Halliday and Falzon complete Yamaha front row lock out.
Image: Russell Colvin.
Yamaha privateer Aiden Wagner has earned pole position for this weekend’s Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) opener at Phillip Island, lodging a stellar 1m32.191s lap-time in qualifying today.
The Queenslander leads a complete lock out of bLU cRU supported riders in the top three, as 2018 Supersport champion Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team) and Daniel Falzon (Yamaha Racing Team) make up the front row after recording quick times of 1m32.552s and 1m32.572s respectively.
Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia’s Josh Waters fell just short of a front row start, setting a best-lap of 1m32.624s, while three-time Superbike world champion Troy Bayliss (DesmoSport Ducati) concluded the first five with a 1m32.759s lap-time.
Wayne Maxwell (Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia) was fraction behind in sixth, followed by Mike Jones (Kawasaki), reigning champion Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda Racing), Glenn Allerton (Maxima BMW) and Bryan Staring (BCperformance Kawasaki).
Supersport and Supersport 300 details and results to come.
2019 ASBK Round One – Phillip Island Superbike Qualifying
The Superbike qualifying schedule was changed today due to lapped traffic causing competitors problems during practice. Superbike competitors were split into two groups, each group with a ten-minute session to decide their places on the grid. The slower half of the field formed Group B who were on track at 1340, followed by the faster Group A at 1355. These changes pushed Supersport 600 qualifying back to 1415 while the Supersport 300 category will now qualify much later at 1655 this afternoon.
That split certainly helped the lapped traffic situation but riders were still battling for track position and a clear spot on the track at any one time.
FP2 pacesetter Aiden Wagner was baulked by Ted Collins early on his first fast lap, but one rider that had perhaps been most frustrated by traffic in FP2, YRT’s Daniel Falzon, did get some clear track and along with team-mate Cru Halliday they were both straight down in to the 1m32.5s.
Wagner though was quicker again, 1m32.191, a new outright ASBK Superbike lap record, and a Yamaha 1-2-3 front row lock-out for the opening ASBK round for season 2019.
Josh Waters heads the second row alongside Troy Bayliss and Wayne Maxwell. Bayliss had suffered a huge tumble in FP2 that destroyed one of his two big twin Panigales, breaking his finger in the process to add injury to insult.
Mike Jones was the final rider in the 1m32s ahead of Troy Herfoss who was eighth on 1m33.03. Glenn Allerton and Bryan Staring rounded out the top ten ahead of young guns Mark Chiodo and Ted Collins.
ASBK Phillip Island Superbike Lap Records
The previous ASBK Superbike pole record stood at 1m32.274 and was set by Wayne Maxwell on a Suzuki in 2013. The current race lap record also belongs to Maxwell, when he was on a Honda in 2009 he set a 1m32.316 to set the race lap benchmark around the circuit.
The opening Kawasaki sponsored ASBK Superbike race of season 2019 is slated to get underway at 1130 on Saturday morning with the second 12-lap bout scheduled for 1615 Saturday afternoon, immediately after the opening 22-lap World Superbike race. The third 12-lapper will get underway after the World Superbike and Supersport warm-up sessions on Sunday morning at 1030.
Two-stroke and four-stroke range available for test rides at Beta Days.
Image: Supplied.
Beta Motorcycles Australia has introduced a selection of Beta Days to be hosted around the country, allowing riders to sample the manufacturer’s 2019 range of two-stroke and four-stroke models.
The Tuscan manufacturer hasn’t just been working towards a more refined product with significant technical improvements for 2019 – it’s also introduced several new engine capacities and updates.
The dirt bikes available to ride include two-stroke models: RR 200, RR 250, RR 300, X-Trainer 300, and four-stroke models: RR 350, RR 390, RR 430, and RR 480.
2019 Beta Day calendar:
– West Gosford/Newcastle, NSW – Sunday, 24 February
– Inverell, NSW – Saturday, 2 March
– Biddaddaba, QLD – Sunday, 10 March
– Hobart, TAS – Sunday 17 March
– Ulverstone, TAS – Saturday, 23 March
– Mansfield, VIC – Saturday, 30 March
Sunday’s outing to be run under flag-to-flag rules.
Image: Supplied.
The Yamaha Motor Finance opening round of the FIM Supersport World Championship (WorldSSP) season will take place under flag-to-flag rules, with a mandatory entry to the pits to change tyres for all bikes.
