Oli Bayliss to race Australian Supersport

Images by Karlos Neale / Motorcycle Pics

Oli Bayliss will race a Cube Performance Centre prepared Yamaha YZF-R6 in 2019 as the 15-year-old makes his debut in the Australian Supersport Championship. He threw a leg over his newly prepared YZF-R6 race machines for the first time last week at Morgan Park.

Motorcycling Australia made an amendment to the rules in late 2018 to allow racers under the age of 16, who demonstrate the ability to race at a high standard safely, to race in the larger capacity class. This has allowed Oli, who was hampered by his size in the smaller Supersport 300 class, to step up to 600 Supersport and further hone his racing skills in a class more suitable to his frame.

I asked him a few questions about his first experience with the bigger machine and the year ahead.

I know you are used to big hits of power Oli, from your time on 450 motocross bikes on the dirt and also on oil tracks, and also used to very litte power from the 300s you have been racing for the last couple of seasons, so what stands out the most in regards to the Supersport machine now you have had some time to get your head around it? It should certainly suit your physical size a lot better.

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Oli – “The weight, power, brakes, and having to manhandle the bike compared to the 300.”

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Glen Richards prepped your bikes and is going to be in your corner for season 2019. Apart from the pommy accent he has picked up after all those years in the UK, how is that working out?

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Oli – “Glen is great, I’ve spent a few days in and out of the track and he’s great, and fast.”

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You fully recovered and back up to strength after breaking your arm on the mountain bike late last year? You stronger than dad on the bicycle?

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“I still have a bit until I’m up to speed with dad on the uphill, but I definitely have him covered on the downhill, jumps and style especially!”

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What are your expectations for this coming season? With the likes of Cru Halliday stepped back up to Superbike, and Max Croker heading to Superbike also, who do you see as likely your main opposition?

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“Everyone, I could name heaps, I just want to do one thing, and that is win.”

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That last statement certainly confirms he is a chip off the old block.

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Team Owner, Ben Henry

“Oli has proven that he has the skill to race, and race well, so I’m really glad to see Motorcycling Australia recognise and address the issue facing young racers like Oli, where their age could slow their progression in the sport. I’m excited to see how competitive he can become throughout the season as he learns and adapts to the bigger, more complex style of racing that comes with stepping up in class, and I’m confident that he’ll do well.”

Images by Karlos Neale / Motorcycle Pics

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The first official test for the 2019 season takes place 2-3 February in Phillip Island where Oli and the Cube Racing team get a chance to shake down the new bike before the first round, alongside the first round of the World Superbike Championship (WSBK).

2019 ASBK Calendar

• Official ASBK Test – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC February 2 – 3
• Round 1- WSBK – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC February 21 – 24
• Round 2- Wakefield Park Raceway – Goulburn NSW March 22 – 24
• Round 3- The Bend Motorsport Park – Tailem Bend, SA April 26 – 28
• Round 4- Morgan Park Raceway – Warwick, QLD July 5 – 7
• Round 5- Winton Motor Raceway – Benalla, VIC September 6 – 8
• Round 6- Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC October 4 – 6
• Round 7- Sydney Motorsport Park – Eastern Creek, NSW November 1 – 3

Round	Location	Date	SBK	SSPT	SSP300	R3 Cup	OCE J Cup	Sidecars	Masters
ASBK Test	Phillip Isl	2-3 Feb	X	X	X	X	X
Round 1	Phillip Isl	21-24 Feb	X	X	X
Round 2	Wakefield	22-24 Mar	X	X	X	X	X	X
Round 3	The Bend	26-28 Apr	X	X	X
Round 4	Morgan P	5-7 Jul	X	X	X	X	X		X
Round 5	Winton	6-8 Sep	X	X	X	X	X	X
Round 6	Phillip Isl	4-6 Oct	X	X	X	X	X	X
Round 7	Eastern C	1-3 Nov	X	X	X	X	X		X

Source: MCNews.com.au