Looking back on 2015 ASBK as the 2016 decider looms

This weekend will see bikes, competitors, teams and a expansive amount of fans enter through the gates of Winton Motor Raceway, to compete and witness what will be one of the most gripping grand finale rounds of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli, with all categories racing for the championship.

The changes from last year’s final round to this year’s season decider are undeniable with facets of change to close a successful year of racing with the ASBK.

Last year was hosted over five rounds in four states, with the championship visiting Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit for both the opening and closing rounds. In comparison to this year where the six rounds series visited Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland, and the last round hosted at Winton Motor Raceway after a long hiatus from the circuit.

Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance Superbikes:

Last year, current DemsoSport Ducati rider Mike Jones absolutely dominated the field on his Kawasaki machine, having already claimed the title at the penultimate round in Tasmania before heading to the grand finale round in Phillip Island.

The category littered with tough privateer competition was no match for Jones as he stormed to victory, however this year would see a dramatic change to the grid, with the introduction of factory teams, and more bikes taking on the national premier road racing challenge.

This season has been a whirl wind event for competitors with the championship at any moment in the hands of fate, and this weekend will see no change with three tough competitors and two manufacturers get set for a heated battle for championship glory.

Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance Superbike Championship points leader Yamaha Racing Team’s Wayne Maxwell, will take on Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team’s Troy Herfoss and teammate YRT’s Glenn Allerton this weekend on an unfamiliar battle ground compared to last year.

Motul Supersport:

After 2015 Supersport Champion Brayden Elliott moved up to the premier Superbike Category this year, the Motul Supersport title has been left in the hands of three, more than capable, Supersport competitors with the championship going down to the wire at the final round.

This weekend at Winton Motor Raceway, Banham WA Racing’s Sam Clarke, Graffiti Alley Racing’s Troy Guenther and JNL Racing’s Luke Mitchell are all mathematically in contention to wrap up the 2016 Motul Supersport Championship with only two, 14 lap, races to secure their fate.

This year has seen the introduction of new faces, with a mixture of old, Guenther and Cube Racing’s Callum Spriggs clinging to take the Supersport title. Much like the Superbike class this year the Motul Supersport riders have, every round, gone bar to bar, keeping fans on their toes with no single competitor dominating at any given moment.

Moto3/125GP:

This year the Moto3/125GP class has grown significantly smaller however, the talent is undeniable.

The absence of 2015 Moto3/125GP Champion Tom Bramich has left the championship wide open for a new victor to claim, and the current top three class leaders Brain Houghton, Tayla Relph and Locky Taylor have put on nothing short of a stunning performance to make sure it’s their name on top.

Akrapovic Production:

A significant increase in numbers compared to last year has seen a significant boost in competition and exhilaration. Almost 30 bikes have taken the grid at each and every round this year, and the line-up looks to be the same for the grand finale round.

This year’s unstoppable forces have seen Brandon Demmery, Callum Alderson and Drew Sells hot favourite for both the Over 300 Production and Up to 300 Production classes.

YMF R3 Cup:

From 2015 great lengths have been made to introduce even more riders to the sport and to sustain a competitive and cost effective class for introductory riders which led to the insertion of the YMF R3 Cup.

A first for the ASBK Championship, this class offers a great product at an affordable price in a competitive and evenly distributed playing field.

Much like the other classes, this class’ victor will be decided at the finish line at the last round with Zac Levy only just stealing the championship lead at the last stand alone round for this class at Phillip Island.

In progressive fashion this year has been bigger and better, with tougher competition, tighter racing and even more industry support helping to grow and secure the championship. The season decider of the Yamaha Motor Fiance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli, this weekend will cement the championship and finish off what has been a successful year.

To stay up to date with everything happening in the lead up to this weekend head to www.asbk.com.au, like the ASBK on Facebook or follow @asbk on Instagram.