MotoGP 2005 - Phillip Island - Australian Support Events

Joe Rocket Honda’s Josh Brookes proved once again that he is the master of Australia’s ‘favourite’ road racing circuit after winning five out of the six support races in which he competed at last weekend’s 15th round of the MotoGP.

Not content with just a whitewash of the Australian Superbike class, Brookes also set a new lap record in the process, firstly in race one with a 1:35 flat which he then smashed in race two with a speedy 1:34.763, a time that would have put him on the MotoGP grid. Brookes’ new lap record replaces that of Jamie Stauffer’s set some six months ago.

The 22 year old New South Welshman was clearly in top form for the entirety of the proceedings; and save a coming together with team mate Adam Fergusson at the notorious MG corner that brought them both down momentarily in Supersport race three, the young gun had an otherwise unblemished record for the entire meeting.

“I had a great time this weekend. Even though there wasn’t the pressure of trying to get the points on the board, the racing was just as full-on as it always is at the Championship rounds.”

“The circuit was absolutely beautiful this weekend. Conditions were perfect, my bike set-up was awesome and I felt 100% physically and mentally. If every race weekend could be like that, I’d be a happy man,” he said smiling.

Dual Champion Fergusson, who won the Superbike class at the Island’s MotoGP in 2004, was also in excellent form at this year’s non-championship meeting, picking up a podium placing in the big class just behind his team mate after a clean second place run in each of the three races.

With just over a second separating the top four qualifiers, Fergusson had a tougher time however making his mark in the 600cc class, having to settle for fifth overall after race incidents put him toward the back of the pack in two of the three races.

“Well this was an interesting meeting that’s for sure,” the veteran who turned 31 last week commented. “I gave it my all, raced very hard, and had a lot of fun out there.”

Off track, the riders were all kept busy with a high successful inaugural “Champions Dinner” for HRCA members that featured such esteemed names as Max Biaggi, Nicky Hayden, Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner. Brookes and Fergusson also kept fans happy with appearances in the Honda expo tent as well as the corporate marquee which had a bigger attendance than any previous year.

With around 90,000 people attending the MotoGP this year and sunshine for the duration of the event, the MotoGP carnival provided a fantastic atmosphere for the Australian racers to show off their wares in front of the international crowd.

Superbike Action

After a start from fourth position on the grid, Brookes made short work of getting to the front of the Superbike pack in race one with team mate Fergusson close in tow.

The two Rocket men dominated the entire eight lap show, dicing with each other over the start-finish line, with Brookes ultimately taking the honours and Shawn Giles eventually finishing about a second behind the two Honda riders in third position.

Josh and Adam maintained the momentum in their second outing, putting in similar blitzing record lap times of around 1:35 seconds, times in fact not previously seen in this class at the world famous track.

Making the most of the amazing slip stream down the straight, Brookes moved himself up on lap three of the second race, past brothers Jamie and Daniel Stauffer as well as his team mate - which is where he stayed until the flag fell.

It was a Honda affair again in the final 1000cc clash when Josh once again blasted to the front, with a frustrated Fergusson never quite getting the chance to pass after stealing second position off Daniel Stauffer on the tricky Siberia section of the track.

“Josh was on it today for sure,” Fergusson said. “He set the pace and I was with him the whole time but he rode really smart and gave me no chances to get through.”

Josh finished with the #1 trophy in his hand with Fergusson and Jamie Stauffer joining him on the podium.

Honda Australia’s satellite rider, Rocket Racing’s Judd Greedy had a mixed but enjoyable weekend, finishing 15th overall.

Supersport Action

Josh’s form was clearly one that transcended across the classes, although the close competition in the 600’s kept him literally on his toes. Brookes kicked off in race one with flawless form against Josh Waters after Fergusson and Mark Aitchison had an early coming together that put them both at a huge disadvantage.

Whilst Fergusson blasted his way back up into an amazing sixth position from the wrong end of the field, Honda privateer Bryan Staring continued to prove he is a force to be reckoned with, providing some fantastic competition for the race leader until a last lap mistake saw the WA teenager lose a place to finish third.

With both the track and the pace heating up, Brookes’ second race tussle against Aitchison resulted in probably the closest photo finish ever seen at the Island, a mere .001 difference that left the crowd gasping for breath. Aitchison led for the majority of the eight-lapper, but Brookes got the better of him with three laps to go.

“That was a ripper,” Brookes said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a Supersport race go that quick before here at the Island!”

Staring once again did the Honda name proud, finishing third with Fergusson just behind after an ordinary start.

Supersport race three, however, ended up being the race that truly got everyone to their feet as the two factory Honda riders battled away with Staring and Josh Waters.

Taking advantage of every possible line, the two dynamite red bikes took the lead and changed places a number of times after Fergusson continued to utilize his massive late braking skills on the hairpin corner at Turn 10.

The strategy nearly paid off until the Dual Champion “had a go” at passing Brookes on that same turn, resulting in a slow speed off for both riders.
The two professionals remounted and were able to finish in 9th and 14th with no harm done.

In the melee, Rocket Racing’s young Jason O’Halloran catapulted to third, an excellent finish for the 17 year old who has traditionally done very well at the Island in his short career.

The Team is now gearing up for the final round of the Australian Superbike Championships to take place on November 12 and 13, once again at Phillip Island. Brookes goes into the round leading the 600cc class by 12 points from Fergusson. Josh and Adam are also in contention for the Superbike crown with 231 points (second place) and 226 points (third place) respectively.