Lukey Luke getting up to race pace on 1290 SDR
By Russell Colvin
Luke Follacchio, also known as ‘Lukey Luke’ had his first shake down test at Broadford’s State Motorcycle Sports Complex Center last week as he prepares for an assault on this year’s Swann Insurance Australasian Superbike Championship grand finale at Sydney Motorsport Park November 21-23.
Follacchio, 31, will saddle up on a KTM 1290 Superduke and fight it out in the Nakedbike-F1 class racing against the likes of fellow KTM rider and series leader, Angus Reekie.
After completing about sixty laps and dipping down into the 59’s, Lukey Luke was happy overall after chasing a setup all day. “We have had a pretty good day all in all,” Follacchio told Mcnews.com.au “We have found a useable setup, however I do believe there is more work to be done.”
Australian motorcyclists are accustomed to seeing this likeable lad smoking it up at race circuits and defying the laws of the gravity as he does wheel stands and stoppies. So why is this Aussie stunting legend deciding to tackle a race meeting? Simple, he loves racing!
“Racing is in my blood” explained Follacchio. “I was racing before I was a stunt rider, and I just miss racing. I have spent so much time being active at Australian road racing events as a stunt rider, and it’s been hard to watch and not to be out there myself lining up on that grid.
“I have been given a great opportunity to race. I have a great bike, the KTM 1290 Superduke is an ‘animal’ of a bike to ride, it’s just so much fun!
“With the help from Dunlop and KTM, I’m able to go racing again.
“It’s also to show the versatility of the 1290, just to prove how good of a bike it really it is. It’s also to have a bit of fun as well.”
Follacchio’s last race meeting was back in 2003 at Phillip Island when he raced in the final round of the interclub series. It wasn’t the best end for him with the Victorian sliding off at turn eleven and breaking his back.
Come November, what would Lukey Luke be happy with in regards to a result wise? “I would love to win! Why do we race? We race to win. But I would be really happy with a competitive ride. A top three finish would be great. If I can try and stay with Angus [Reekie] who is the pace setter in that class, I would be really happy. I probably have some practice to do yet.”
There is still a bit more fine tuning to come yet for Follacchio as he plans on doing a few more track days at Broadford as well as a level one, two, three and four California Superbike School.
The final of the Swann Insurance Australasian Superbike Championship will be held from 21-23 of November at Sydney Motorsports Park.
