Wayne Maxwell dominates Friday Practice at Wakefield

Wayne Maxwell’s form looks ominous for rivals

Wayne Maxwell clearly announced his plans to dominate this weekend’s proceedings at Wakefield Park with the YRT man topping all three 30-minute sessions at the 2.2km venue today.

Maxwell was under the lap record in FP2, and lowered his marker again in FP3 to 57.182.  That is four-tenths quicker than his own race lap record, and almost two-tenths quicker than Troy Herfoss’ qualifying lap record of 57.350, both of which were set here in 2016.

Herfoss was second quickest but put in nowhere near as many 57s as Maxwell managed today.  Maxwell had put in, by our calculations, 16 or more laps in the 57s here today. In contrast, Herfoss had managed three laps in the 57s.

Troy Bayliss had used FP2 to get a feel for the circuit and the DesmoSport Ducati on worn tyres but got down to a more serious pace late this afternoon to end the session equal third quickest with birthday boy Daniel Falzon. The South Australian 24-year-old had put in three 57s though while Bayliss managed two.

Reigning ASBK Champion Josh Waters was fifth quickest ahead of old sparring partner Jamie Stauffer, who makes a return to competition this weekend aboard a Craig McMartin prepared and Racer’s Edge backed Panigale R.

Glenn Allerton is still very sore from his huge highside at Phillip Island but managed to punt the BMW to seventh quickest for the day ahead of round one winner Bryan Staring.

Ten minutes in to the session there had been a short red flag stoppage after Brendan McIntyre crashed unhurt but his machine was in a dangerous position on the track, thus the brief interruption to proceedings.

Another short stoppage saw riders return to pit-lane after Mark Chiodo went down at turn one. The Young Victorian seemingly okay but his GSX-R1000 looking a little worse for wear.

Superbike Friday Practice Combined Times

1. Wayne Maxwell – Yamaha 57.182
2. Troy Herfoss – Honda 57.679
3. Troy Bayliss – Ducati 57.822
4. Daniel Falzon – Yamaha 57.822
5. Josh Waters – Suzuki 57.984
6. Jamie Stauffer – Ducati 58.081
7. Glenn Allerton – BMW 58.149
8. Bryan Staring – Kawasaki 58.209
9. Michael Blair – Yamaha 58.380
10. Matt Walters – Kawasaki 58.532
11. Kyle Buckley – Kawasaki 58.669
12. Alex Phillis – Suzuki 58.706
13. Callum Spriggs – Kawasaki 59.298
14. Ted Collins – BMW 59.334
15. Mitch Levy – Yamaha 59.426
16. Corey Turner – Suzuki 59.457
17. Brad Swallow – Kawasaki 59.506
18. Arthur Sissis – Suzuki 59.747
19. Brendan McIntyre – Suzuki 59.769
20. Mark Chiodo – Suzuki 59.857
21. Matt Harding – Kawasaki – 60.142
22. Adam Senior – Yamaha 60.622
23. Lucas Vitale – Kawasaki 60.966
24. Phil Czaj – Aprilia 62.709
25. Hamish McMurray – Kawasaki 62.826

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Supersport

Cru Halliday upped his pace to gazump Toparis out of top spot in the final of today’s three x 25-minute Supersport practice sessions at Wakefield Park.

Both men were way under the Supersport lap record though, and well clear of the remainder of the field. Halliday’s 59.050 on the new YRT YZF-R6 setting the pace from Toparis’ 59.363.

Broc Pearson’s return from injury and graduation to the 600cc Supersport ranks continues to impress with the young Queenslander third quickest on 60.186, despite missing the FP1 session.

New Zealander Damon Rees punted his Honda CBR600RR to fourth on the charts ahead of Lachlan Epis.

