News 2 Aug 2013

Bayliss remains undecided on possible FX-500 race start

Three-time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss indicated that he would only take part for 'fun', and not take the race too seriously.

Troy Bayliss lapped competitively at last week's test. Image: Australian FX-Superbike Championship.

Troy Bayliss lapped competitively at last week’s test. Image: Australian FX-Superbike Championship.

Troy Bayliss remains undecided as to whether he will contest the $100,000 FX-500 endurance race at Sydney Motorsport Park on 16 November, noting that his appearance at the recent FX-Superbike test was simply down to circumstance that offered a chance to turn some laps.

Bayliss lapped second-quickest on a borrowed Ducati, impressing many with his pace.

The triple World Superbike Champion told CycleOnline.com.au that his appearance at the test had been unplanned, and he had not made a decision about the race either way.

“I’m still involved with Ducati so I come and go to Italy quite a lot,” said Bayliss. “I should have stayed there last time for a three-day test on the Superbike but cut things short to come home and do a race with my young boy Oli on flat track.

“I knew Craig [McMartin] was doing the test down at Eastern Creek and that he had a couple of bikes. It was just good to jump on and do a few proper laps and get a bit of a feel for the bike again.

“Everything went quite well and the times were quite nice. For now, that’s about it.”

According to Bayliss, if he did take part, it would only be for fun, and he stressed he did not want it to be considered a ‘comeback’ of sorts.

“I think the FX-500 will be a great event,” he said. “I have looked at it, but, it’s neither here nor there.

“If I did do something like that I’d have to have people understand it’s not a comeback for me. It’s just a bit of fun. It’s an endurance race. Surely, it wouldn’t be an easy race to win, that’s for sure.

“For me, if I did do something like that, it’s not because I’d want to win the prize money. It’d be about taking part in the event, and hopefully helping the sport, while not taking things too seriously.”

Recent