Penrite Honda Racing press release:

Penrite Honda Racing’s Troy Herfoss has elevated himself to the top of the 2019 Australian Superbike Championship standings after securing a spectacular overall victory in round six at Phillip Island.

After posting a personal best lap-time of the grand prix circuit, the reigning champion qualified in fifth position with a 1m32.860s lap-time in Q2, granting him a second row start for Sunday’s pair of 12-lap races.

Herfoss put on an incredible display of riding across both outings today, narrowly taking runner-up honours in the opening bout.

It was a similar scenario in race two as he escaped ongoing carnage before making an impressive manoeuvre in the closing stages, crossing the chequered flag in P1 and sealing him the overall win and championship points-lead.

“This weekend has been a bit of a dream really,” said Herfoss. “I signed a new contract coming into the round and I’m so stoked to be with Honda for 2020. To come to a track that everyone thinks I can’t ride, put in one of my fastest laps, get a second, a race win, the overall and the championship lead is just incredible. When the pressure is on, funny things happen!”

It was a more challenging weekend for Penrite Honda Racing teammate Mark Chiodo, qualifying in 10th before posting a 9-DNF scorecard for 15th place overall. The Victorian currently sits 11th in the championship standings.

“I’m very happy for Troy and everyone in the team,” said team manager Shaun Clarke. “We’ve had a couple of tough rounds and no one has given up – everyone has held their heads high and pushed harder and harder, which the results have shown. Most people count Troy out at this circuit and he’s proved everyone wrong, so we look forward to the final round now.”

The next stop on the ASBK calendar is the season-finale at Sydney Motorsport Park, scheduled for 1-3 October. Herfoss will enter the weekend with a slim three-point advantage, aiming to capture a third-career premier class crown with Honda.