Maxwell to FX. In self-managed team. By Trevor Hedge
Following on from the news that BMW are switching their primary focus for season 2014 from ASBK to the Australasian FX-Superbike Championship, reigning ASBK Champion Wayne Maxwell also looks set to switch allegiances from the series that gave him the right to be crowned Australian Champion.
After Team Suzuki recently informed Maxwell of their unlikely participation in Australian racing this season, Maxwell was left searching for a ride, at effectively the last hour before season 2014 gets underway.
A lifeline came Maxwell’s way via a call from Yamaha Austria Racing Team member Broc Parkes. After learning Maxwell was now a free agent, Parkes acted as a go-between to help ensure the squad he has been racing in the Endurance World Championship for would benefit from the inclusion of such a quick rider. Thus negotiations between Wayne and Yamaha Austria Racing Team commenced with the result a win-win for both parties. Maxwell will ride selected rounds of the Endurance World Championship in the team that also boasts compatriots Parkes and Rick Olson alongside well-known Slovenian rider Igor Jerman.
Maxwell also hopes to ride in Australia this season and with the PTR managed Team Suzuki seemingly sitting this year out, the recently married Melbourne resident is currently pursuing the option of taking a crack at the 2014 Australasian FX Superbike Championship with a self-managed squad.
Maxwell; “I am currently exploring all my options to try and compete in Australia between my overseas commitments with Yamaha Austria Racing Team in the 2014 Endurance World Championship.
“For all intensive purposes, it seems as though ASBK is dead in the water this season thus I am exploring the option of forming my own team and competing in the 2014 Australasian FX-Superbike Championship.”
‘Wayne Train’ was not forthcoming as to which brand he is likely to ride on in Australia this year but he hopes to begin testing shortly. Plans are well advanced.
Is ASBK 2014 seemingly a case of last one out the door turn off the lights…?
2014 Australasian FX-Superbike Championship Calendar
- 14th – 16th March 2014 Wakefield Park NSW
- 16th – 18th May 2014 Mallala Raceway SA
- 27th – 29th June 2014 Queensland Raceway Qld
- 1st – 3rdAugust 2014 Winton Motor Raceway VIC
- 12th – 14th Sept 2014 Wakefield Park NSW
- 21st – 23rd Nov 2014 –  Sydney Motorsport Park (3.9km track) NSW