Supersport Friday Practice Combined Times

1. Cru Halliday – Yamaha 59.050
2. Tom Toparis – Kawasaki 59.363
3. Broc Pearson – Yamaha 60.186
4. Damon Rees – Honda 60.212
5. Lachlan Epis – Kawasaki 60.320
6. Jordan Carlsson – Yamaha 60.579
7. Giuseppe Scarcella – Kawasaki 60.970
8. Rhys Belling – Yamaha 61.101
9. Nic Liminton – Yamaha 61.117
10. Aidan Hayes – Kawasaki 61.385
11. Max Croker – Suzuki 61.464
12. Zackary Johnson – Yamaha 61.572
13. Cambridge Olivier – Yamaha 61.606
14. Thomas Bryden – Yamaha 61.917
15. Scott Nicholson – Suzuki 62.004
16. Jack Passfield – Yamaha 62.101
17. Dallas Skeer – Suzuki 62.158
18. Luke Mitchell – Yamaha 62.456
19. Matt Barton – Yamaha 63.408

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Supersport 300

Quickest for the Australian Supersport 300 class was Hunter Ford (South Sydney Commercial, Yamaha YZF-R3), who was sensational on track. His best time of 1:07.395 setting the benchmark for the class and a new lap record for Wakefield Park Raceway for the 300’s in the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK)

A total of 32 riders had the opportunity to lay down the rubber during three practice sessions in New South Wales today, and the times on track were fast and competitive, providing a taste of what is in store for Round 2 of the championship. Pace setter Ford set his fastest time in his final practice session of the day.

Coming in second was Tayla Relph (North Star Yamaha, Yamaha YZF-R3) 1:07.417, showcasing sensational speed despite recovering from a recent injury sustained at Round 1.

Completing the top three, was Locky Taylor (LTRacing, Yamaha YZF-R3) in third position on the timesheets with a 1:07.638.

It’s going to be fascinating to see who will come out on top tomorrow. Oli Bayliss (Cube Racing, Kawasaki Ninja 300) who was fourth after today’s practice, currently leads the championship.

Supersport 300 Friday Practice Combined Times

1. Hunter Ford – Yamaha 67.395
2. Tayla Relph – Yamaha 67.417
3. Locky Taylor – Yamaha 67.638
4. Oli Bayliss – Kawasaki 67.885
5. Zac Levy – Yamaha 67.904
6. Callum O’Brien – Yamaha 68.160
7. Harry Khouri – Yamaha 68.202
8. Max Stauffer- Yamaha 68.279
9. Seth Crump – KTM 68.461
10. Tom Bramich – Yamaha 68.482
11. Jarred Brook – KTM 68.542
12. John Lytras – Yamaha 68.574
13. Troy Ryan – Yamaha 69.022
14. Corey Briffa – KTM 69.213
15. Ben Bramich – KTM 69.685
16. Peter Nerlich – Kawasaki 69.780
17. Mitch Kuhne – Yamaha 69.797
18. Bronson Pickett – Yamaha 69.833
19. Travis Hall – Yamaha 70.330
20. Boyd Hocking – KTM 70.542

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YMF R3 Cup

The YMF R3 Cup, hit the track in spectacular fashion today for Round 2 at Wakefield Park Raceway of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK). Riders all enjoyed favourable track conditions and Hunter Ford (South Sydney Commercial, Yamaha YZF-R3) topped the timesheet with a 1:06.933.

Ford stood out in the final session of the day, with the quickest lap time of the YMF R3 Cup class. This result coming off the back of also topping the Australian Supersport 300 class.

Also impressing was Zac Ley (Puma RV’S, Yamaha YZF-R3). Despite missing out on the quickest lap, Levy can be confident in his impressive pace after posting a 1:07.193.

Locky Taylor followed closely behind (LT Racing, Yamaha YZF-R3) with his time of 1:07.313. Tom Bramich (SJG Plumbing, Yamaha YZF-R3) not too far behind in fourth.

Harry Khouri (Acid Racing Aust, Yamaha YZF-R3) could also be a contender after registering an impressive time in the second practice session to go fifth fastest.

