Image: Russell Colvin.

Mike Jones has earned the 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) after capturing an incredible overall victory at Sydney Motorsport Park’s finale, the DesmoSport Ducati rider overcoming Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda Racing) in a thrilling race two.

It was Wayne Maxwell (Team Suzuki Ecstar) who hit the front in the opening stages, as both Herfoss and Jones made strong starts to position all three title contenders within the top three.

Jones made his way into P1, and Hefosss followed in second. The next 11 laps consisted of the duo breaking away from the field and putting on an incredible display, where they traded the lead on numerous occasions – each making their own mistakes along the way.

It came down to the final lap with Jones in front, and just like the entire race, they each held the top spot for moments throughout the last time around. Herfoss made a costly error in the dying stages while attempting a pass, allowing Jones to ride to a 1.050s victory and the title.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team) was able to edge his way by Maxwell for third, while Jamie Stauffer (McMartin Racing) claimed an impressive fifth.

Mark Chiodo (Penrite Honda Racing) was sixth, followed by Matt Walters (Kawasaki Connection), Glenn Allerton (Maxima BMW), Josh Waters (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Damon Rees. Pole-sitter Daniel Falzon (Yamaha Racing Team) crashed out eight laps in, while Bryan Staring (Kawasaki BCpeformance) crashed out two laps later.

Overall, Jones claimed the round win ahead of Herfoss and Maxwell – the trio finishing the championship in that order.

Detailed results