Image: Russell Colvin.

The Australian Supersport and Superbike classes were the first bikes to hit the track this morning, as the sun shined down on the stunning Phillip Island circuit, setting the scene for what is set to be one huge 2015 Pramac Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

With thousands flooding through the gates at Phillip Island, spectators rushed to get trackside, as the screams of road bike engines brought the iconic venue to life for the first time.

When the Australian Superbike class headed out for their 20-minute qualifying session, riders were forced to contend with changing weather conditions, with rain falling only a short time prior to riders entering the Phillip Island circuit.

However the weather proved to be a non-issue for Team Honda Racing, with two of the top four qualifying positions secured by Honda mounted athletes. Topping Superbike qualifying was Troy Herfoss, who put down a 1m33.173s lap time ahead of teammate Jamie Stauffer, while Yamaha’s Glenn Allerton secured third position over teammate Wayne Maxwell.

When the first lot of racing got underway this afternoon, the hype in the paddock was electric with the MotoGP bikes wowing the crowds in their free practice sessions, and setting the scene for the first Superbike race for the day.

When the eight-lap race kicked off it was Team Honda Racing’s Stauffer who narrowly took the first race win for the weekend in spectacular fashion. Edging out the likes of Yamaha-mounted Allerton and Australian Outdoor Living Cube Racing Team’s Mike Jones on the last lap, Stauffer won while Allerton and Jones concluded the race in second and third places respectively.

“It was certainly a great race,” Stauffer said. “I had great pace and I noticed that Glenn was losing grip so I made a big dive under him on the last corner. Thanks to Honda for providing a great bike, and it’s nice to have the early bragging rights.”

In the Australian Supersport class it was Yamaha’s Michael Blair who topped qualifying with a flying lap time of 1m37.208s ahead of Callum Spriggs (Yamaha), who concluded the 20 minute session in second and Mitch Levy (Yamaha).

When the Supersport class took to the track for their opening race, all eyes were on the grid, as the final race of the day took place in surprisingly sunny conditions. Taking advantage of the weather reprieve was this morning’s faster qualifier Blair.

Blair managing to clinch his first race win of the weekend ahead of Kane Burns (Suzuki) and Spriggs, who ended the race in second and third positions respectively.

Riders in the Superbike and Supersport classes will hit the track for race two, when action kicks off tomorrow morning at the 2015 Pramac Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Click here for detailed results