Stay tuned to what promises to be an exciting battle during qualifying and Race One of the YMF R3 Cup on Saturday. With an even playing field and similar machinery for the series, it’s sure to be another belter instalment for the cup. Race one takes place at 15:55pm.

YMF R3 Cup Friday Practice Combined Times

1. Hunter Ford 66.93
2. Zac Levy 67.19
3. Locky Taylor 67.31
4. Tom Bramich 67.36
5. Harry Khouri 67.85
6. Tayla Relph 67.91
7. Max Stauffer 67.92
8. Callum O’Brien 68.01
9. Bronson Pickett 68.51
10. Travis Hall 68.83
11. John Lytras 69.04
12. Mitch Kuhne 69.09
13. Troy Ryan 69.42
14. Dan Thomas 70.44
15. Zane Ford 71.50

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GP Juniors Cup

The young stars of the GP Juniors Cup quickly went to business, setting fast lap times around Wakefield Park Raceway for Friday’s practice sessions. Max Stauffer (Chris Watson, Yamaha R15) catapulted his way to the top of the timesheets with a 1:20.073.

Stauffer enjoyed the tight corners around Wakefield Park, but hot on his heels was Reece Oughtred (Carl Cox Motorsport, Yamaha R15) who completed a 1:20.261 to finish in second, whilst John Lytras (Yamaha R15) finished in third, with a 1:20.630.

With the top three all finishing within four tenths of a second of each other, and with qualifying and race one to come tomorrow, the competition is wide open and anyone could take that first victory.

Keep an eye out for this talent pool, with Q1 kicking off tomorrow from 9:00am and then Q2 at 11:45am, it will be interesting to see who starts at pole for Race One at 2:55pm.

Top Ten GP Juniors Cup Provisional Friday Practice Results

1. Max STAUFFER (Chris Watson, Yamaha R15) 1:20.073
   2. Reece OUGHTRED (Carl Cox Motorsport, Yamaha R15) 1:20.261
   3. John LYTRAS (Yamaha R15) 1:20.630
   4. Tristan ADAMSON (Five5 Motorcycles, Yamaha R15) 1:21.192
   5. Zylas BUNTING (Shark Leathers, Yamaha R15) 1:21.218
   6. Harrison VOIGHT (Voight Contracting, Yamaha R15) 1:21.539
   7. Harry KHOURI (Excite M-sports, Yamaha R15) 1:23.016
   8. Jedd RANDALL (Yamaha R15) 1:26.860
   9. Jamie PORT (Mum ‘N Dad Racing, Yamaha R15) 1:28.759

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Australian F1 & F2 Sidecar Championship

The Puma RV’s Round of the 2018 Australian F1 & F2 Sidecar Championship was off to a flying start this morning at Wakefield Park Raceway in New South Wales. The 2018 Australian F1 & F2 Sidecar Championship is run in conjunction with several key Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK) rounds in 2018.

The stand out duo for Friday practice of the Puma RV’s Round 1 of the 2018 Australian Sidecar Championship, was Howard Ford / Lee Menzies (California Custom Products, Suzuki LCR) from NSW, their time being a 1:07.306.

Second fastest was the dynamic duo, Mick Alton / Chrissie Clancy (Rick Hanger Racing F1 Kawasaki RHR) with a 1:08.305 and third was Bruce Collins / Peter De Angelis (F2 Honda LCR), managing a best of 1:08.597.

Qualifying One (Q1) of the Puma RV’s Round of the 2018 Australian F1 & F2 Sidecar Championship Round is scheduled for 9:45 AM local time on Saturday, with the first eight lap race due to take place at 16:20 PM.

