Remember last month when Glenn Allerton and Robbie Bugden went at it right here on CycleOnline.com.au in an entertaining slanging match (click here) in the build up to Queensland Raceway’s second point-scoring ASBK round? Well, it all went to script last weekend and it’s ignited even more controversy.

This rivalry is quickly developing and is possibly the biggest we’ve seen domestically in the past decade or even longer. Whenever one mentions the other in an interview or elsewhere, they’ve usually been firing back in a highly entertaining war of words.

At QR on Sunday after Allerton had led the field all weekend, he was forced to start from his the rear of the grid on his spare bike in race two. An early charge was halted when Allerton suffered brake fade, causing him to settle for fourth, while Bugden went on to win in convincing fashion after fending off Team Suzuki teammate Wayne Maxwell and Honda’s Josh Hook.

The end result was Bugden winning his first-ever ASBK overall, with series leader Allerton having to settle for second albeit tied on points. We conducted Race Recap interviews with both riders yesterday since we felt they were both deserving of the coverage from the weekend, and in Allerton’s he responded to some comments Bugden made on Sunday afternoon about Suzuki bridging the gap.

ASBK series leader Glenn Allerton has been vocal in the press this week. Image: Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport.

From there, a public argument of sorts on the CycleOnline.com.ay Facebook Page ensued between the pair as Bugden pointed out his overall race time from race two was in fact faster than Allerton’s race one winning time. Allerton said it’s because he was too busy wheelying for Bugden’s home crowd with a comfortable lead on the final lap rather than pushing hard to the finish.

It was an interesting couple of comments between the two, which will no doubt raise tension heading into the Sydney Motorsport Park test tomorrow and race weekend in August. Both have their points and both believe they are fully capable of winning on any given weekend and the championship, as does Maxwell right now.

And you have to hand it to both Glenn and Robbie, because speaking their mind and making us all aware exactly how they feel is just what the sport needs. Not everybody approves or appreciates it, but I for one definitely think it’s an added element that the ASBK requires if it’s to gain the attention of the national motorcycle press, industry and bike fans. The best thing? The rivalry is a completely genuine one that’s formed.

Late breaking news though is that Bugden won’t actually be on track tomorrow at Eastern Creek. From what we understand his deal is round-by-round and right now his future isn’t cemented despite his recent run of form… more on that tomorrow.

There are many stories developing at this point of the season, including the Allerton vs Bugden rivalry, Jamie Stauffer’s injuries, Hook’s rapid rise, the privateer resurgence, tyre wars and more. Speaking of tyre wars, we’re working on a story from last weekend surrounding a protest by Honda on the Pirellis. More on that to come.

And we cannot ignore the support categories, because between the new-look Supersport class, the standalone Prostocks, 250 Production and Moto3, we were treated to some quality on-track action across the weekend. Racing was particularly good in all of these classes last weekend.

Queensland Raceway ended up being a very positive weekend in general for the sport. Friday was a bit flat, Saturday too, but Sunday had some real atmosphere with the usual great racing on track to match. Having 400 bikes on a charity ride that finished at the event was genius, plus the Suzuki Hayabusa Show and Shine also attracted some major interest.

Round three overall winner Robbie Bugden is certain he and Suzuki will challenge for the title – if he’s on track for the season remainder. Image: Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport.

Many of the major Australian magazines and websites were also at the event on Sunday in preparation for the domestic launch of the 2013 Hayabusas at Willowbank Raceway, then yesterday saw Link International host its launch of the new Pirelli Angel GT sports touring tyre on the Gold Coast and Morgan Park.

Seeing the likes of Bugden, Maxwell and triple ASBK champion on the drag strip with the journos was great fun for all, plus we even saw Team Suzuki staff take to the quarter mile! Bugden ended up posting the quickest time of the lot aboard Phil Tainton’s modified Busa with a 9.6s run.

Meanwhile, BMW held a ride day with the Next Gen team on hand Monday at Queensland Raceway, so it’s a real bonus to see our domestic riders able to interact with the press and fans in a relaxed environment. Overall it was a top week and always one of our favourite events on the schedule.

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