ASC privateers preview QLD
Glenn Scott / Team InsureMyRide
Team InsureMyRide Racing’s Glenn Scott will be looking to use the experience and setup advice gained during a recent test at Queensland Raceway alongside Top Rider’s Bernie Hatton to return to the top step of the podium in the Australasian Superbike Championship as the Central Coast rider turns his attention towards the title race with three rounds remaining.
Despite a minor setback at the last round at Mallala, a determined Scott is focussed on returning to the front of the large Superbike field. As the race for Championship points hots up with three rounds remaining after this weekend, Glenn remains fully committed to delivering maximum effort and commitment every time he hits the track with pre-race preparation critical to that success.
“I can’t wait to get back on the bike this weekend at Queensland Raceway. Round two at Mallala was a bit of a struggle for us, although we came away with some positive results we unfortunately had a DNF on the Sunday in race two so I’ll be working hard this weekend with my team to that around and bring home my InsureMyRide Superbike on the top step,” Scott said.
A recent two day test at Queensland Raceway has allowed Glenn to set up his Team InsureMyRide Racing Honda Superbikes for the high speed and heavy braking reliant circuit. Friday’s practice sessions will provide the opportunity for the 22 year old to fine tune the last couple of critical areas prior to qualifying and the weekend’s six races to ensure he can be on target for a good weekend.
“We had an extremely positive test last week at Queensland Raceway. It was great to have Bernie Hatton from Top Rider there helping with some riding tips and my feedback to help set up the bike better. We worked really hard on our weak points on track and by the end of the two days we had made some very positive steps forward in my riding and the bike with the help of my Mechanics Vaughan and Adam. There are still some sections to improve but with some heavy brain storming we feel we have the answer that will fix our remaining weak points on track,” Scott added.
After securing a strong list of results for the season so far including race wins, Glenn admits it has been an enjoyable first two rounds of the Championship. As the season hits the halfway point, Scott is turning his full attention towards continuing to achieve podium results whilst also attaining critical points for the series overall.
“This year so far has been amazing, I love riding the new CBR SP Honda and my great team really makes race weekends a lot of fun. We are focused on bringing home some solid results this weekend to improve our position in the overall standings,” Scott concluded.
Brayden Elliott
Tumut’s Brayden Elliott will be out to continue his strong season in the Supersport Championship as part of the Swann Insurance Australasian Superbike Championship this weekend at Queensland Raceway with Brayden set to be supported by two-wheeled legend, Shawn Giles.
Despite having completed very few laps around the 3km Queensland circuit, Brayden remains upbeat about his chances in the competitive Supersport field. A large array of local Queensland riders will make up the field around him although Elliott is confident he will be able to adapt himself to the track early in the weekend.
“I’m definitely looking forward to the third round of the Swann Insurance Australasian Superbike Championship at Queensland Raceway. I have only ridden minimal laps around the circuit, although with all preparations going to plan I’m am looking forward to taking on the challenge of the track. The racing will be hard and fast as always in the huge Supersport field with a lot of local Queensland riders making up the grid I’m sure they will be fast at their home track,” Elliott said.
Brayden has enlisted the support of one of Australia’s best Superbike riders, Shawn Giles who will be trackside to coach and mentor Brayden throughout the weekend. Using his extensive knowledge of the Queensland track, Brayden insists that Giles will be of great help in mastering what is effectively known by many as ‘the paperclip’ circuit.
“I’m really looking forward to having the coaching support of Australian Superbike legend Shawn Giles who will be coming as part of the Elliott Racing Team. Shawn’s track knowledge and racing experience will definitely be valuable in helping me progress in the Supersport field and firming up my lead in the D Grade Championship,” Elliott added.
With a heavy focus upon setup and development of his bikes since the last round at Mallala, Brayden is now turning his attention toward the weekend results and also banking a large amount of series points to keep in the hunt for the C & D Grade overall Championship while also hoping to progress further into the overall top ten.
“I’m extremely confident that my Hankook Tyres Suzuki GSX-R 600 will perform around the demanding Queensland Raceway circuit. With recent adjustments made in preparation for the meeting I am looking forward to getting the bikes out on track. Being the half-way point in the Championship it will be very important to stay consistent and gain valuable points being a high contender for the C and D grade Championship and also to stay within the overall top ten,” Elliott concluded.
