ASBK Supersport: Tom Toparis wins from Oli Bayliss & Jack Passfield

By Bike Review • 4 years ago •

Benro Racing’s Tom Toparis has beaten Cube Racing’s Oli Bayliss in the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, MotorsportsTV Supersport class in the last race of the day. Words: MA Pics: Russell Colvin, GeeBee Images.

In a thrilling race it was a two man Yamaha show up front with Bayliss leading early and Toparis hot on his heels. Once Toparis took the lead, it was Oli playing chase, while rookie 600 class rider, GTR Motostars Team’s Max Stauffer, who has stepped up from 300s, was in a battle for third with Stay Upright Rider Training’s Jack Passfield.

Stauffer was super impressive and received massive applause from the crowd back at the podium after taking third. Bayliss and Toparis hugged after the race sharing a few laughs about their battle, such is the bond between these two. Toparis is only competing in round one before he flies to Europe to compete in the European World Supersport Championship.

“It’s pretty good I mean you want to beat him as much as you can, in the first race I got that done and in the second race he got that done, it’s great fun” said Bayliss of his close friend Tom.

Toparis said: “I’m hoping that after those 16 laps (of the WorldSupersport race as Wild Card) he is absolutely done and and he has nothing left and eaves it up to me, I can beat him,” Toparis said.

“It’s great to see Oli stepping it up another level this year and he is probably the favourite this year, and if he can keep it on two wheels this year unlike last year I am keen to see how he goes from over in the Netherlands and I hope he brings home an ASBK championship.
“It’s a bit more serious this weekend I don’t really want to lose to him to be honest”.

Stauffer was very happy with his third place.
“I’m over the moon I can’t believe it, I had to work so hard for it as Jack (Passfield) was fast the whole race. It’s the biggest jump so to be going this good so early on is quite special, I’m happy and excited for the future and really want to thank my entire team for this opportunity”.