on the next lap.

Deterioration of adhesion to the track.

WHITE FLAG

Waved – slow moving intervention vehicle on track

U LT I M AT E S P O RT G E N III THE NEW HAYABUSA SO FAST YOU MIGHT MISS IT

RESERVE YOURS NOW

suzukimotorcycles.com.au

2022 Official Program - Rnd 4 ASBK - Hidden Valley, NT

Articles inside

bLu cRU Oceania Junior Cup

Alpinestars Superbike Championship

Dunlop Supersport 300 Championship

ASBK Official Series Sponsors

ASBK Season Recap

What is an ASBK Spec Superbike?

2022 ASBK Series Calendar