Image: Alex Gobert.

Australian Supersport front-runner Aaron Morris’ Maxima Yamaha team boycotted last weekend’s ASBK series opener at Queensland Raceway as the privateer effort chases unpaid prize money from last year, according to a statement released by the team.

It was a difficult decision to make for Morris and the Maxima Yamaha team as Aaron’s father and team manager Graeme Morris explained over the weekend.

“Last year was a strong one for us in the Australian Supersport Championship, with Aaron having the most race and round wins,” he said. “However, that success meant that we were owed substantial prize money, which has still not been paid in full by the promoter.

“Whilst the $5000 left owing is not going to make or break our ability to compete in round one at Queensland Raceway, we made it quite clear to Motorcycling Australia that we would not compete if it was still outstanding.

“Aaron is in great form this year and already has six wins from eight starts in national competition against the same riders that will compete this weekend, which makes the decision all the more difficult. I believe it is important not to back down on our position with Motorcycling Australia.

“On a positive, not competing this weekend means that we have been able to divert our sponsorship earmarked for the event and instead compete in the Asian Road Race Championship (ARRC) Supersport class, that kicks off in Sepang on the 20th of April.

“We will compete in the first two rounds and if we can find the funding will do the whole ARRC series.”

The team hasn’t ruled out contesting the final ASBK round at Phillip Island if the financial issue is resolved.

Regardless, competing at ASBK and ARRC would not impact the team’s ongoing commitment to the Australasian Superbike Championship, with winning that championship for Maxima Yamaha and YRD being the number one priority for this season.

CycleOnline.com.au has been unable to reach series promoter International Entertainment Group (IEG) as at time of publishing.