Allerton wins 2011 ASBK title

BMW rider Glenn Allerton is the 2011 Australian Superbike champion, wrapping up the title in the penultimate round at Symmons Plains in Tasmania on November 20.

A fifth place finish in race two was enough for him to lock away an unbeatable points lead and secure a triumphant second Superbike title, only the fifth rider since 1988 to do so.

“I didn't get a great start today and though I passed a few people straight up I just didn't feel strong enough under brakes with my arm the way it is," said Allerton.

“I kept pushing and pushing but in the end held onto 5th, at the end of the race I honestly thought I was a point off taking home the championship but my team let me know I'd done it which was a great feeling.

“So many people in the team have worked hard for this, I have to thank everyone at Procon Maxima BMW for their hard work week in, week out but also all of those people behind the scenes as well that have helped me make the most of this opportunity including BMW who have been so supportive.

“I'd like to dedicate the win to my grandfather who passed away last week; he's played a huge part in my career and my life.”
BMW now joins Ducati as the second European marque to win the ASBK title, following on from Ducati in 1999.

But the weekend wasn’t without drama for 30-year-old Allerton, who made contact with Robbie Bugden (Suzuki) in race one as both riders wrestled for track space around the circuit’s spectacular and tight hairpin.

Both riders went down and the frustration was evident for Allerton, who was able to remount for an eventual finish of seventh.

Honda’s Jamie Stauffer stayed clear of the carnage to win race one from Suzuki’s Troy Herfoss and Craig Coxhell, while in race two Josh Waters (Suzuki) – who was on target for victory in the opener before a mechanical problem – won in a canter from Stauffer and Herfoss.

Waters also set a new lap record in the process.

“Yesterday was just one of those things, the engine problem was disappointing but we bounced back today,” said Waters.

“I got a good start but made a mistake at the hairpin on the first lap. It probably made for a great race for the crowd to see us all battling it out at the start.

“I worked my way through and made a bit of a break, I was lucky to be fast enough to keep the other guys just behind me.

“Breaking the lap record again shows just how fast the bike is here and I’m looking forward to getting to Phillip Island and finishing the year off really well.”

Stauffer was the overall winner at Symmons Plains, and was only 2pts shy of forcing Allerton to wait another week to race for the title.

“It was a pretty hard race again from seventh on the grid, I attacked early on and was able to move forward but there was no catching Josh in today’s race,” said Stauffer.

“It’s good to get the round win and keep focused on the goal of second in the championship.

“Congratulations to Glenn on a great win; he was always going to be tough to beat with such a big lead.”

Brodie Waters (Suzuki) won both Prostock Challenge races, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Linden Magee (BMW) from claiming top honours in the championship.

The final round of the QBE Australian Superbike Championship, a multi-discipline 'festival' of two-wheel racing, will be held at the Phillip Island from November 18-20. For the full list of events, visit www.asbk.com.au.

Round seven overall results
1. Jamie STAUFFER (NSW), 45
2. Joshua WATERS (VIC), 38
3. Troy HERFOSS (VIC), 38
4. Wayne MAXWELL (VIC), 33
5. Craig COXHELL (VIC), 32
6. Robert BUGDEN (QLD), 31
7. Glenn ALLERTON (VIC), 30
8. Ben HENRY (QLD), 30
9. Chris TROUNSON (VIC), 24

Championship standings after round seven of eight
1. ALLERTON 293
2. STAUFFER 241
3. HERFOSS 223
4. COXHELL 213
5. MAXWELL 210
6. WATERS 197
7. Ben ATTARD (QLD), 196
8. BUGDEN 179
9. HENRY 151
10. Cole ODENDAAL (NSW), 123