Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R in the running following ASBK Round 6

It was a commendable fourth place overall for Kawasaki BCperformance Racing Team rider, Robbie Bugden at round 6 of the ASBK in Sydney over the weekend. With only 25 championship points between Robbie and 1st place, the Ninja ZX-10R pilot remains in the running for the superbike championship title.

Qualifying in 11th place, Bugden remained focused and called upon his extensive Superbike racing experience, combined with the unsurpassed performance of his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R in both of the day’s races. The 33 year old Queenslander pulled off an 8th place finish in race one and 5th place finish in race two.

Robbie Bugden

“Overall it wasn’t a bad weekend. Most importantly it kept us well in the championship going into the last round,” Robbie commented. “We didn’t get qualifying quite right and it cost us over the weekend as starting in 11th didn’t reflect our pace. Once we got into the races we had some good laps and made our way forward. Full credit to the team – we had to grind that one out but everyone stood up and made it happen.”

“We didn’t lose too many points overall but most importantly we are still well in the hunt for the championship title at Phillip Island,” Robbie said.

Kawasaki BCperformance Racing Team’s rookie Superbike rider, Kyle Buckley was back in the game after missing Round 5 due to an injury sustained at the Hidden Valley Raceway outing. The fighting fit 22 year old laid out impressive results with 13th in race one and 14th in race two for 15th overall.

“The biggest hindrance wasn’t the injury on the track but being off the bike and having to stop training while my leg healed up,” said Kyle. “I got back on the bike and trained as hard as I could in the weeks leading up to this round, but it’s hard to be in full form once you’ve have a big break from riding due to recovery.”

“The team worked well, the Ninja ZX-10R is fast and handles well, however it wasn’t going to be a perfect weekend coming back from a broken leg. We are looking forward to Phillip Island though and we are going to finish the series off well!” exclaimed Kyle.

Kyle Buckley

Team Manager, Kelvin Reilly was pleased with how the weekend unfolded saying, “We had a test day last week at Sydney Motorsport Park which resulted in some good data that called for some set-up changes.”

“The team is happy with the performance of both Ninja ZX-10R riders. Kyle results were strong after such a serious injury. Robbie proved his consistency is invaluable to our race team. He claimed a 4th place overall finish after he was somewhat hampered by his qualifying position.”

“The championship fight is down to the wire at Phillip Island and as a team we are working hard to give our riders the best chance at the final ASBK round. I’d like to thank all who came out to support us for the round, we had over 60 guests in total visit us to show their support at our home round!”

Kawasaki BCperformance Supersport 300 rider, Reid Battye secured enough points with his Ninja 300 over the weekend to take out the Hi-Tec Batteries Australian Supersport 300 Championship – Up To 300cc Class, making it the BCperformance’s 4th Australian championship in 3 years. “Excellent riding, for a 16 year old he has achieved results beyond his years,” commented Kelvin.

Reid Battye crowned Under 300s Supersport 300 Champion

Battye’s Ninja 300 teammate, Yanni Shaw again displayed immense improvements and took his first ever race win over the weekend. Yanni sits in second place on the up to 300cc championship leader board.

Another Kawasaki supported rider took a position on the podium over the weekend in the form of Sam Muldoon with his Mick Muldoon Motorcycles Ninja ZX-6R in the Supersport class. The first Supersport race saw Sam unfortunately crash out however he followed up with vigour to cross the line in 2nd place for race two.

“We are quite happy with the result in the second race. It was definitely satisfying to stand on the podium. It was extra satisfying to do it in front of the people there supporting me. It was a shame about race one and the crash but we are still getting there.”

Sam Muldoon

“I’ve worked hard and the team has worked hard this entire year. It’s promising that we have been getting better every time I ride and thank you to Al Samuels for the coaching which I’ve implemented to see good results at SMSP,” Sam commented.

Kawasaki Connection Ninja ZX-10R rider, Matt Walters showed confidence in the penultimate round of the series with a 15th place finish in race one and unfortunately retiring in the second race.

Kawasaki riders now ready themselves for the final round of the 2017 Australian Superbike Championship to be held in a months’ time, from 6th to 8th of October at the premier Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Victoria.