Troy Herfoss (Crankt Protein Honda Racing, CBR-1000SP) delighted the home crowd at the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK), by claiming pole position for the Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance (YMI) Superbike Championship at Round Two Wakefield Park Raceway during Qualifying Two. The YMI Superbike Riders faced a race against the clock and weather, to register fast times before the rain set in.

The reigning champion, on the number one bike, is number one on the grid for tomorrow’s first YMI Superbike race. Herfoss registered the pole winning time of 58.096 on lap 15 of 21, Wayne Maxwell (Yamaha Racing Team) almost managed to pip Herfoss for the fastest time of 58.140 but fell short by .044 of a second. Privateer Cru Halliday (Yamaha Finance, YZF-R1) also impressed with his 58.237 time. Daniel Falzon (JD Racing, Yamaha, YZF-R1) also managed to salvage a fourth place finish, giving him a position of strength to defend his handy championship lead. Josh Waters (Team Suzuki Ecstar, GSX-R1000) rounded out the top five. 

Qualifying Two began with a red flag period as rain started to pour around the track. Due to the riders being on slicks the qualifying session was neutralised. Once the riders were outfitted with wet tyres, the qualifying session was underway. A flurry of laps set in as the track started to dry once again. With potential rain on the horizon, the riders pumped in fast lap times to take advantage of a relatively dry track. Towards the end of the session, more rain hit the track meaning the riders could not challenge for faster times, handing the pole position to Herfoss.

Herfoss was relieved to get the pole position after a rain affected qualifying. “That rain really put a spanner in the works, it was really difficult to get that lap time. The guys did a good job, I went to pole position and then others upped the pace and I knew I had to get out there and get a lap in. So, ‘good job’ to the Crankt Protein Honda Team, I’m really proud of the guys they are working hard and we can try to get the championship started.” Herfoss exclaimed.

Despite missing out on pole position, Maxwell was satisfied with the result of qualifying. “We’re happy with second on the grid. Sure enough everyone aims for pole position, however with all the changes here at the Yamaha Racing Team over the past few weeks this is a good start heading into the two races tomorrow.” Maxwell said.

A front row start is a significant advantage at Wakefield Park Raceway with the difficulty of overtaking around the track. Herfoss will be well placed to fight for the victory tomorrow but he will not be without his challengers. Maxwell, Halliday, Falzon and Waters all look capable of challenging.

Qualifying One took place on a significantly wet track. Crankt Honda Racing Team took out a clean sweep in Qualifying One with Troy Herfoss and Bryan Staring both on CBR1000SP’s, finished top two in the time sheets.  The Honda riders were able to adapt to the wet conditions and deliver the fastest times of the session. There was nothing between the two teammates with Herfoss posting a 1:13.119 and Staring a 1:13.160.

 

There is a lot of pressure on Herfoss to perform this weekend but he hasn’t let any of it affect his performance. Be sure to attend race day at Wakefield Park Raceway tomorrow to see if Herfoss can claim victory at his home track!

 

For more information on the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli, head to www.asbk.com.au or like the ASBK on Facebook for live race results and to keep up do date with all the latest racing news this coming weekend.

Make sure to watch ASBK action on free-to-air television, channel SBS 2pm-4pm AEDT or Live Stream asbk.com.au, 10am-5pm AEDT, tommorrow – this Sunday!

Live timing and results can be found here 

2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship Presented by Motul Pirelli Calendar:

Round 2 Wakefield Park Raceway, NSW                     17-19 March

Round 3 Winton Motor Raceway, VIC                          28-30 April

Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, NT                            7-9   July                                   

Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick, QLD          25-27 August

Round 6 SMP Eastern Creek, NSW                               8-10  September  

Round 7 Phillip Island Circuit, VIC                                6-8  October

Stay up to date with all the latest news and updates from the ASBK by liking ASBK on Facebook, following the @asbk on Instagram and checking out the ASBK website here.

Pictured: Herfoss out of the pits at Wakefield 2017

Photography: TBG Photography