Image: Russell Colvin.

Words: Russell Colvin

Three-time Australian superbike champion Glenn Allerton made his long awaited return to the race track yesterday after being sidelined for the past two rounds of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) with multiple injuries sustained in a motocross training accident.

The Next Gen Motorsports team rider was testing on Monday at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit ahead of the seventh and final round of the ASBK championship, which takes place on the second weekend of October.

As expected, the 37-year-old, who now sits in ninth place in the championship fight with 124 points to his name, was always going to have to get his head around the speed of the German machine and the fast and flowing 4.445-kilometre seaside circuit.

“I kind of expected that these two days were always going to be a challenge in terms of my neck muscles,” Allerton explained.
“My neck strength is something I have to work on, but you can’t really work on it until you come and ride the bike.”

Allerton’s lap-times were still respectable in his first hit out yesterday, and they were also quite promising. Allerton honestly believes that he is further ahead than what he thought he would be, which is very positive sign for the BMW ace, who’ll continue testing today at the Victorian venue.

“I’m just looking forward to riding the bike for a few more days before round seven of the ASBK championship and getting more comfortable,” he continued. “It’s all about getting the most of the rear shock, as I feel that it could be a bit better. We’ll keep working on that area and I believe we will get a good setting.”

The Australian Superbike Championship will visit Phillip Island on 12-14 October, where the fight for second in the standings continues with the crown already wrapped up Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda Racing).