ASBK preview: Queensland Raceway
A depleted field for the Australian Superbike Championship season opener in Queensland, with Glenn Allerton the hot favourite to claim the honoursQueensland Raceway – aka the Paperclip’ -- will host round one of the 2014 AirRoad Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) this weekend (April 5-6) – but with a majority of the nation’s top riders not in attendance, having previously pledged their season loyalties to the rival Australasian Superbike Championship (ASC).
BMW’s Glenn Allerton will start as favourite in the premier superbike class after finishing runner-up to Suzuki rider Wayne Maxwell in 2013.Maxwell won’t be defending his title in 2014, and others to move on include Jamie Stauffer, Josh Hook and Robbie Bugden.
Allerton can expect strong competition from local riders Mike Jones (Kawasaki. pictured) and Linden Magee (BMW) – the former impressing in round one of the ASC at Wakefield Park (NSW) on March 16, while Magee recently finished second in the 2014 New Zealand Superbike Championship.
“I'm really excited to be getting back on the Crazy Dogs Kawasaki ZX-10R at Queensland Raceway this weekend,” Jones said.
“I can't wait to be back in the seat again, it's good fun and great for developing my skills, and will be great to also be racing in front of a home crowd.”
In the supersport class, defending champion Daniel Falzon is aiming for back-to-back titles, with the South Aussie expected tom be challenged the whole way by fellow Yamaha riders and Queenslanders Callum Spriggs and Aiden Wagner.
Wagner was second in the opening ASC hitout, ahead of Spriggs and Falzon.
“I am really looking forward to this weekend,” Wagner said.
“It is my home track and I have done a lot of laps there in the dry and the wet, so I am not concerned about the weather.
“Last year I had some problems with my rear shock so this year, in front of family and friends I really want to put it on the podium.”
At Queensland Raceway, races will also be held for juniors, Moto3/125 GP, production/Formula 400 and EVO Unlimited Senior riders.
The opening round will also support Danny Green’s Coward Punch initiative. Motorcyclists attending the event on Sunday will also be invited to participate in a lunchtime ‘Lap of Champions’ which will not only raise awareness for the ‘Cowards Punch’ initiative but ASBK will also donate $5.00 for everyone who participates.
Gates open at 8.00am Saturday and Sunday, and tickets are available for purchase at the gate.
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