Image: Foremost Media.

Defending Australian Superbike champion Troy Herfoss’ longstanding association with Penrite Honda Racing team manager Shaun Clarke will come to an end following Sydney’s 2019 season finale when the renowned technician exits the team and sport altogether.

Clarke has been an integral part of Honda’s success in domestic road racing since his first introduction as an apprentice mechanic at the manufacturer in 2001, going on to work with the Motologic and ER Motorsport teams with official Honda support since.

Since making his return to Superbike competition in 2014 with Honda, Herfoss has been guided by Clarke in his corner and dedicated his spectacular victory at Phillip Island last Sunday to the outgoing Clarke. The ultimate goal now is to deliver one final championship together at Sydney Motorsport Park between 1-3 November.

“I made the decision way back in March, so my full focus ever since then has been to win the championship one last time,” Clarke told CycleOnline.com.au. “It was also my goal to tick off a few more boxes, like getting Troy a win here fair and square against guys who are usually very strong, which we did today.

“I’d be very happy if I could finish up my time in this sport by winning another championship on a bike that probably shouldn’t be able to, as most people seem to consider. Today was very special, to see the reaction on Troy’s face when he came in that he could finally do it means the world to me – that’s what I do it for. It’s always about winning.”

While Clarke’s future will be centred outside of the sport, Herfoss will once again lead Honda’s Australian Superbike Championship charge in 2020 when the ER Motorsport-operated team takes delivery of an anticipated all-new CBR1000RR. Herfoss is a two-time ASBK title winner, first winning in 2016 and again in 2018.