Positive Start For Yamaha R1 Australian Debut

Despite limited preparations due to the recent arrival in Australia of the ground breaking Yamaha R1, the YRT crew showed the new machine is more than capable of winning races at a national level in almost road going trim.

At the opening round of the Australasian Superbike Championship, the bikes were wheeled from the truck and out onto the Sydney Motorsport Park circuit and directly to the top of the time sheets on the Friday qualifying with Cru Halliday, Wayne Maxwell and Glenn Allerton at the controls.

As the weekend progressed, the YRT crew were able to collect valuable information and data on the new machines that will hold them in good stead for the coming rounds and the riders were able to get all important track time to whet their appetite as the championship progresses.

At the completion of racing on Sunday, Wayne Maxwell stood on the podium in third place, directly ahead of his team mates Cru Halliday and Glenn Allerton in fourth and fifth respectively.

“It was a good hit out for the riders and the team and will only benefit us in the future,” states team manager John Redding. “The R1 obviously has brilliant track speed and unlimited potential and as we get to know the bike better and develop it more, the results will only continue to improve.

“Kevin and his team did a great job getting the bikes into shape with such short preparations while the riders adapted very quickly. Finishing third, fourth and fifth might not be the perfect start but I think we laid some pretty good foundations and gained some real knowledge on the bikes for future development,” Redding ends.

The ASC now heads for Mallala in South Australia for round two of the championship on May 15-17. YRT will hope to build on the strong showing at round one and improved results as the championship moves forward.

To follow the YRT racing; www.facebook.com/yamaharacingteam

For more information and full results from the weekend on the ASC: http://www.fxsuperbikes.com.au

Round One Results
ASC – Sydney Motorsport Park
Superbikes
1st Troy Herfoss
2nd Aiden Wagner
3rd Wayne Maxwell (YRT)
4th Cru Halliday (YRT)
5th Glenn Allerton (YRT)

Credits: Steve Thibou