Queenslander Robbie Baird will be looking for home town support as he attempts to take over the lead in the 2001 Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State, when the third event of this years series takes place at Queensland Raceway this weekend.

Baird, riding for Sydney based Radar’s Team Yamaha, currently lies second in the overall points, two behind teammate, New South Welshman Jamie Stauffer. The two are sure to fight out a State of Origin style battle as each strives to take full advantage and become the new King of Formula Xtreme in 2001.

“I am looking forward to this weekend as the previous meeting at Oran Park wasn’t the best for me,” said Baird. “I’ve only ridden at Queensland Raceway twice before and it will be the first time there on the Yamaha YZF R1. The circuit is a lot more difficult than people realize. Each corner has its own character and it does take awhile to get things set up so that you can do a near perfect lap. As for the opposition, it will be interesting to see how the new Suzuki’s go there as they are reported to produce quite good horsepower. But we’ll find that out soon enough.”

The Yamaha Formula Xtreme showcases Australia’s fastest and most powerful road racing sports bikes, with such machines as the Yamaha YZF R1, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Honda CBR929, Kawasaki ZX-9R and ZX-12R. The race format will see some of Australia’s best riders go head to head in four 9-lap sprint races during Sunday’s hectic race schedule which opens with the first race of the day at 10:30am.

The Queensland Raceway debut of the 2001 Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State will also bring together the country’s best young and upcoming riders. Jamie Stauffer, Craig Coxhell and Damian Cudlin are the three young guns that pilot Yamaha R1s.  

Jamie has been the most successful so far this year in Formula Xtreme and is also the oldest of the young trio at 22.  "I like the layout of the track a lot and I'm especially looking forward to racing there after my strong results at Oran Park," said Stauffer. "I had one of my best rides of last season at Queensland Raceway aboard my Yamaha YZF R6 and feel that it offers a lot of challenges to the rider. Even though I'm currently leading the points, I'll be going there with the same intention of scoring the maximum amount of points that I can. With Robbie (Baird) being a Queenslander, I'm sure that he'll be chasing the top points, but the rest of us will be keeping him honest."

But teenagers Coxhell and Cudlin have proven that they can run with anyone so it will be interesting to see which one of these young protagonists come out on top. 

In the Honda Fireblade corner all the talent is young and promising.  Alex Gobert, Luke Phillips and Josh Brookes have all proven their ability.  Josh has really come to the fore this year and recently won both legs of the Australian SuperSport Championship that was recently held at Wanneroo Raceway.  That day saw him aboard a GSX-R 600 Suzuki but young Brookes pilots a Fireblade in Formula Xtreme.

New Zealander Tony Rees is the team-mate of young Cudlin in the the Bikebiz Yamaha Team and has kept his younger rivals more than honest to sit in 3rd place in the championship. 

Not to be outdone by the Yamaha’s and Honda’s will be the Suzuki and Kawasaki front men. Graeme Morris spearheads a privateer gaggle of GSX-R 1000 Suzukis.  

Former Australian 125GP champion Jay Taylor and the powerful ZX-12R in the hands of Queensland veteran John Allen will be the Kawasaki front men.

But the 'Xtreme' races will not be the only attraction - 24 races are scheduled for Queensland Raceway this weekend.  Qualifying taking place on Saturday morning, the first of nine races that afternoon meet the starter at 1:30pm.

One of the fastest growing race categories in Australian road racing is the Honda FX Pro-Twins. Catering for two and three cylinder large capacity sports bikes, the class is brimming full of quality machines such as the Ducati 996SPS, Honda VTR SP1, Aprilia RSV Mille and the Suzuki TLR1000.

The class has attracted a full grid of over 40 entries for the weekend and is certain to thrill spectators with their unmistakable booming V Twin sound.

Joining the Yamaha Formula Xtreme and Honda FX Pro-Twins will be the Yamaha SuperSports, Gateway Formula Oz, Buell Nakedbikes and the Aprilia Challenge (round already previewed here).

Queenslander Pete Byers is the defending Buell Nakedbike Champion and is currently leading this year’s class aboard his Kawasaki ZRX1100. The wily veteran has come under attack from a number of riders such as Michael Thomas (Kawasaki ZRX1100), Evan Jones (Suzuki Bandit) and fellow Queenslander Leo Cash on the exciting new Yamaha FZ1.

Spectators on Sunday will be treated to the tyre smoking Buell Burnouts which take place during the lunch break. Open to any rider who holds a current MA Open competition licence, the Buell Burn Outs have attracted the country’s top riders to see who will walk away with the $1000 winner takes all prize. John Allen blew them away literally at Oran Park as he unleashed a massive burn out aboard his Kawasaki ZX-12R. He will be looking to take on any newcomers at his home track.  Some of the burnouts from the first round can be seen in our video section.

General admission tickets can be purchased at the circuit, with the price allowing for access to the general admission spectator areas, plus the pit area for both days racing. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 Concessions, with children under 15 free. Racing starts from 1:30pm on Saturday and 10:30am on Sunday.

Forecast for the area around Queensland Raceway for the weekend
Friday ... Dry SW change early. MAX 26 
Saturday ... Dry. MAX 24 
Sunday ... Mainly fine. MAX 25

Formula Xtreme Results from round 1
Race 1 - Race 2 - Race 3 - Race 4

Formula Xtreme Results from round 2
Race 1 - Race 2 - Race 3 - Race 4