Image: Foremost Media.

A fast start from the second row of the grid saw Glenn Allerton fire as high as second position, the GT Racing Team rider stating post-race one at Hidden Valley that he thought he ‘was in the box seat to win’ during the early stages.

The three-time Mi-Bike Australian Superbike (ASBK) champion was right on the tail of pole-setter Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) for the opening three laps, beginning the fourth circuit just 0.125s behind the eventual race-winner.

Waters then posted two laps under the previous race lap record, his best being a 1m05.320s, which saw him break away from those behind as Allerton dropped to fourth in the laps that followed.

Not giving up, Allerton clawed his way back inside the top three and made a decisive move past reigning champion Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) with three laps to go to secure P3.

“It was a good showing for us, the start of the race I actually thought I was in the box seat to win the race because I could match Josh [Waters] whenever he pushed, I could catch him,” Allerton explained.

“Once the tyre wear came into it and we were slipping and sliding a bit, he just got a gap on me and I kind of got balked a bit when Troy [Herfoss] passed me, Mike [Jones] sort of shuffled me wide and pushed me out. I lost a heap of time, so to come back and get third, I’m really happy for the GT Racing Team, a big thank you to everyone who supports me and helps put this together.

“It’s been a rough couple of weeks with some transitioning within the team, something that nobody wants to go through but I’m just happy with the direction we are going and looking forward to the next race.”

Two races remain for the fourth round of the 2023 ASBK Championship at Hidden Valley, both 16-laps and will take place tomorrow in Darwin.