After speaking with the teams and based on the information gathered during the official two-day test at Phillip Island, the FIM and Dorna WSBK organisation have decided to implement the new format for Sunday’s race, adding a new challenge for the 24 riders set to line up on the grid.
Riders are free to choose when to do their pit-stop, under the condition that no tyre is used for more than 10 laps. Race distance has also been shortened to 16 laps.
This decision does not affect any of the three WorldSBK races, which are scheduled to be run in regular conditions as more flexible regulations for teams ensure that proper safety conditions will be met.
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK executive director of sporting, explained the decision: “Due to specific track conditions seen at Phillip Island since Monday and some concerns regarding tyre life in race conditions, we decided that the best way to fully guarantee the safety of the WorldSSP riders and avoid any problems would be to do a flag-to-flag, which is in compliance with WorldSSP rules.
“This is unfortunate, but we believe that it is the best course of action and will guarantee an exciting race this weekend.”
This weekend’s WorldSSP opener will see Australian Tom Toparis (Landbridge Transport Yamaha) amongst the 24-rider field after scoring a wildcard opportunity.
Spaniard recovers from broken scaphoid sustained last month.
Image: Supplied.
Multi-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo is targeting a ‘productive test’ when the MotoGP World Championship contingent hits Losail International Circuit in Qatar this weekend for pre-season testing.
Yet to officially don the Repsol Honda colours on-track, this weekend’s test will mark Lorenzo’s third outing aboard the title-winning RC213V, which creates a greater emphasis on locking down his set-up for the season-opener next month.
“I have been working a lot on improving my wrist and I’m pleased with the progress,” said Lorenzo. “Of course I would have liked to be in a better condition, but I feel we will be able to have a productive test.
“First we must understand my condition on the bike. Honda were able to make a lot of progress in Sepang and I’m looking forward to getting back on the RC213V and preparing for the season ahead.”
The opening round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship on 10 March at Losail International Circuit.
Marquez tops Moto2 times on day two of Jerez testing
Australia’s Gardner an impressive seventh in Spain.
Image: Supplied.
Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) was the fastest Moto2 man on the second day of the official Moto2 and Moto3 Test at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, with a 1m41.208s enough to edge out the KTM of Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) by 0.076s and the Speed Up of Jorge Navarro (+Ego Speed Up) by 0.094s.
That continued the trend of close competition from the first day of track action, although conditions were much windier on day two. Behind the top trio came Lorenzo Baldassarri (FlexBox HP40) in fourth, less than a tenth back, with day one’s quickest man, Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46), completing the top five.
Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) took P6, ahead of Australian Remy Gardner (ONEXOX TKKR SAG Team), Marcel Schrötter (Dynavolt Intact GP) and EG 0,0 Marc VDS new arrival Xavi Vierge.
Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) completed the top ten and was the fastest rookie despite a crash, with Iker Lecuona (American Racing KTM) splitting him from the next debutants – Nicolo Bulega (Sky Racing Team VR46) in P12 and Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM Ajo) just behind. Tom Lüthi (Dynavolt Intact GP) and Bo Bendsneyder (NTS RW Racing GP) locked out the top 15.
In Moto3, Aron Canet (Sterilgarda Max Racing Team) topped the second day, setting a 1m46.455s in windier conditions. But as it was on Wednesday, there were three riders within a tenth at the top and Canet was closely followed by Jaume Masia (Bester Capital Dubai) and day one’s fastest Tony Arbolino (Snipers Team).
The Italian remains fastest overall, however, and was the fastest Honda after KTM flipped the trend to take a 1-2 on day two. Next up was Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing) in fourth as he pipped teammate and day two crasher Marcos Ramirez, with the two Estrella Galicia 0,0 machines also two-by-two just behind. Alonso Lopez was just ahead of rookie teammate Sergio Garcia by half a tenth, with both showing good pace.
Ayumu Sasaki (Petronas Sprinta Racing) was further up on Thursday as he took P8 overall, just ahead of Dennis Foggia (Sky Racing Team VR46). Ai Ogura (Honda Team Asia) completed the top 10, another rookie who impressed.
Nicccolo Antonelli (SIC58 Squadra Corse), Gabriel Rodrigo (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3), Albert Arenas (Angel Nieto Team), the returning Romano Fenati (Snipers Team) and reigning FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Champion Raul Fernandez (Angel Nieto Team) completed the fastest fifteen.
