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 Supersport
Multiple Supersport race and round winner and current points leader, Bryan Staring will look to maintain his lead aboard the Yamaha Racing Team R6 at this weekend’s Phillip Island MotoGP support round.

The Gold Coast-based rider has enjoyed his most successful season of results to date and has managed to maintain a solid buffer over 2008 champion and fellow factory rider Jamie Stauffer.

Staring said he expected the close battle between himself and Stauffer to continue this weekend.

“Phillip Island is a favourite among most of the riders, its got some high speed sections and open, flowing corners,” said Staring.

“I’ve had some good results here in the past but I have no doubt that Jamie will be on the pace early so it will be important to get the most out of the bike in practice and qualifying.

“The shorter races will make things very tough, there will be fewer opportunities to make up any lost ground so I am aiming to lead from the front.

“The weather is another factor that we need to consider – it can change drastically between each session. I’m confident that we’ve got a good handle on the R6 and will be ready to respond to whatever challenges come our way.”

Staring has not finished any race outside the top two this year and has six wins to his name.

He currently leads the class on 230 points, with Stauffer second on 213. The next closest challenge comes from Ben Attard who is 73 points behind.

ASBK Supersport Class Championship Points
1. Bryan STARING (VIC), 230 (YZF-R6)
2. Jamie STAUFFER (NSW), 213 (YZF-R6)
3. Ben ATTARD (NSW), 157
4. Shannon JOHNSON (VIC), 140
5. Troy HERFOSS (VIC), 128
6. Scott CHARLTON (VIC), 123 (YZF-R6)
7. Chris QUINN (NSW), 115 (YZF-R6)
8. Christan CASELLA (VIC), 114 (YZF-R6)
9. Cameron KEEVERS (WA), 105 (YZF-R6)
10. Jed METCHER (VIC), 99 (YZF-R6)