Image: Russell Colvin.

The new-look factory Penrite Honda Racing team has officially debuted at Phillip Island this morning, with sole rider Troy Herfoss topping the opening session of 2018 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) testing.

Under the ownership of former Superbike privateer Deon Coote – who fielded Josh Brookes as a World Superbike wildcard in Australia last year – the Victorian-based team picks up where the Paul Free-led Team Honda Racing organisation left off after its closure last year.

Herfoss has carried out a number of private tests with the team on the CBR1000RR SP2 during the off-season, but today is the first official appearance for him in Penrite Honda Racing colours, still paired with longtime Honda ASBK technician turned team manager Shaun Clarke. One of the major changes for the season ahead is the switch from Ohlins to K-Tech Suspension front (internals) and rear.

“It feels really good to be back out on track with the Penrite Honda Racing team,” Herfoss told CycleOnline.com.au. “All the guys have been working so hard. Obviously it’s a completely new team and the Honda CBR1000RR SP2s went together late in race-trim. The bike is a lot different, as every other year we have had similar bikes, however we trying a lot of different stuff this year and it’s really exciting.

“So far the bike is feeling good. In the first session just then, not a lot of effort went in to get out there, and the bike felt comfortable straight away. It’s important to get the mind back into gear, because we have a few big months ahead with World Superbikes and I want to do a good job, so it’s very, very important two days for the team and I.”

Penrite’s title sponsorship sees the Australian-owned oil brand’s association with Honda’s racing program strengthened, also the primary supporter of Yarrive Konsky’s MX Nationals and Australian Supercross Championship team that won the SX1 crown with Justin Brayton last year. It’s also naming-rights backer of the Penrite CRF Honda Racing motocross and supercross satellite team.

Herfoss led the way in the first official ASBK session, posting a 1m34.213s lap-time in 11 laps, placing him 0.214s ahead of Wayne Maxwell (Yamaha Racing Team) and defending champion Josh Waters (Team Suzuki Ecstar). The return of Troy Bayliss (DesmoSport Ducati) went relatively smooth, seventh on the charts and 1.285s from Herfoss.