Features 28 Jun 2018

Top 10: Darwin ASBK talking points

Talking points ahead of this weekend's fourth round of ASBK.

The Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) returns to action this weekend at Hidden Valley Raceway in the Northern Territory following a lengthy break in the series. It’s one of the most anticipated rounds of the year, so we’ve narrowed down 10 talking points ahead of the fourth stop.

Image: Marc Jones (Foremost Media).

1. Herfoss the man to beat:
With a 19.5-point lead in the championship and two overall victories to his credit this season, Penrite Honda Racing’s Troy Herfoss is the man to beat this weekend in Darwin. The former champion in riding on a wave of confidence, and despite the Honda outfit being pieced together just this year, the combination is proving to be fruitful.

2. Critical turning point for Waters:
Defending ASBK champion Josh Waters is in desperate need to turn his season around, and if there’s one venue on the calendar that he can get it done, it’s Hidden Valley. In his last two appearances at the Top End circuit, the Team Suzuki Ecstar rider has dominated proceedings.

3. Time’s now for Maxwell:
Yamaha Racing Team’s Wayne Maxwell sits second in the standings, however the time is now if he wants to put a stop on Herfoss’ run to the title. Maxwell has been ultra-consistent in the opening three rounds, although a victory this weekend could catapult his bid for another premier class crown.

4. Bayliss’ urge for victory:
Three-time world superbike champion Troy Bayliss has been extremely vocal on his desire to win on return to racing in the ASBK, and the ‘veteran’ rider has been nothing short of competitive so far. Taking a liking to Hidden Valley, the DesmoSport Ducati contender is a strong chance to stand atop the podium come Sunday.

5. Darwin heat:
While the rest of Australia freezes through winter, Darwin’s temperatures will be a shock to the system for much of the ASBK paddock. The weekend’s forecast is anticipating to reach 33 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday, which has the potential to not only have on effect on the riders, but also the race machines themselves.

Image: Marc Jones (Foremost Media).

6. Scott’s ASBK return:
Following a stint of international racing, Glenn Scott will be making his return to the domestic championship in Kawasaki-backed effort. It’s hard to say where the New South Welshman will stack up in the talented field, although we’re expecting him to mix it up towards the pointy end.

7. Falzon’s rise:
Daniel Falzon has gradually been rising in the 2018 championship since signing with the factory-backed Yamaha Racing Team, scoring a podium at his home round in South Australia. Falzon was blistering quick at Hidden Valley in 2017, claiming pole before his weekend took a dramatic turn. We bet he’s looking to make amends this weekend!

8. Halliday vs Toparis:
The Supersport category has been fiercely competitive between front-runners Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team) and Tom Toparis (Cube Racing) – Toparis dominated the season-opener, while Halliday returned serve with commanding performances at rounds two and three. Halliday controls the points, so it’s go time for Toparis to make a move, although it certainly won’t come easy for the youthful talent.

9. Double-duty for Epis:
Former World Supersport Championship regular Lachlan Epis is making his way back down under for Darwin’s fourth stop and he’s taking on double-duties with privateer entries for both Superbike and Supersport classes. It’s not the first time Epis has done the double – last year he lined up at Morgan Park in the Superbike and Supersport 300 categories.

10. Race Center bolsters Levy:
Yamaha privateer Mitch Levy is anticipating a competitive weekend ahead after enlisting the backing of Race Center, who’s set to deliver the 23-year-old with technical support. With improved electronics and further developments made with his YZF-R1, keep an eye out for Levy as he endeavours to creep inside the top 10.

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