Features 25 Jun 2014

Cycle Central: 25

A front row view of Australian road racing, presented by Alpinestars.

It may be only mid-year but it’s crunch time for Australian road racing, in a number of senses.

This weekend we see the on-track action reignite with the third round of the Swann Series at Queensland Raceway in Ipswich. Fan of the basic layout or not, you’d have to agree that it produces some fantastic racing, proof of which can be found over countless previous seasons.

QR has been a common inclusion on the calendars of both national series for several seasons so, unlike the previous rounds, there is no real unknown for any rider coming in. The tests organised prior showed that the pace will be hot, and this will undoubtedly convert to a handful of close and entertaining races.

Picking a favourite is tough. The depth and breadth of talent is greater than we’ve seen at this venue for many years, and while you have to favour the factory teams, writing any of the privateers off is done at your peril.

Image: Keith Muir.

Image: Keith Muir.

The man with the biggest target on his back will be Wayne Maxwell, if only to stop his barnstorming run. Wayne scooped the pool at Mallala and will be a force to be reckoned with again this weekend.

In the Yamaha camp Robbie Bugden has been quick in testing and, combined with the home track advantage, will be certain to take it to Honda.

Glenn Allerton toughed it out at Mallala after riding with the aftereffects of knee surgery, but should be back to his customary best for round three. This circuit will suit the BMW and Allerton is hungry for wins, so we’re looking forward to seeing the result.

Mike Jones is another home favourite who could challenge, though he’s had his own share of setbacks with a wrist injury sustained in training just after Mallala. The only real cost of this has been the testing time, so here’s hoping it doesn’t affect his progress to much as there will be plenty of home support for him on the sidelines.

Like the Superbikes, the Supersport boys will have a close battle, and you’d expect that once again the fight for the top spot will be between the usual protagonists of Callum Spriggs, Daniel Falzon, Aiden Wagner and Aaron Morris.

As usual there’s too many top riders and classes to mention in too much detail. Make sure if you can’t get to the track you’re following the progress of these guys on the live feed.

Yesterday it was good to get a range of thoughts from Terry O’Neill, both on the health of the Swann Series and comment on the sport in general. One thing that must be underlined that Terry pointed out is that time is of the essence for the sport as it faces a series of significant decisions about its future.

Image: Keith Muir.

Image: Keith Muir.

The Swann Series will push on regardless of what happens, but Motorcycling Australia’s championship is at a critical crossroads where a decision needs to be made.

At the end of it all, the opinions and requirements of the competitors should the priority, first and foremost. There’s no point in forging forward with something if you don’t have the support or confidence of the competitor, that’s a surefire way to stamp out any remaining embers before the fire even gets going.

We’ll look forward to any news or announcements on the sport’s domestic future in the next month or so.

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