Mallala Next Stop For Yamaha Racing Team

17-04-08

The form operation of the Australian Superbike Championship, the Yamaha Racing Team is looking forward to another strong weekend as the series hits Mallala Motorsport Park in Adelaide.

The Superbike and Supersport riders set the benchmark at the opening round, easily winning both classes.

Attending the pre-round Mallala shakedown, it was apparent the team had lost none of its momentum, with Superbike points leader Jamie Stauffer dipping below the existing circuit lap record on day 1.

Heavy rain and strong winds battered the circuit on the second day, providing little opportunity for track time. Conditions in the region have drastically improved, with a mild top of 25 degrees and three sunny days predicted for this weekend's round.

The team is confident that the R1 and R6 are up to the task at the track, with a steady base setup which will be fine-tuned during practice on Friday.

Yamaha Racing Team Superbike

Defending Superbike champion Jamie Stauffer is leaving little doubt as to whether he can achieve a rare title trifecta in the premier class, and is aiming to come away from this weekend's Mallala round with another maximum points haul.

The runaway winner of the opening round at Eastern Creek, the Kurri Kurri racer has momentum on his side after setting the fastest time in the pre-round test at the South Australian circuit in preparation for this weekend.

Last year, Stauffer won out in a spirited battle with rival rider Craig Coxhell, who set a new lap record in the chase for the champ.

Stauffer struck an early blow a fortnight ago, sneaking below that record in test trim, and making his intentions for this weekend's second round clear.

Mallala is the only circuit that the national series visits that Stauffer doesn't currently hold a lap record in, on either the R1 or R6.

"The test was held in pretty difficult conditions, you had to find the right racing line otherwise the dirt and dust could cost a lot of time," said Stauffer.

"It's testament to the Dunlop tyres that we could put down laps quicker than the current circuit record, as well as the work of the entire Yamaha team in preparing a bike that handles this well."

"The pace in the Superbike class is very quick, this has to be one of the closest seasons yet."

Dan Stauffer will be out to eliminate memories of a trying Mallala round last year where he finished 8th in qualifying, 8th in race 1 and 8th in race 2.

A steady start to the year sees him well-placed in equal 6th, and less than 10 points away from the top 3 placings.

The Superbike class will contest two 19-lap races on Sunday following a combined dual-session qualifying on Saturday to determine grid positions.