The 2024 Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) fired back into action at the famous Phillip Island circuit over the weekend and we’ve compiled comments from a number of different riders to see how their weekends went for this Quotebook feature.

Superbike

Image: Foremost Media.

Troy Herfoss (DesmoSport Ducati) – Third: 
I never thought I could have a weekend like that at Phillip Island. I’ve improved my PB lap time by more than 1.5 seconds on Ben’s bike and leave with three podiums, which is just incredible to think about. We were challenging at the front and I’m really grateful to both DesmoSport for the opportunity and my team in the US for allowing me to ride the bike. I head straight to Miami speedway to begin preparing for King of the Bagger in Daytona in a few weeks, and I’m excited for the year ahead!

Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) – Sixth: 
It was a good weekend for us to open the championship. We’ve made some steps forward as a team and I’m feeling really confident in my ability to be racing for wins this season. Unfortunately for me, my best feeling on the bike all weekend was in the final race, and after being shortened, I didn’t really get a chance to show that. I leave the weekend sixth in the championship, but with some direction on making even more improvements between now and Sydney next month.

Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) – Seventh: 
I actually like this track, but I have struggled here a bit in terms of results. I have definitely improved, and my laps show I have gotten better every time we race here, but there is still so more improvements to be made here and myself and the team will continue to work through them. I like that the next round isn’t far away as I’m desperate to get back on the track and make up for this weekend, so I’m already looking forward to SMSP and getting back up the front where I should be.

Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team) – Fourth: 
There was a lot going on over the weekend on the track with every race having some issues. The shocking start in race one was on me, I simply wasn’t ready and missed the jump. Race two was good and I really liked the fact there was so much passing going on. I felt I had a real chance of getting the win in that one but just passed the halfway point, I ran wide in a turn, and it caused me to drop a couple of spots. It then took me two laps to get those back and that time could have been put into passing front guys. Race three was over before it started when the oil went down, and it was the right call to me. There was a lot down over a 300-metre area and on a high-speed section directly on the race line. So, all up, I’m a little frustrated with the result, but think we have what it takes to fight for the championship this year.

Max Stauffer (Penrite Racing SBK) – Ninth:
Certainly not the weekend I was looking for overall. Friday threw its challenges and then the crash in Qualifying on Saturday morning hampered my chances of a competitive grid position. Starting back in the third row wasn’t ideal and made life tough in the races, given the strength and depth of talent in ASBK at the moment. The first two races were a struggle with a few mistakes on my behalf but in the last race we made some good steps forward and I was chasing down the top guys. I’m so thankful for such a great team and for having Penrite Racing behind me, I can’t wait to continue into the season and look forward to Sydney.

Cameron Dunker (Penrite Racing SBK) – Eighth:
It was a good weekend overall, but I didn’t qualify the greatest and we had a few things to sort out with the bike set-up on Friday. We made some good steps forward though through the weekend and I learnt a lot so I’m really happy with how the weekend went, the racing was so good. I’d also like to thank the whole team for all their help this weekend. We’re a new team for this season and I think we all worked really well together. I’m proud that we are on this new level and I can’t wait for the rounds ahead, I don’t know what to expect but it’s going to be good!

Glenn Allerton (GT Racing Team BMW) – 11th:
It was great to have the new team together and the bike and staff all worked flawlessly all weekend. A spiral fracture to my right fibula and lots of bruising and swelling in my left knee is never ideal for racing but with points on the line I decided to push through. Big thanks also to Mark at Race Safe for the Physio treatment in between sessions to keep me going.

Supersport

Image: Foremost Media.

Marcus Chiodo (Honda) – Eighth:
It’s been a tough road leading up to the first round, but everyone has put in tremendous effort, and Honda has been incredibly supportive. We had to pull everything together quickly, and I was also dealing with an injury that affected my braking capabilities. Despite the obstacles, we’ve learned a great deal, gathered valuable data, and although our results may not fully reflect it, we’ve made significant strides forward. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.

Jonathon Nahlous (Yamaha) – First:
It couldn’t have been much better. We went into the weekend expecting and hoping for a top-five, so to take away the win like that, and pole position and three race wins, like that was unbelievable. Obviosuly a really great way to start the year. Hopefully we can keep that momentum going to Eastern Creek.

Olly Simpson (Yamaha) – Second:
P2 overall and a big bag of points for me in the first round of the ASBK championship. Such a fun weekend at one of the best circuits in the world. Track was fast and so were the times! Took a while to get the bike setup with the new surface but the last two races got handling sweet. Just a couple little issues I have to work on for the next round, but really happy start to the season.

Tom Bramich (Yamaha) – Fourth:
Tough first weekend back on the bike. After a really hard race one and two I managed to put myself back on the podium in race three with a second place. The team vibes were high all weekend and I’m super excited to bring it all together for round two in March.

Marcus Hamod (Honda) – Fifth:
Absolutely stoked with the results this weekend. Top-10 on my 600 debut was the goal and we did even better! Forever grateful to have my team Moto City Australia and my family back at home for the support. With the help of my team and sponsors, I believe we are going to have a strong season this year.