Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

Newly-crowned Australian Superbike champion Troy Herfoss will defend his crown in 2017 after revealing to CycleOnline.com.au that he has re-signed with Crankt Protein Honda Racing.

Herfoss, now 29 years of age, first formed an alliance with the Motologic-owned factory Honda outfit in 2014 when he initially joined in a satellite role.

A replacement ride for then team regular Josh Hook in the opening round of the Australasian Superbike Championship resulted in Herfoss being drafted in fulltime alongside existing trio Hook, Wayne Maxwell and Jamie Stauffer.

Upon return to racing after spending 2013 on the sidelines, Herfoss went on to finish third in the ASC standings and then won it in 2015. He repeated that championship success in 2016 as Honda’s official effort reverted back to the ASBK.

“Growing up it’s always your dream to ride for Honda – when I was a kid I used to watch Mick Doohan go around and I wanted to ride for Honda,” Herfoss said. “2017 will be my fourth year with Honda, I’m signed up, I’m sealed and I’m ready to go.

“I enjoy the relationship I have got and I have always been that sort of guy that enjoys being with the same team. If we can build this relationship I think we will be harder and harder to beat.”

Next season will also see Herfoss take on the challenge of developing the brand new 2017 Honda CBR1000RR in ASBK trim, which will be the first time for him racing a new model. The updated bike’s arrival date is yet to be confirmed.

“I haven’t really been involved with a new model before, so I’m glad I’ve got a few years’ experience now with this bike,” he continued. “That’s something that’ll keep us motivated, we’ll be going for another championship and winning races.

“I know they had a lot of success with this model with Glenn [Allerton], who took out the 2008 championship, so high expectations and we are definitely looking forward to riding the new bike.”

Herfoss still has the desire to go on to be Superbike World Champion in his career, however after a difficult experience racing in Europe during 2012, he is adamant he will remain in Australia unless an opportunity with a top international team arises.

“It gives me a funny feeling when I get asked that question,” Herfoss added. “I think deep down I really want to be Superbike world champion, but in this day and age it’s really difficult to get into a competitive team.

“I reevaluated things when I started racing again, I feel at home with Honda and the racing is really tough and I can make a living here in Australia, so for me unless Ten Kate Honda are knocking on my door and I’m going to a factory Superbike, which is a pretty high ask, I’m staying right where I am.”

Honda hasn’t officially announced its 2017 roster, with speculation at Winton mounting over the weekend that this could be Stauffer’s last on the factory-supported Fireblade alongside Herfoss – his potential replacement not yet indicated.