Bugden claims Swann Series crown

Kawasaki rider Robbie Bugden (SAKawasaki/BCPerformanc) claimed the 2016 Australasian Superbike Championship crown at Sydney’s Motorsport Park on Saturday. Bugden was made to fight for every point throughout the three race finale, with stand-in teammate and former BSB champ Josh Brookes just as determined to stand on the top step of the podium.

Josh Brookes marked his first race on home soil in 11 years by claiming the round win with a 3-1-1 result. From the opening race Brookes showed he was there to win, claiming third in a rough-and-tumble opening race before leading home the field in races two and three.

“It was always going to be some pressure to do a one-off race on someone else’s bike and be expected to win,” Brookes said after the podium celebrations.

“So to get three race wins over the two days and the overall win today was a great achievement.”

Robbie Bugden’s 2-3-2 result was good to avoid any last round challenges from his opposition that could have come from the double-points round. The Queenslander wrapped up the Swann Insurance Championship, adding to his AFX-Superbike Championship win the previous day.

“I’m so pumped to win the Australasian Superbike Championship for 2016,” Bugden said. 

“I have so many people to thank but none more than Matthew Pope from Popebuildingservice and Dave Abbott from Nitrostainless, Chris Lynis  from Motonational, and of course my whole BCperformance – SA Kawasaki Team. It’s been such an amazing year with such a great bunch of people so I can’t wait for next year now!”

Michael Blair claimed the final place on the podium with a 1-4-3 results, finishing just one point behind Bugden. The 22-year-old began the weekend in winning style claiming the opening seven lap race aboard the IPONE Yamaha YZF-R1, beating Bugden by 1.136 with Brookes third.

In what has been a remarkable season for Blair in his Superbike debut season, he managed to finish in second place behind Bugden in both series.

Matt Walters (Kawasaki Connection Repsol) and Beau Beaton (Racer’s Edge Performance) rounded out the top five respectfully.

Not only did Robbie Bugden deliver SA Kawasaki BCperformance two titles, but his stablemate, Kyle Buckley also took home two titles for the team by winning both Supersport championships, beating Yamaha mounted men Mitch Levy (Levy Racing/ATR/YRD) and Jordan Carlsson (Dynojet/Graves/YRD).

SA Kawasaki BCperformance Team Principal Kelvin Reilly told AMCN; “I’m ecstatic with our season, and so proud to clinch both the Superbike and Supersport titles in the same year. Robbie was a class act all year and Kyle rode the final round with such maturity under pressure.” 

“Also thanks to Josh for cutting his holiday short and his invaluable input to the team. On top of that, thanks to the whole team and sponsors for making this happen,” concluded Reilly.

In terms of the overall round results, Levy took out the round with 182-points, two points clear from Buckley, with Sam Muldoon in third place.

Check out all the results at www.computime.com.au

Bugden hoists the champion’s trophy with Michael Blair (left) and Josh Waters (right).

Kyle Buckley made it a season to remember for the SAKawasaki/BCPerformace team by claiming the Supersport crown

Report Russell Colvin Photography Keith Muir