News 21 Dec 2016

Blair places second in the AFX championship and second in the Swann Series

Michael Blair Racing press release:

Michaels has achieved Second in two Championships in the final round of the AFX Championship Series and the Swann Insurance Australasian Superbike Series in his rookie year.

The final round took place over 16-17/12/16 with wet weather Friday and heatwave conditions on Saturday, the challenge for the team was to achieve a good setup. Glen Allerton (GASD) and the team used their combined experience and accomplished two setups that gave Michael the best chance of success.

There were Championship positions still to be decided and the added interest of Josh Brookes who returned to Australia’s racing scene for a guest ride.

Every race was fought hard over two days of great racing with positons changing throughout each race and drags to the line to decide winners.

“It was hectic racing as usual, good fun but tense as the Championship had not been decided.”

Michael finished the AFX Championship Series with a good time in the wet conditions to qualify behind Josh Brookes to take second place on the grid. Race 1 -3 rd , Race 2 -1 st which gave Michael 1 st overall in the round, Pole position for next day’s racing and 2 nd overall for the AFX Championship Series.

The sun shone for the next day’s Swann Insurance Australasian Superbike Championship. The flag dropped for Race 1 and Michael was able to get a small break. Not for long, as he came under plenty of pressure but with consistent times out front Michael crossed the line for first.

Lining up in Grid position 1 for Race 2 the competition swamped him from the line and he was 4 th into the first corner, the racing in front was hectic and unable to improve his position Michael had crossed the line in 4 th with only .48 of a second covering the top 4 at the chequered flag.

There was a real buzz of excitement for the last race of the day in anticipation of another race that would have 5 riders fighting close for positions.

After Race 2, 1 st place in the Swann Insurance Series Championship had been awarded to a deserving Robbie Bugden who had raced brilliantly throughout the season but 2 nd place was still up for grab between Michael & Matt Walters.

Fantastic racing out the front between 5 riders didn’t disappoint, towards the end Josh Brookes and Robbie Bugden fought out the final laps swapping the lead, sliding into and out of corners and dragging to the line to decide first. The crowd was not disappointed.

Michael and Beau Beaton traded positions 3 and 4 with Michael being successful and taking 3 rd. This gave him the points to achieve 2 nd in the Swann Insurance Australasian Series in his rookie year.

“I want to thank Glen Allerton, Mick Poole, Matt Blair & Chris Blair for the year’s support. Also my sponsors have provided fantastic support and great products. – Yamaha, Ipone, Campbells Building & Trade Supplies, Bob & Yoshiko, ARAI Helmets, SWEDA, SpeedAngle, RS Taichi Leathers.

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