Features 21 Apr 2016

Countdown: Potential ASBK race winners

Five riders we're tipping will share the spoils from round four on.

At the halfway point of the 2016 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship season we’re witnessing a tight fight for the championship at the top. In this latest edition of Countdown we assess the riders who will almost certainly win the majority of races across the season.

Image: Keith Muir.

Image: Keith Muir.

5. Jamie Stauffer:
Injuries struck the Crankt Protein Honda Racing rider in the early part of the season, firstly with his high-speed crash at Phillip Island and then in a testing crash at Wakefield Park. He returned in Sydney for fourth, despite still not being 100 percent, so from now to the end of the season we wouldn’t be surprised to see him win a race. Look for it especially at Winton.

4. Mike Jones:
The DesmoSport Ducati rider has displayed some serious speed in 2016 on board the Panigale, but that hasn’t resulted in a race win just yet. Where we really expect the Queenslander to shine will be at Morgan Park’s penultimate round, especially after dominating there last season en route to the title. Still, he has what it takes to win the odd race at each circuit from here.

3. Troy Herfoss:
Of course, last year’s Australasian champion already has won a race this year at Wakefield Park, but he will want and need more before the year’s out if he’s to claim the ASBK championship for Honda. Any given weekend will see Herfoss in the mix, but where we most likely see him getting it done would be Winton to cap off the season.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Image: Russell Colvin.

2. Glenn Allerton:
Championship leader Allerton will be the man to beat when the series heads to WA next. Already with three race wins to his credit at Phillip Island in the triple-header to start the season, the Yamaha Racing Team rider won both races at Barbagallo in 2011 and still holds the lap record from that weekend. His confidence and comfort at the venue will play into his favour.

1. Wayne Maxwell:
Coming off of three race wins in a row between Wakefield Park race two and Sydney Motorsport Park’s two races, Maxwell is the current in-form rider for Yamaha Racing Team. He’s closed to within two points of the championship lead and boasts the consistent speed and ability it takes to win races everytime he lines up. He’s going to be tough to top in the standings.

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