Rookie Tom Booth-Amos (CIP – Green Power) was one crasher and he dented his track time, and compatriot John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) also suffered an off.
Kaito Toba (Honda Team Asia), Ramirez and Antonelli all crashed at Turn 11 within a few minutes of each other, but the incidents were unrelated. Action continues tomorrow at Jerez.
The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, a Peninsula Hotels Signature Motoring Event, has announced three new featured classes for its 11th Anniversary celebration in Carmel Valley, California, on May 4, 2019. Among the specialty classes are 50 Years of the Honda CB750, 100th Anniversary of the Brough Superior and Off Road Wonders Through the ’90s. The event will also showcase 300 historic and classic motorcycles and incredible food along with activities for both casual observers and die-hard motorcycle fans.
2019 is a year of important anniversaries in motorcycling, including 50 years of the first production motorcycle to be called a “Superbike,” the Honda CB750, and 100 years of the iconic British Brough Superior performance bike. The 50 Years of the Honda CB750 and 100th Anniversary of the Brough Superior featured classes will celebrate these anniversaries with exhibitions on the field, alongside Off-Road Wonders Through the ’90s, an additional featured class for outstanding and historic off-road motorcycles. Each specialty class will highlight exemplary motorcycles for its respective group, including at least six world-class examples of the Honda CB750 manufactured between 1969 and 1977 as well as a wide variety of historic off-road motorcycles, including the iconic 1972 Husqvarna 400 CR and the 1989 Honda XRV650 Africa Twin Marathon.
“The Quail Motorcycle Gathering is excited to unveil the special classes for our 2019 event,” said Gordon McCall, director of motorsports for The Peninsula Signature Events. “Two of the greatest legends in motorcycle manufacturing are passing milestones this year and we’re proud to give a spotlight to these historic bikes along with these iconic off-road bikes.”
As always, the show will take place on the pristine lawns of Quail Lodge & Golf Club. Featuring a variety of activities for people of all ages to enjoy, guests can indulge in farm-to-table Mexican cuisine and goods from lifestyle vendors. Children, families and even pets are welcome at this inclusive and relaxed event.
Witness this celebration only at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Pre-sale tickets are $85 and are available online at www.quaillodgeevents.com. Entry includes a gourmet lunch, parking and gear valet service for those riding a motorcycle to the event. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. for VIP Lounge ticket holders and 10:00 a.m. for General Public ticket holders. Learn more on the event website.
Troy Bayliss underlined his competitiveness for ASBK 2019 by dropping in a 1m32.478 late in the opening practice session yesterday afternoon, but this morning at Phillip Island Aiden Wagner went under that marker not once, but twice.
Wagner had been in control of the session with a 1m32.450, but that didn’t stop the Queenslander from lowering the benchmark again with a 32.320 on his final flying lap to really signal his determination to dominate ASBK Superbike on his return to competitive racing in this country.
Aiden Wagner – Image by Rob Mott
ASBK Phillip Island Superbike Lap Records
The current ASBK Superbike pole record stands at 1m32.274 and was set by Wayne Maxwell on a Suzuki in 2013. The current race lap record also belongs to Maxwell, when he was on a Honda in 2009 he set a 1m32.316 to set the race lap benchmark around the circuit.
This mornings session was an expensive one for DesmoSport Ducati. Troy Bayliss made a mess of his 1299 Panigale R Final Edition at turn four, it was big enough for TB to be taken to the medical centre for checks. He has been cleared to race with his main ailment at this stage a painfully sore left hand, which hopefully gets better from here rather than worse. Bayliss was thus 13th in this session but remains second fastest on combined times.
Josh Waters in this session also underlined he is ready for battle. Wayne Maxwell has joined the team this year, and perhaps somewhat unfairly to Waters, it is Maxwell that seems to be the recognised title favourite heading in to season 2019. But this morning it was Josh with the upper hand, a 1m32.659 plays 1m32.788. Many will say yeah well there is nothing in it, but too many forget just how much of a mental game that top level Superbike racing is, and every little chip at your opposition adds up..
After a somewhat disastrous week for the Penrite Honda squad with no end of problems experienced trying to sort the machine they have prepared for their World Superbike wildcard, it was feared their eyes might have been taken off the more important ball, that being the start of their ASBK Title defence here this weekend. Finally some clear air for Herfoss and the squad this morning though with a 1m32.970 confirming their place in the game.
