News 9 Aug 2022

Race two lead another milestone in Herfoss comeback

Progress continues for two-time ASBK champion in charge to top.

Image: Foremost Media.

Getting to the lead in race two at Morgan Park marked another step in the comeback of Troy Herfoss, with the Penrite Honda Racing rider delivering a solid weekend at round five of the 2022 Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) to finish equal on points with third overall.

From sixth on the grid, Herfoss was inside the top three by lap six in the opening race. By that stage, race leader Wayne Maxwell was 3.5 seconds up the road, but the number 17 was able to manage the gap behind to Broc Pearson and secure P3.

In race two, Herfoss – again equipped with the softer Pirelli rear tyre option – swiftly reduced the deficit to the leaders and set the fastest lap of the race of a 1.12.674s, narrowly missing his own race lap record set in 2018.

After getting to the lead, the former ASBK champion suffered in the closing stages and crossed the line P5, landing him fifth overall for the round on countback, equal on 34 points with Bryan Staring in third and Pearson fourth.

“The second race was so much fun, I got a bad start and we had good speed,” Herfoss explained to CycleOnline. “In race one I sort of was a bit too cautious, so in race two I thought I would try and get to the front, and see if I can control it.

“Unfortunately, we went the wrong way with tyres, what worked for us in race one didn’t work for us in race two, but I’m really happy to get to the front of the race and experience what it is like to lead a race again –  I think it is the first time leading a race since my accident.

“Another little milestone in the recovery, and I think we are clear-cut fourth in the championship now and making those small steps forward back to the front of the race.”

Race two on Sunday was the first time Herfoss has led an ASBK race since his heavy fall in Darwin, last year, where he sustained multiple compound fractures and breaks in the lower half of his body. The latest milestone in his comeback followed an emotional return to the podium at Hidden Valley earlier in the season.

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