Callum Spriggs
Caboolture’s Callum Spriggs will be looking to build upon developments made in testing ahead of the third round of the Swann Insurance Australasian Superbike Championship this weekend at Queensland Raceway which will also act as Callum’s home event on the six round calendar.
A recent test at the Willowbank circuit has given Callum a large level of confidence leading into this weekend’s event. After placing a heavy focus on suspension setup and development, Spriggs is upbeat about his chances on home soil and his ability to extend his Championship lead.
“Our test last week was very strong and I feel as though it has us in a very good position for the race this weekend. The times we achieved should have us up the front based upon past events which will be a great help for the round results and Championship points as a whole,” Spriggs said.
While many believe the Queensland Raceway track seems simple, Callum admits a heavy focus is placed upon slipstreaming at the circuit which features six turns and four long straights with numerous passing opportunities ensuring the riders are kept busy for the entire 3km lap.
“The ‘QR’ track is one that is a lot more technical than many think, slip streaming is critical on the straights and a good run off turn two is essential to carry a high top speed on the longest straight on the track. I think it will definitely provide some great racing across the weekend in the big Supersport field,” Spriggs added.
After his success at both Wakefield Park and Mallala, Callum continues to lead the Supersport Championship and it is a mantle he hopes to maintain after this weekend. At the season’s halfway point with three rounds remaining after Queensland, Spriggs understands with the high level of competitiveness in the category, the series will go down to the wire.
“It’s a good feeling to have the Championship lead in Supersport at present, however I know the job certainly isn’t complete, the competition is tough and there are still three rounds to go so I have my mind on the job all the time preparing myself for every round. I think this weekend will certainly be defining in how the Championship plays out so I hope to use my experience to help build upon my lead,” Spriggs concluded.
Aiden Wagner
Wamuran rider Aiden Wagner is in final preparations ahead of his home round of the Swann Insurance Australasian Superbike Championship this weekend at Queensland Raceway. Wagner will be looking to build upon his pace from recent testing to help secure a podium finish and gain critical Championship points.
In the lead up to this weekend’s events, Aiden has taken the opportunity to participate in a range of motocross events in Sydney, thus increasing his level of race preparation on two wheels. With another large field featuring the best young riders in Australia, Wagner admits it will be a close battle at the front.
“I’ve put a lot of focus into my physical training before this weekend and the chance to get in some motocross in Sydney has certainly been helpful. I feel that it will definitely improve my race fitness races which will be critical to staying up the front and challenging for the lead,” Wagner said.
With a heavy workload across the three day event, Aiden is now turning his attention to his personal mental preparation for the weekend’s racing, knowing that the competitiveness will be at its peak as the season hits its halfway point and the emphasis on Championship points increases.
“I’ll be looking to relax a bit in the few days before we hit the track and emphasise my preparation on my mental fitness. Having six races across the weekend is very demanding so I need to be as best prepared as I possibly can, it will definitely be a tough encounter,” Wagner added.
Another healthy Supersport field is sure to challenge Aiden throughout the weekend’s races and the 20 year old is well aware that he must be performing at his peak from the beginning of Friday practice. With the Willowbank circuit being his main testing venue, Wagner’s experience there is sure to help him against his high profile opposition.
“I’m really looking forward to the weekend at Queensland Raceway, it’s a track I’ve ridden on numerous occasions so I think that should put is in a good position for a big result. There will be plenty of competition in the Supersport class so I’ll have to be on my game right from the beginning and work on ensuring I’m at the front in qualifying to set up a good run in Saturday and Sunday’s races,” Wagner concluded.
Superbikes – Overall standings:
- Wayne Maxwell 137
- Jamie Stauffer 131
- Sean Condon 99
- Troy Herfoss 98
- Glenn Alerton 96
- Cru Halliday 92
- Glenn Scott 74
- Robbie Bugden 73
- Rick Olsen 73
- Dustin Goldsmith 57
Supersport – Overall standings:
- Callum Spriggs 114
- Aaron Morris 107
- Aiden Wagner 102
- Daniel Falzon 90
- Patrick Medcalf 80
- Mason Coote 54
- Aiden Coote 54
- Matt Davies 49
- Justin Di Giandomenico 46
- Braydon Elliott 42
