Round 5 ASBK Australian Superbike Championship, Support to V8 Supercars
Event: Round 5 ASBK Australian Superbike Championship, Support to V8 Supercars
Date: 10th-12th September
Venue: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Weather: Cool, windy, wet, sunshine
Qualification: 6th Superpole: 5th
Race Results: Overall Results:
Race 1: 4th (jump start 7th) 1st: W Maxwell Honda CBR 1000RR
Race 2: 6th 2nd: B Staring Honda CBR1000RR
3rd: G Allerton Honda CBR 1000RR
Round Result: 4th: Scott Charlton Suzuki GSXR
EQ 6th Shannon Johnson KTM RC8R 5th: S Giles Suzuki GSXR
Rider Report:
Our weekend started similar to previous race meetings this year, stressful and very busy for the team. Our first qualifying session was wet, we set the #1 bike up for those conditions so we could collect data. We ended the session in tenth place, just outside top eight for Superpole. Thankfully the track dried up for the second session. Although I never managed to complete a full lap before having a problem that forced me out. This was to be our final session but due to earlier delays this session was cut short and they gave us another short twenty minute session at the end of the day. Which was very lucky as my time in the wet session meant I would not have qualified for the races! So we all quickly turned the spare bike back into a dry bike, even I got in and spun the spanners with my leathers still on as we had very little time.
With only four minute left in the session I was sitting in tenth, as we still had a new tyre left I said to the boys put that new tyre in and be ready for anything. As I left the pits there was two minute left in session I had a new rear slick tyre and it had just started to lightly sprinkle rain. I had only one option, close my eyes and open the gas. My lap was enough to put me well inside the top eight in sixth. Superpole here we come.
We made some changes for superpole some worked some didn’t, but at least I was able to entertain the crowd and managed to improve one position to fifth.
Race one I made a decent start, I was pinched for a jump start but was unable to be shown video proof, so I had to take it on the chin. Which was a shame as throughout the race for the first time this year we managed to get stronger as the race went on. We were down on speed but were able to look after the tyres better I went in to the last lap in sixth but crossed the line in fourth. Other than the 10 seconds penalty it was a great result for us and nice to see some smiles.
Race two I had different rear tyre that wasn’t as consistent as race one. However in the early stages I managed to barge my way into second place, by far the closest to the front I have been all year. I was doing all I could to stay with the leaders but was losing out in areas I could do nothing about. The last few laps I was lapping quicker than the riders in front but was unable to get in front so got stuck at their pace. Finishing in sixth place was still an improvement and we made steps forward with the bike. We now have a few weeks off which the team desperately needs to get on top of a few things.
I on the other hand am in the final stages of finalizing a deal to race at the Phillip Island round of Moto 2, so fingers crossed everything falls into place and I will be on the grid racing with the best riders in the world.
Massive thanks to the sponsors and partners that have helped get me to this stage for the Moto 2 ride and of course assisting me throughout the entire 2010 season.
