Yamaha Racing Team sets its sights on Superbike and Supersport Championship hat-tricks

12-03-08

Yamaha's defense of its dual Australian Superbike and Supersport titles will begin at Eastern Creek this weekend, with the factory outfit prepared for the first of seven Australian Superbike Championship rounds in what will be one of the series' most closely contested years.

The team's blue streak began at the same circuit in 2006, with Jamie Stauffer re-joining the team. He rewrote the record books in the same year and went on to successfully defend the premier class crown in 2007, and is eyeing off an ASC title hat-trick in 2008.

His relaxed off-track demenanour gives way to a steely, disciplined determination on-track; one that his championship rivals know will be a tough job to crack.

Stauffer said he was happy with the team's performance at the World Superbike support event where he finished an incredibly close second place, dicing with Shawn Giles for each race win.

"The World Supers are always a good test of how bike development is going, and who has made changes in the off-season," said Stauffer.

"It was a close and enjoyable fight and there will be a number of contenders that stand up this year."

"The R1 has always been a great race bike and between Phillip Island and the test session at Eastern Creek we have a great handle on the setup."

Not to be outdone in the Superbike camp is Jamie's elder brother, Dan, who finished a creditable third in last year's series.

The sibling rivalry will ignite once again as the pairing from Kurri Kurri square off in the title chase.

And while the R1 looks set to maintain its reputation as the 'bike to be on' in the Superbike class, there's little doubting the raw, racebred potential of Yamaha's R6, the winner of the previous two Supersport titles.

2006 class victor Stauffer was electrifying at the World Superbike support event, winning 3 from 4 races following a pole position start.

But it was the performance of fellow OzQuest Yamaha Supersport team members Jeremy Crowe and Bryan Staring that rounded out a team trifecta in dominant fashion.

At 22 years of age, Crowe is entering his second season of competition with full factory backing, and feels he is well prepared to continue the strong run of results at Eastern Creek.

"I've been preparing for a while for the start of the season and it is all going well, the team is working together very closely and by our form at the World Supers it looks as though the R6 is again the most competitive package," said Crowe.

"The team also held its testing here at Eastern Creek so we are confident that the bikes are suited to the style it requires."

Staring will back up after an equally competitive showing at Phillip Island where he laid down four consistent race finishes, including two podiums, on his way to third overall.

The West Australian has risen through the ranks of junior racing through to Supersport and will finally get to display his full potential on the class-leading 600cc machine this weekend.

Event: 2008 Australian Superbike Championship, Round 1
When: Friday, 14 March to Sunday, 16 March
Where: Eastern Creek Raceway, Sydney, NSW