Image: Foremost Media.

A refined structure at the Yamaha Racing Team has Cru Halliday motivated to contest for a maiden Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), the factory effort targeting a first premier class crown in 15 years.

Halliday, 33, has been a continual podium threat since his return to YRT in 2019, most recently finishing third in the 2021 ASBK standings.

This year marks a major shift in team dynamic for the Queensland operation, reverting back to Pirelli tyres as two-time Australian Superbike champion Mike Jones joins the squad, all of which Halliday believes are positive steps towards the team regaining championship glory.

“Yamaha really want a title and it’s about time we delivered,” Halliday told CycleOnline. “The competition is getting harder and harder every year – I’ve got a new teammate Mike Jones, he is a very good rider and he’s won two Australian titles before. The edge to try and stay ahead of him is always pushing me.

“I’m him trying to beat me is pushing him, so it’s good to have two fast riders in a team. I’m just trying to get through this weekend, it’s always close racing here and I’m glad, this is a serious year for Yamaha – it looks like they are taking it very seriously – you can already see from the results today from practice and testing.”

Yamaha last won the ASBK crown in 2007 with Jamie Stauffer, Halliday – who was second fastest in practice today at Phillip Island’s season-opening round – will be aiming to convert his podium consistency into race wins in a bid to end that drought this year.