DesmoSport Ducati press release:
Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) premier class rookie Corey Turner found his stride in race two today at Sydney Motorsport Park’s sixth round of the series thanks to pivotal decisions made by the DesmoSport Ducati team.
The 19-year-old talent displayed impressive form to cross the line in eighth place during the final race of the day following a more challenging opening affair, where he finished 10th aboard the 1299 Panigale S.
“In race one I struggled a lot, because we did make a little change before the warm-up and it worked with the used tyres on, but then we threw the new set on and we just struggled all race,” said Turner.
“We ended up going back to our qualifying set-up for race two and it was a lot better. My start wasn’t great, but I slowly found my feet and we actually caught back up to that final podium place group and we closed the gap right up.”
Turner eventually claimed eighth in the second encounter despite a late issue under braking and he remains positive heading to Phillip Island’s final round after finishing eighth overall as the top of the rookies once again this afternoon.
“It was a bit of a disappointment because I do feel like we were in the mix for a good result in race two,” he added. “Anyway, we still bagged some points and I’m really looking forward to Phillip Island.”
DesmoSport Ducati team co-owner and manager Ben Henry leaves Sydney Motorsport Park satisfied with the strong race speed shown by their latest team addition during today’s two-race format.
“Today was a bit mixed, we sort of rolled the dice in the first race and it didn’t turn out, but that’s racing,” Henry commented. “In the second race, we went a bit more conventional and we were a lot better for sure in that one.
“I’m happy that Corey showed he has the pace to get on the box and considering he had never raced here before, it’s a credit to him because the field is really strong. I don’t think today’s results show the potential we had and that’s racing sometimes – the bikes are straight, the kid’s happy and we’re looking forward to the next one.”
With one round remaining on the 2017 ASBK schedule, Turner remains leading rookie in the championship and currently sits eighth on the points ladder ahead of Phillip Island’s final round on 6-8 October. Visit www.asbk.com.au for further information on the series.
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