YRT prepares to tackle the elements at Phillip Island

16-10-09

The Yamaha Racing Team’s Superbike and Supersport riders take to the Phillip Island track today with a packed schedule of practice, qualifying and racing to manage.

The MotoGP support classes will be racing for points at the penultimate outing in the respective Australian Superbike and Australian Supersport Championships.

A rare break in the wet weather greeted teams this morning but the track is infamous for its changeable conditions and the Yamaha R1 and Yamaha R6 riders are preparing for all conditions including strong winds, rain and even storms as the weekend progresses.

Yamaha Racing Team Superbike
Yamaha Racing Team Superbike riders Daniel and Jamie Stauffer are eyeing a consistent run of results at this weekend’s Phillip Island MotoGP support event.

Three short races reaching only 8 laps in length will make today’s practice and qualifying paramount for the R1-mounted teammates.

An uncharacteristic struggle for form during the 2009 season has both riders out of the hunt for championship bragging rights but the entire outfit is determined to deliver this weekend.

The MotoGP round is the first of two consecutive points-paying events to be held at Phillip Island.

Daniel Stauffer said the season’s results had fallen frustratingly short of the effort delivered by every member of the team.

“We’re looking forward to getting out there today and trying a few more things with the bike,” said Stauffer. “We’ve seen its potential at various stages throughout the season and our best race finish was here at the start of the year so things are looking positive.

“With the kind of weather we see at Phillip Island it really is anyone’s race.

“If the wind and rain closes in then it levels the playing field, we’re hoping to take advantage and make back some ground on the guys who are fighting for the championship.”

Daniel is 8th in the race for the Superbike championship, with brother Jamie a place higher in 7th.

As well as his Superbike class commitments, Jamie will be battling to defend his Supersport crown from 2008.

The race for honours has been a one-sided affair for the all-conquering Yamaha R6, and factory Supersport teammate Bryan Staring currently holds a 17 point advantage.

ASBK Championship Points
1. Glenn ALLERTON (NSW), 217
2. Joshua WATERS (VIC), 206
3. Wayne MAXWELL (VIC), 198
4. Shawn GILES (VIC), 165
5. Robert BUGDEN (VIC), 154
6. Craig COXHELL (VIC), 146
7. Jamie STAUFFER (VIC), 135 (Yamaha YZF-R1)
8. Daniel STAUFFER (VIC), 126 (Yamaha YZF-R1)
9. Kevin CURTAIN (NSW), 116
10. Chris TROUNSON (VIC), 87