Herfoss pips Maxwell in ASC thriller

Troy Herfoss has been crowned the 2015 Australasian superbike champion by just 1pt over Yamaha's Wayne Maxwell after a thrilling finale at Sydney Motorsport Park on Saturday, December 5.

Herfoss scored 3-2-5 results in the final round (as well as a bonus point for pole position) to just edge out Maxwell, who was forced to start from grid position eight in all three races after a crash in a qualifying race.

Maxwell went 4-3-3, but it wasn't enough to dislodge Herfoss from the top spot. The pair went into the final round equal on points.

“What an unreal feeling it is to claim my first ever Australasian Superbike Championship," said Herfoss.  'That last race was the most stressful 12 laps I have had on a motorbike!  It’s a great feeling to win this championship and something I have worked hard for.

"Of course there is no way I could have done this without a dedicated team behind me, in Team Honda Racing.  They have been behind me since day one!  I can’t thank Paul and Laura Free enough for bringing me on in 2014.  Shaun, my mechanic is just a wizard at what he does and deserves a huge credit to this championship.

"To all the team sponsors, and my personal sponsors, a massive, massive thank you, as without your support this could not be possible.  Finally, thanks to everyone for all the well wishes and great support you have given me throughout 2015, it means a hell of a lot.  Thank you.”

Maxwell was magnanimous in defeat as he fell agonisingly short of successive titles.

“I gave it my all and I only have myself to blame crashing on Friday and it was too much of an obstacle to overcome," said Maxwell. I can’t make a mistake like that and expect that a rider as good as Troy isn’t going to take advantage of it. Congratulations to him.

“Overall, I’m happy with the 2015 season despite not winning the championship. I won two rounds and was on the podium several more times. We started the year on a brand new bike, on a new team and we proved to be as competitive as ever in a short period of time.

"Thank you to every member of the YRT crew and Yamaha Australia with a special mention to my mechanic, Warren."

Maxwell's teammate Glenn Allerton was third in the championship from Mike Jones (Kawasaki) and Jamie Stauffer (Honda). Jones won the final twilight round from Stauffer and Herfoss.

Meanwhile, Callum Spriggs won the supersport title on a countback from fellow Yamaha rider Brayden Elliot courtesy of more wins -- five to four -- during the season.

For results and final championship standings across all classes, click here.