The weekend’s action will not be limited to fans of Grand Prix racing, as the National Superbike field will line up to race in a rare non-title showdown at the Animoca Brands Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
That means that there will be nothing left on the hallowed Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit as the stars of the production-based series fight it out for bragging rights with, potentially, no title implications.
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To add to the ‘wildcard’ feel of the weekend, Phillip Island specialist Wayne Maxwell is sitting this one out, meaning that the series’ other stars get a shot at the podium.
Leading the way should be the Yamaha pairing of Mike Jones and Cru Halliday. Jones has taken to the Yamaha Racing Team’s R1 like a duck to water and, after taking previous titles with Kawasaki and Ducati, looks poised to be the first racer to take Australian Superbike crowns on three different makes of motorcycle.
Halliday scored two podium finishes when the season kicked off at PI in February, and it would be unwise to discount him in any conditions.
Another rider who has changed brands this season is Bryan Staring. Now on a DesmoSport Ducati, he has led the way for the team and is now in third place in the points. Much is expected from the ‘official’ Ducati team, and Staring and new-for-’22 teammate Broc Pearson will be working hard to have the Italian V4s at the sharp end of the field.
The other man who can never be discounted is Troy Herfoss, who may look a little bit like someone else this weekend. Apart from the change in colours of his Penrite Honda, which is running in a retro look to honour the 1992 Fireblade, the Queenslander is running a red, white and blue helmet colour scheme reminiscent of five-time world champion Mick Doohan.
A Herfoss-ridden Honda can never be discounted, and the battle for the podium positions is bound to be a little bit old, a little bit new and every bit special.
The National Superbikes are due to take to the track at 7:55 am for Practice, with Qualifying at 12:15 pm and the opening race of the weekend over 10 laps at 4:40 pm.
