CycleOnline.com.au pulls out the microscope and takes a closer look at some of the giant-killers and disappointments from the third round of the 2015 Australasian Superbikes at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Image: Keith Muir.

Hit

Cru Halliday: With his first race wins and the overall on both days, the Sydney round will be remembered as the weekend that Halliday finally broke through. He’s the lone YRT with YMI rider to be retained for 2015 aboard the new YZF-R1M and his results have rewarded Yamaha in that decision.

Rick Olson: Few expected Olson to come out and dominate like he did at Sydney Motorsport Park, in what was his second appearance of the season. After being dumped by Yamaha at the end of last year, he’d have taken great satisfaction in shading the R6s now aboard a privateer Kawasaki.

Troy Herfoss: It was always going to be an uphill battle for Herfoss at SMP considering the horsepower deficit he faces on the Honda, however he managed to extend his championship lead with second overall. His sheer determination played a big part in the weekend’s results.

Image: Keith Muir.

Miss

Jamie Stauffer: While Herfoss muscled his way around at the front, Stauffer didn’t seem his usual speedy self on Sunday and finished well off the lead group in both races. What’s strange was that he was quick on the Saturday, crossing the line first in race two before he was handed a 15s jump-start penalty.

Michael Blair: There’s no doubt Blair has what it takes to contend for race wins and the championship, however his slide out of race two at turn nine won’t help his case as leader Brayden Elliott stacks on the points via consistency. In the series he’s now fourth, 24 points off the lead.

Beau Beaton: Debuting a brand new bike on Friday of a race weekend is never going to be an easy task, however Beaton would have wanted more in his first appearance on the 1299 Panigale after pulling out of both races on Sunday. In race one his front tyre went flat, before a run-off in the second eventually forced him to exit the race.