Image: Russell Colvin.

Crankt Protein Honda Racing’s Troy Herfoss set the opening day pace in wet conditions during today’s Winton Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli official test.

Herfoss posted a 1m33.951s in slick conditions to lead teammate Jamie Stauffer and SA Kawasaki BCperformance’s Robbie Bugden at the conclusion of day one.

“It was good to get out on the Crankt Protein Honda Racing CBR1000RR SP machine and do some testing in the wet conditions, as we don’t have a lot of experience with the wet weather Pirelli tyres,” Herfoss said, despite a crash early on.

“The only other time I have used the Pirelli wet weather tyres was at Sydney Motorsport Park during the third round of the ASBK this year, so it was nice to do some laps.

“Winton Motor Raceway held a burnout competition here the other day which made the track very slippery. I had a bit of a get-off in the first session this morning at turn 11 – just myself pushing a bit too hard, a bit too early.”

Although not officially listed in the times, it’s understood that returning two-time champion Josh Waters was strangely listed as ‘Michael Jordan’ upon return on board his number 21 YZF-R1, ending the day fifth overall.

The Queensland-based factory Yamaha Racing Team of title-leader Wayne Maxwell, Glenn Allerton and Cru Halliday were notable absentees after recently conducting a private test at the Victorian venue.

Supersport, Production, R3 Cup, Moto3 and 125GP bikes were also on track throughout day one, times listed below. On-track action will continue to take place on Thursday.