This week we take a closer look at a range of developments on both international and domestic road racing scenes.

Source: Yamaha Austria Racing Team.

Hot off the press is the news that the Yamaha Austria Racing Team (YART) will expand its presence at the Suzuka 8 Hour to accommodate two bikes, with four Aussies getting the call-up. Timing for the season opener at the Bol d’Or restricted their participation but for round two both Broc Parkes and Josh Brookes will be in the mix, teaming up with long-time factory favourite Katsuyuki Nakasuga. Both Wayne Maxwell and Rick Olson will also return, confirmed alongside BSB talent Tommy Bridewell. Two top teams and two great opportunities for a podium place!

Could Glenn Allerton be on the grid at the Malaysian World Superbike event? It’s entirely possible, and we’ll no doubt know in just a few days if regular BMW EVO-class leader Leon Camier can return to the racetrack after the injuries sustained in England. Click here for our full story. It’s obviously a fantastic opportunity for Glenn, who has already ridden a WSBK at Phillip Island this year. It also bodes well for the future, with the opportunity, providing it comes offer, sure to open doors to the Aussie when WSBK makes its significant shift to a full field of EVO-spec machines for 2015.

Tough luck for WSBK returnee Bryan Staring who had to withdraw from the weekend’s Donington Park event after struggling with the broken arm he sustained in a cycling crash. The typically-tough Aussie fronted up for the first practice session on his new EVO-spec Grillini Kawasaki but couldn’t continue, and now has his sights set on Sepang. Here’s hoping the week off all goes well and he’s at a better level of fitness for the Malaysian event.

Source: Milwaukee Yamaha.

The iconic road racing event has kicked into gear and it’s great to see a solid mix of Aussies across the board. Best of luck and safe riding to BSB regulars Josh Brookes and David Johnson, Norton newcomer Cameron Donald plus our other bike and sidecar representatives. CycleOnline will provide regular updates on the various stages of the event as it progresses.

Finally a quick reminder that the new MRRDA Australian Junior Cup slated for 2015 will be closing off entries on 31 May. The new category, for riders aged 15-21, will see confirmed competitors provided with Motologic-prepared Honda CBR500R machines at five separate events from January to March. The all-inclusive package comes in at $20,000, a solid investment for emerging road racers. Another huge positive is the prize for the winner, an opportunity to take part in the European championship which of course supports World Superbikes at a host of rounds throughout the season. Other details can be found at www.mrrda.com.

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