Cru Halliday was fifth quickest this morning, a 1m33.089 certainly competitive for the YRT rider who makes a return to Superbike competition this year after winning the Supersport Championship for the team last year.
Bryan Staring was the quickest Kawasaki this morning ahead of Mike Jones. Glenn Allerton was eighth on the NextGen BMW ahead of Daniel Falzon, the South Australian struggled to find any clear track in that session and frustrated by traffic. Ted Collins rounded out the top ten ahead of Matt Walters, the Cessnock Kawasaki rider the final pilot in the 1m33s.
ASBK Superbike Weekend Schedule
Competitors will be out on track at 1355 this afternoon for a 15-minute qualifying session. The opening Kawasaki sponsored ASBK Superbike race of season 2019 is slated to get underway at 1130 on Saturday morning with the second 12-lap bout scheduled for 1615 Saturday afternoon, immediately after the opening 22-lap World Superbike race. The third 12-lapper will get underway after the World Superbike and Supersport warm-up sessions on Sunday morning at 1030.
Toparis streets them in Supersport
In the Supersport ranks it was Tom Toparis setting the pace. The Goulburn youngster did not take part in Thursday’s session as he has had plenty of track time this week during his preparations for a World Supersport wildcard appearance this weekend. Toparis’ time a 1m35.422, streets ahead of the best of the rest with was headed by Nic Liminton from Callum Spriggs and Supersport debutante Oli Bayliss.
The Dainese Explorer collection is built for the most extreme conditions.
Begin Press Release:
DAINESE EXPLORER
The Antartica Collection defines a new standard for the motorbike exploration in the coldest lands on the planet. Designed for supreme thermal insulation, this is the ultimate collection to face extreme riding adventures. Whatever the temperature.
ANTARTICA GORE-TEX JACKET
Space research generates a new excellence ergonomic standard for motorbike exploration in the coldest lands on the planet.
The Antartica GORE TEX® Jacket defines a new standard for the motorbike exploration in the coldest lands on the planet. Designed for supreme thermal insulation, this is the ultimate garment to face extreme riding adventures. Whatever the temperature. Thanks to the Dainese technology based on the study of the lines of non-extension in the human body and used to keep the NASA astronauts light and comfortable during their journey to Mars, every challenge can be lived in total comfort, without any performance compromise. The removable inner goose down jacket allows confident rides in the coldest extreme climates and can be worn separately, to bring a no-stop warmth also off the bike. The laminated GORE TEX® 45.000mm shell is unequaled protection against the elements and, combined with the direct-to-the-body vent zip on the chest, provide the perfect ventilation in warmer situations. Inner adjustable lumbar belt brings a perfect fit on the body. The outer pockets are designed to be easily used in riding position without compromising the fit. Unique S.T.O.P.® (Side Time-Saver Outer Pockets) compartment to place rapidly gloves and small stuff during a stopover is an exclusive feature an adventurer cannot do without. Pro-Armor level 2 back protector guarantee the Dainese highest safety standards. Undiscovered territories are waiting for extreme explorers.
The Dainese Antartica Gore-Tex Jacket is available at Revzilla and other retailers.
ANTARTICA GORE-TEX PANT
The must-have pants for the motorbike exploration in the coldest lands on the planet.
The Antartica GORE TEX® Pants are the must-have for the motorbike exploration in the coldest lands on the planet. Designed for supreme thermal insulation, this is the ultimate garment to face extreme riding adventures. Whatever the temperature. Thanks to the Dainese technology based on the study of the lines of non-extension in the human body and used to keep the NASA astronauts light and comfortable during their journey to Mars, every challenge can be lived in total comfort, without any performance compromise. Laminated GORE TEX® 45.000mm is unequaled protection against bad weather and, combined with the double direct-to-the-body vent zip on tighs, provide the perfect ventilation when it’s warmer. The removable inner goose down layer and the exclusive Storm Gaither Cuffs allow confident rides in the coldest climates. Nylon 6.6 high abrasion resistant fabric, Trixior D-Tec Engineered textile inserts on critical impact areas and Pro Armor hip protectors guarantee the Dainese highest safety standards, the result of over four decades of development and innovations. Undiscovered territories are waiting for extreme explorers.
The Dainese Antartica Gore-Tex Jacket is available at Revzilla and other retailers.
Bringing you the Best Motorcycle News from Around the Web!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
