Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

Penrite Honda Racing’s Troy Herfoss says tyre management at The Bend Motorsport Park will be critical this weekend when the YMF Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) makes its return to South Australia.

With Motorcycling Australia (MA) race direction increasing the tyre allocation by one in both the Superbike and Supersport categories for round three, tyre life has been recognised as key on the abrasive new 4.95-kilometre International Circuit configuration.

The ER Motorsport-operated organisation took part in an important two-day test at Tailem Bend earlier this month, where Herfoss was able to post the fastest lap-time on day one and wound up second on the charts with a 1m54.030s – just 0.010s from overall pace-setter Wayne Maxwell (Yamaha Racing Team).

“In terms of testing here, it went well for us – in general we were always quick and had good track speed,” Herfoss said. “I was able to go fast when I wanted to go fast, so we just have to manage the tyres and everyone is in the same boat. The track is unbelievable, world-class and one of the best tracks that I have ever ridden on, so we look forward to the race weekend now.”

After winning Wakefield Park’s second round in March, Herfoss holds a 10-point advantage in the standings entering round three, which will feature as a unique double-header event alongside the prestigious Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC).

“The Penrite Honda Racing team and I are feeling good heading into round three this weekend,” he added. “We had a good test here at The Bend Motorsport Park two weeks ago and, on top of that, we have had race wins at the opening two rounds with the overall at Wakefield Park, which sees us leading the championship.

“Everything is moving in the right direction and the Honda CBR1000RR SP is getting better and better. The guys have been doing a lot of work back at the workshop and we feel like that things are progressing well for us.”