Top Ten Provisional Friday Practice Times Puma RV’s Round of the 2018 Australian F1 & F2 Sidecar Championship

1. Howard FORD / Lee MENZIES (California Custom Products, Suzuki LCR) 1:07.306
   2. Mick ALTON / Chrissie CLANCY (J&C Contracting, Suzuki LCR) 1:07.306
   3. Bruce COLLINS / Peter DE ANGELIS (F2 Honda LCR) 1:08.597
   4. Damien EDIS / Melanie SCHLUTER (F2 Random Suz. GSXR) 1:09.279
   5. Matthew McKINNON / Shelby TURNER (Matty’s PC’s F2, Peterbuilt GSXR) 1:10.951
   6. Richard GOODALE / Scott GOODALE (F2 Shelbourne, 1:11.373)
   7. Patrick CLANCY / Stephen BONNEY (Alton Racing, F2, Suzuki LCR) 1:13.717
   8. Jeff BROWN / Darren SHELDRICK (APW M-cycles F1 Suzuki GSXR JBR) 1:16.684
   9. Declan BEARE / Noel BEARE (Beare Boys Racing F1 Suzuki Alvin) 1:17.904

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Wakefield Park Lap Records

• Superbike Race – 57.54 – Wayne Maxwell – Yamaha – 2016
• Superbike QP/FP – 57.350 – Troy Herfoss – Honda – 2016
• Supersport Race – 60.158 – Rick Olson – Yamaha – 2013
• Superpole QP/FP – 60.450 – Aaron Morris – Yamaha – 2015
• Yamaha R3 Cup Race – 69.509 – Hunter Ford – Yamaha – 2016
• Yamaha R3 Cup QP/FP – Jack Mahaffy – 68.316 – Yamaha

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2018 ASBK Round 2 Schedule – Wakefield Park

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ASBK Championship Points Standings

1. Bryan Staring 60
2. Josh Waters 59
3. Troy Herfoss 59
4. Troy Bayliss 51
5. Daniel Falzon 47
6. Wayne Maxwell 43
7. Michael Blair 41
8. Matt Walters 37
9. Aaron Morris 37
10. Alex Phillis 31
11. Glenn Allerton 25
12. Mark Chiodo 21
13. Mitch Rees 20
14. Aaiden Coote 18
15. Corey Turner 17
16. Ted Collins 15
17. Mitch Levy 11
18. Kyle Buckley 11
19. Mike Jones 9
20. Callum Spriggs 8

Australian Supersport Standings

1. Tom TOPARIS (QLD) 75
2. Cru HALLIDAY (NSW) 60
3. Broc PEARSON (QLD) 50
4. Damon REES (NZ) 44
5. Zackary JOHNSON (VIC) 42
6. Rhys BELLING (VIC) 38
7. Nic LIMINTON (SA) 36
8. Aidan HAYES (QLD) 32
9. Giuseppe SCARCELLA (NSW) 31
10. Scott NICHOLSON (VIC) 31
11. Dallas SKEER (SA) 29
12. Brendan CLARKE (QLD) 28
13. Luke MITCHELL (NSW) 25
14. Matt BARTON (VIC) 24
15. Thomas BRYDEN (NSW) 18
16. Max CROKER (NSW) 18
17. Jack PASSFIELD (NSW) 16
18. Ryan TAYLOR (VIC) 15
19. Scott CHAPMAN (NSW) 10
20. Steve HASLAM (NSW) 3

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2018 ASBK Calendar

• Round 2- Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn NSW March 16 – 18
• Round 3- The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, SA April 19 – 22
• Round 4- Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin NT June 28 – 1 July
• Round 5- Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick QLD August 17 – 19
• Round 6- Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC September 7 – 9
• Round 7- Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC October 12 – 14

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ASBK Goes Live

ASBK recently announced its live coverage package for the 2018 season and fans will have three different options to watch this weekend’s racing on SBS, Fox Sports and livestream on Sunday March 18. With so much at stake, fan’s will have to tune in to watch the thrilling racing ASBK has to offer.

SBS Australia 1:00pm – 3:00pm AEDT
FOX Sports Australia Channel 501 1:00pm – 4:00pm AEDT
ASBK.com.au Livestream from 9:30am AEDT