Image: Keith Muir.

Crankt Protein Honda Racing’s Troy Herfoss has confirmed he will use the number one plate he earned last year when defending the YMF Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) crown in 2017.

Multi-time national champion Herfoss didn’t have the opportunity to wear number one after claiming the Australian Supersport Championship in 2010 or the Australasian Superbike Championship in 2015, but this time continuity provides that chance.

“Growing up, always watching Mick Doohan race with number one, it’s something you work really hard to get so I want to enjoy it while I’ve got it,” commented Herfoss, who will trade his customary 17 for the season ahead. “The only chance I’ve had was in 2010, I wrapped up the series with a race to go, so in race two I got to use number one.

“I got the win in race two using the number one in Tassie that year, so that sort of removes any superstitions for me. It will be exciting and I’ve always wanted it – I think if you get the number one, you should be proud of it and definitely use it. It’s nice to have 17 as my regular number, but you’d be mad not to use one when you have it!”

And despite the likes of Repsol Honda’s reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez – and many more past or present champions globally – opting to remain with their usual numbers after winning titles, Herfoss sees added value in the single digit option to denote champion status.

“The team and I know that there is value in the number one and the sponsors like it as well,” he added. “I signed my contract the earliest I ever have, so I guess having the number one added a little bit of value on that end. It’s been nice really, signing my deal a few months early this year.”

Herfoss’ ASBK championship defence will begin in earnest at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit’s opening round of 2017 alongside the Yamaha Finance round of World Superbikes on 24-26 February.