Their entry was lodged, a newly-assembled Ducati V4 R is on location at Phillip Island, and all systems were effectively go. Until they weren’t. As a result, the planned Troy Herfoss/Penrite Racing SBK reunion hasn’t eventuated in time for this weekend’s opening round of ASBK 2025 and may not actually proceed at all.

While it was never formally launched or even announced, it wasn’t really a secret that triple national Superbike champion Herfoss would be teaming up with Deon Coote’s Penrite-backed ER Motorsports organisation in a deal that was also connected to Ben Henry’s DesmoSport team. A team within a team, if you will.

Image: Russell Colvin.

However, it’s since become evident late this week that 38-year-old Herfoss and Coote never actually came to an agreement and – just days out from their first scheduled appearance together within the intriguing new structure – it doesn’t appear they were able to find a solution that worked for both sides in the end.

Neither Herfoss or Coote have been forthcoming on any specific information and both were reluctant to comment on the record, but it’s evident that there is a point of contention on the subject. What’s more, those who have put in the effort behind the scenes, and for those supporting the program commercially, it’s a disaster.

Image: Foremost Media.

Instead, it’s understood that the Penrite Racing SBK V4 R will instead be on display at the expo throughout the weekend, while Herfoss will now shift his immediate focus on the upcoming MotoAmerica ‘King of the Baggers’ opener with Indian at Daytona, where he commences his title defence in what is a far more lucrative prospect than any opportunity within the ASBK paddock presents.

What next for the team, then? It’s unclear. There was a brief consideration to call in somebody else at late notice – even potentially a rider from overseas – and it’s not completely case-closed that we see Coote figure things out with Herfoss. After all, they do have an exceptional history together as 2018 and 2023 champions when partnered with Honda.

Image: Foremost Media.

Last year saw Herfoss complete a partial ASBK schedule with DesmoSport Ducati locally in between his American exploits with reasonable success, including winning the final race of the season at The Bend. The added support of ER Motorsports, complete with Penrite’s involvement, would have been a competitive combination, even if the inner-workings of the collaboration between all associated in the project never was clear.

The fact is, and although we are still left to connect the dots at this point, nobody wins from this unexpected standoff. Penrite Racing SBK and Herfoss never were planning on contesting all eight rounds due to his US commitments, but Phillip Island on World Superbike weekend had firmly been pencilled in by all accounts. If only they’d worked out the most important aspect to begin with – to ensure there was a rider locked in to steer the bike.