Monday November 6th
Preparations for the ASBK Grand Finale are underway with less than 4-weeks to go until the title decider with top riders Josh Waters & Troy Herfoss entering the event equal on 293 points.
For the first time in Alpinestars Superbike history, two riders will go into the final round tied on points in what’s shaping as a powerhouse Honda V Ducati battle to the bitter end with no love lost between the two manufacturers as the championship continues to escalate.
Experience at the pointy end of the championship is not an issue for the two riders with Waters chasing his fourth title and Herfoss looking to add a third championship trophy to his cabinet. The battle for third overall doesn’t get any easier with Glenn Allerton, Cru Halliday and Mike Jones separated by just 6 points.
As for the South Australian contingent, hometown rider Arthur Sissis will be hoping to once again contend at the front of the field in search of an overdue Alpinestars Superbike race victory at his home track.
South Australian motorcycle racing fans are in for a treat with all remaining ASBK classes - Supersport, Supersport 300, R3 Cup, Oceania Junior Cup and Superbike Masters also going down to the wire at The Bend.
The Shell V-Power Motorsport Park was last year awarded the crown of ASBK round of the year, with the venue looking to replicate this feat again in what is South Australia’s Premier two-wheel racing event.
With more riders potentially being late wildcard additions to the final round the regular championship riders are looking for an edge and currently undertaking 2-3 day tests at The Bend in preparation for the Grand Finale.
Herfoss & Waters were both quizzed during testing:
Troy Herfoss - #17 Penrite Honda Racing:
“It feels pretty scary, really nervous, no it feels good. We had a slow start to the year and we have clawed our way back into the championship and we honestly probably didn’t fully believe we’d be in this position now at the start of the year.”
“These type of (test) days, it’s important to be on the front foot, setting a good pace. Trying to make sure we’re thinking about ourselves and others are thinking about us too.”
“It would mean a lot. I had a pretty bad injury two years ago. We worked really hard last year and I actually got my first race win back here at The Bend. So it’ll be icing on the cake to make that recovery complete with clinching the championship.”
Josh Waters - #21 McMartin Racing with K-Tech:
“You’d be lying to say you’re not nervous and all those things, all I can do is try my hardest in a couple of weeks’ time.”
“We’ll just keep to ourselves and try and do the best job possible. I’m sure it will be great for the fans and it’s great for the championship”
“A lot of people have got behind me at home (Mildura). When you live in Mildura, travelling to Adelaide isn’t a big trip so there’s a lot of people I Know that are coming over for Sunday.”
Alistair MacDonald, CEO - Shell V-Power Motorsport Park:
“This is one of the biggest events on our calendar annually and we are thrilled that the fans are going to lay witness to an all-time championship showdown right here at The Bend”
“Year after year we work with Motorcycling Australia and ASBK to build what is now a hallmark event on the South Australian motorsport calendar for the local and travelling interstate spectators to enjoy.”
The ASBK Grand Finale at The Bend is proudly supported by the Government of South Australia through the South Australian Tourism Commission.
Tickets for the December 1-3 ASBK Grand Finale are available via thebend.com.au
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