The seventh round of the 2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) presented by Motul Pirelli is set for the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Victoria this weekend. CycleOnline.com.au previews what’s to come when the lights go out.

Image: Keith Muir.

Round location

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Back Beach Rd
Phillip Island, VIC

Circuit facts

Length: 4.445 kilometres

Turns: 12
Superbike lap record: Wayne Maxwell 1m32.316s
Supersport lap record: Bryan Staring 1m35.200s

Event entry

Single-day (available at gate):
Adults $20
Concession $15
15 years and under free

Two-day (available at gate):
Adults $30
Concession $25
15 years and under free

Results/Live timing

Available via Computime website

Schedule

Rider lists

Superbike:

Supersport:

Supersport 300:

R3 Cup:

Moto3/125GP:

Superbike predictions

First:
Wayne Maxwell – We’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a ‘win or bin’ approach for the 2013 champion on Sunday and, considering his history at Phillip Island, we’re tipping he will get the job done for the round. Will it be enough to win the title? At 15 points behind going in, he’s going to require a few cards to fall his way and that’s not always happened for the 47, however never say never.

Second:
Troy Herfoss – The general train of thought is that Herfoss will be challenging for victory this weekend and, rather than sitting on the fence, we’re going to predict that he places second overall to successfully defend his title in a mega send-off for Paul Free. This is the biggest advantage he’s had going into the decider yet and it may well be enough for the crown. That said, he wants to do the double and clinch the title in style if he can.

Third:
Josh Waters – If there is anyone who is going to blow this claim out of the ‘Waters’ – pun intended – it’s Josh. This year it’s been a case of when he’s on, he’s on, but that’s not been guaranteed at all rounds. Still, the Island should suit the GSX-R1000R and there’s every chance he can dominate both races to snatch the crown, but we’re not 100 percent certain on that going into the weekend.

Watch for:
Daniel Falzon, Glenn Allerton, Bryan Staring, Cru Halliday, Robbie Bugden

2017 calendar:

Rd1 – 23-26 February – Phillip Island, VIC (WorldSBK)
Rd2 – 17-19 March – Wakefield Park, NSW
Rd3 – 28-30 April – Winton, VIC
Rd4 – 7-9 July – Hidden Valley, NT
Rd5 – 25-27 August – Morgan Park, QLD
Rd6 – 8-10 September – Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW
Rd7 – 6-8 October – Phillip Island, VIC