News 15 Sep 2017

ASBK legend Giles amazed by depth of current generation

Former champion speaks out on the current crop of domestic talent.

Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

Multi-time Australian champion Shawn Giles has been vastly impressed by the depth of competition in the the 2017 YMF Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), as the title goes down to the wire for a second season in a row.

The ASBK legend, who’s title-winning Suzuki race bikes were on display last weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park’s penultimate round, spoke of the competitiveness in the series, stating that it’s special to see the top group of riders all within a narrow margin of each other.

“The competitiveness of the championship is unreal,” Giles told CycleOnline.com.au. “To see that many bikes on the grid for the Superbikes is fantastic – a full grid basically. The fight for the championship with Troy [Herfoss], Josh [Waters] and Wayne [Maxwell] is so close.

“I think it’s going to be a tough battle, but to see the points where they are at the last race today here at Sydney Motorsport Park, it’s a bloody awesome, awesome thing. To see the top 10 riders all [lapping] within a second, that’s pretty special.”

Since retiring at the beginning of the 2011 season, Giles has been a strong ambassador of the Suzuki brand after spending the last decade of his Superbike career aboard GSX-R machinery domestically. Naturally, his alliance sits with 2009 and 2012 title winner Waters when selecting his favourite for this year’s crown.

“Come Phillip Island, the last round, I think it’s going to be anyone’s to win, but if I could pick a favourite I’d have to say Josh on the Suzuki,” he added. “The GSX-R is always fast at Phillip Island, weather-permitting and so-forth on the day. You can never count Troy or Wayne out, for that matter, so it’s going to be fantastic to witness.”

The final round of the ASBK series is scheduled for 6-8 October at the world-famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Victoria, where Herfoss, Waters and Maxwell will fight for the premier class title as just 15 points separates the trio.

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