A selection of riders detail their day at Phillip Island’s first round of the 2016 YMF Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli. Team and privateer competitors can submit comments to [email protected] prior to the Wednesday after events for inclusion in the post-event Quotebook feature.

Superbike

Image: Russell Colvin.

Troy Herfoss (Crankt Protein Honda Racing) – 4th overall:
Fourth position for the opening round of the ASBK is obviously not where wanted to start the season, but it is just the first event and we still come away with valuable points. My pace over the weekend was good on the Crankt Protein Honda and I am really looking forward to racing at my home circuit, Wakefield Park this month. A massive thanks to Crankt Protein Honda Racing for all their efforts this weekend, a great job done by all!

Jamie Stauffer (Crankt Protein Honda Racing) – 11th overall:
I feel fairly lucky to walk away after that crash although I am pretty sore. It was just unlucky that I was tucked in so close behind Troy when it happened and had no time to react. I’ll be focusing on getting my forearm looked at now and making sure I’m good to go for round two. Considering the crash, I am pleased to come away with some solid points. It’s only round one and the bike feels really good so I know we’ll come back strongly at Wakefield Park.

Wayne Maxwell (Yamaha Racing Team) – 3rd overall:
We were close every race but not close enough. Glenn rode well this weekend and deserved his win so congratulations to him. It would have been nice to pinch a race win or two but it was a good start to the year and it’s always important to get a good result at the opening round of any championship.There are a couple of things to work on before the next round but thank you to the team for what has been a busy couple weeks and we can look forward to the next round.

Glenn Allerton (Yamaha Racing Team) – 1st overall:
It is pretty amazing to think that two weeks ago we weren’t even racing here or the ASBK and now I just won the round. The late decision meant we never had any testing here but thankfully the team was able to pull together and get all three bikes where they needed to be and we put in a good YRT showing. It is also rewarding to win races like that. I had to ride at my best for every lap of every race and earn those wins. Mike, Wayne and Troy were all riding well and it became a real fight out there but it was fun and the crowd certainly got to watch some great racing. Thank you to everyone on the Yamaha Racing Team for their efforts to make this come together so quickly and having our R1’s in great shape and our team sponsors for their support.

Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team) – 9th overall:
I was determined to do better here as I have struggled in the past. It’s been a track that has always got the better of me and I’m not sure why so I came here with a really positive attitude and wanted to get off to a good start for the year. The first two races were good and I felt that there was still some room for improvement so that is also positive. In the final race I just wanted to finish the weekend strongly and gain some good points but in the hustle and bustle of the opening lap, I had a rider go down in front of me and I had no option but to run off the track to avoid him. Overall it was a better weekend here for me and I can take some confidence in those first two races.