Image: Keith Muir.

It was a baptism of fire for DesmoSport Ducati’s Callum Spriggs in his YMF Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) debut at Phillip Island, but he proved he has plenty of potential in the top ranks.

The 22-year-old Spriggs experienced troubles in Friday’s lone qualifying session and was forced to start from a lowly 36th on the grid in all three races.

After finishing 18th in Saturday’s opening bout, Spriggs battled on today aboard the 1299 Panigale S to register a DNF and 16th-place result. The non-finish came due to a shift-lever bolt that worked its way loose in the closing laps of race two.

Despite the difficulties he faced this weekend, an inspired ride in the thrilling two-part final race saw him gain a boost of confidence that will work into his favour as his maiden season rolls on.

“It was a good weekend and I learned a lot,” Spriggs reflected. “It was a good experience and, although so much was happening, I feel like I was riding pretty good. DesmoSport Ducati worked hard all weekend and I really appreciate those guys for all the effort.

“Even though it wasn’t to be my weekend, I had a strong last race and battled with some of the rookies from back there on the grid, so that’s what I wanted to do. I definitely got more comfortable on the Ducati in the races, got into a rhythm and I’m happy to finish the round like that.”

DesmoSport Ducati team co-owner Ben Henry said Spriggs put forward an impressive showing regardless of the challenges he faced. Fellow co-owner and three-time WorldSBK champion Troy Bayliss was likewise satisfied with Spriggs’ debut.

“Qualifying didn’t go to plan and the way it worked out with a single session, we got what we got,” Henry explained. “We were too far back on the grid to really make an impact, but it was good to see Cal work his way forward and he rode well – I was really happy with how he handled it. The potential’s definitely there and I feel like as the year goes on, we will see him closer and closer to the front.”

Bayliss added: “We’re happy to be here at round one of the ASBK, alongside WorldSBK, showing our new colours of DesmoSport Ducati and getting Callum out there for his first experience racing the bike. He’s had a bit of a hard weekend, having to start a long way back on the grid, but he showed good potential and came through nicely. It’s not a progressive grid this weekend, so we’ll take it in our stride, and Cal did a really good job.”