Image: Russell Colvin.

Team Honda Racing riders Wayne Maxwell and Troy Herfoss say they are ready for the challenge that lies ahead, as round four of the 2014 Swann Insurance Australasian Superbike Championship commences at Winton this weekend.

Both riders took the time to pass thought on what lies ahead on a technical track at Winton, made even tougher by the unpredictable weather conditions.

Speaking ahead of qualifying on Friday, Maxwell said that the Victorian weather shouldn’t have an affect on how he plans to ride this weekend.

“It’s a bit cold but it’s Victoria in winter! Winton is a technical track but it’s the same for everyone and I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” Motul-backed Maxwell said. “At the moment the weather is playing a little bit of havoc, but the forecast does look good and you can’t ask for to much more at this time of the year in Victoria.

“I’m fairly confident – we have a strong team with four strong riders and all of us are pushing each other along. If you’re having a bad day there are three other guys who are going to have a good day so there are no excuses.”

Herfoss is looking to capitilise on a good recent run of form, and said he will be hoping to do well despite being unfamiliar with the Winton circuit.

“It’s all a bit new to me here, but I’ve had a good run at Queensland and have gained more riding at Suzuka which was good, so I feel like we could be very competitive,” Herfoss said. “The bike feels really good here and with the conditions being pretty sketchy, you need to just play it smart.

“For me I have only been here the one time at the start of 2009 so it’s pretty new for me and I haven’t ridden a Superbike here. It would be good to get some track time but for us it is just a matter of being patient, making the most of the track when the weather is dry, and making sure that come Sunday morning I am ready to race.”

Maxwell and Herfoss currently sit second and third in the standings, behind teammate Jamie Stauffer.