Glenn Allerton won the 2011 Australian Superbike Championship at Symmons Plains yesterday. Image: Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport.

Procon Maxima BMW’s Glenn Allerton is celebrating a second Australian Superbike Championship title, wrapping it up with a fifth place finish at Symmons Plains in Tasmania yesterday.

The 30-year-old won his first championship in 2008 and his success in 2011 has been led largely by his own determination and the chances taken by his Hepburn Motorsport crew on a potent but unknown quantity in the BMW S 1000 RR.

“We have to race this bike this year,” were the words spoken by the Sydney-based rider after the team’s first test just weeks before the ASBK season-opener in February.

11 consecutive podiums, including six race wins, validate the decision which sees him crowned the 23rd Australian Superbike Champion.

“I didn’t get a great start today and though I passed a few people straight up I just didn’t feel strong enough under brakes with my arm the way it is,” said Allerton.

“I kept pushing and pushing but in the end held onto fifth, at the end of the race I honestly thought I was a point off taking home the championship but my team let me know I’d done it which was a great feeling.

“So many people in the team have worked hard for this, I have to thank everyone at Procon Maxima BMW for their hard work week in, week out but also all of those people behind the scenes as well that have helped me make the most of this opportunity including BMW who have been so supportive.

“I’d like to dedicate the win to my grandfather who passed away last week, he’s played a huge part in my career and my life.”

Allerton and the ASBK series now head to Phillip Island this weekend in Victoria for the season finale.