ASBK top three take battle to Winton Raceway
Daniel Falzon maintains his lead from Troy Herfoss and third placed Robbie Bugden
ASBK Championship leader Daniel Falzon has maintained his advantage thus far, with defending champion Troy Herfoss and Robbie Budgen close behind, with the championship now heading to Winton Raceway for Round 3.
Daniel Falzon of the JD Racing Team has impressed the ASBK paddock by taking the fight to the factory teams on his race proven privateer Yamaha YZF-R1. After winning an incredible trifecta in races at Round One Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Falzon set himself up brilliantly with a commanding championship lead.
Falzon managed to defend his Championship lead successfully at Wakefield with a strong podium finish at a track which is not his favourite, while Falzon has increased confidence at Winton Motor Raceway. A strong and steady weekend is required to maintain the gap to the chasing pack.
Round Two of the ASBK at Wakefield Park Raceway saw Crankt Protein Honda Racing’s Troy Herfoss strike back, narrowly missing out on winning both races on his home circuit. Now the 2016 champ is in a strong position to carry out his title defence, as the racing progresses towards the mid stages of the year.
Herfoss knows what it takes to achieve Championship glory and it won’t be long until he will attempt to stamp his authority on his rivals and achieve back-to-back titles. Winton Motor Raceway witnessed Herfoss clench the 2016 Championship last year, so he will be looking forward to competing at a track which holds great memories for the Honda star.
Robbie Bugden of the Kawasaki BCperformance Team has utilised his wealth of Superbike experience and is sitting pretty in third position in the standings. While he hasn’t managed to claim a win in 2017 yet, Bugden has achieved excellent consistency with many podium finishes.
The Official ASBK Test at Winton Motor Raceway (11-12 April) provided an insight as to which of these riders might perform at the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 at Winton Motor Raceway. Daniel Falzon in particular looks competitive around the Winton circuit, as he achieved the second fastest lap time of the Official ASBK Test. Herfoss also improved in the standings towards the end of the Official ASBK Test to claim the third fastest time, after not appearing as strong as the Yamaha’s on day one. Bugden finished in a solid eighth position in the overall lap times.
With plenty of Championship points to play for at the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 at Winton Motor Raceway. This trinity of riders will likely be locked in a competitive battle for the Championship lead. Riders will have to walk the line between pushing hard for victory and playing it safe to secure points.
Be sure to attend the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli at Winton Motor Raceway 28-30 April, near the town of Benalla, VIC, to see who emerges as the 2017 Championship frontrunner.
Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship Points
- Daniel FALZON (SA) – 106
- Troy HERFOSS (QLD) – 93
- Robbie BUGDEN (QLD) – 89
- Wayne MAXWELL (VIC) – 79
- Bryan STARING (WA) – 69
- Beau BEATON (NSW) – 60
- Josh WATERS (VIC) – 58
- Mitchell LEVY (NSW) – 49
- Cru HALLIDAY (NSW) – 48
- Kyle BUCKLEY (QLD) – 47
2017 Australian Superbike Championship Calendar
- Round 3 Spokes.com.au presents Winton Motor Raceway, VIC 28-30 April
- Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, NT 7-9 July
- Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, QLD 25-27 August
- Round 6 SMSP Eastern Creek, NSW 8-10 September
- Round 7 Spokes.com.au presents Phillip Island Circuit, VIC 6-8 October
Don’t forget to catch live ASBK footage from the Spokes.com.au presents Round 3 at Winton Motor Raceway on SBS and Live Streaming. SBS will be broadcasting Live from 12:30 AEST, with direct action from the track.
For the hard-core ASBK fan who cannot miss any of the electrifying race day action, the Live Streaming feature on asbk.com.au and the ASBK Facebook page.
