Herfoss returns to ASBK lead as Waters dominates

Crankt Protein Honda Racing's Troy Herfoss leads the 2017 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) with a single round remaining after finishing second overall at a Josh Waters-dominated Sydney Motorsport Park on Sunday, September 9.

Herfoss finished with 2-3 finishes, which was enough to return him to the top of the standings after arch-rival Wayne Maxwell (Yamaha Racing Team) crashed out of race two – a new lap record scant consolation for the unceremonious exit.

FULL RESULTS AND STANDINGS HERE

In fact, Maxwell has now plummeted to third in the standings behind Herfoss and former two-time champion Waters (Ecstar Suzuki), who has won three of the last four races including a resounding double triumph at Sydney Motorsport Park.

“The second race was definitely a lot harder," said Waters.

"Bryan (Staring) just wouldn’t give up chasing me down for the win! Congratulations to Bryan and Troy on the podium. It’s been an awesome race and credit to Team Suzuiki Ecstar Australia for all its hard work. Phillip Island is one of my favourite tracks, so I can’t wait for the last race of the season.”

With just two races remaining at Phillip Island on October 8, Herfoss sits on 226pts, from Waters (220), Maxwell (211) and Robbie Bugden (Kawasaki BCperformance, 201). A maximum of 51pts will be up for grabs at Phillip Island.

Race one at Sydney Motorsport Park saw Waters claim the win from Herfoss, Maxwell, Josh Hook (Ducati) and Glenn Allerton (Yamaha Racing Team), and in the finale Waters again claimed the spoils from Bryan Staring (Crankt Protein Honda Racing), Herfoss, Allerton and Bugden.

Staring was forced to retire from race one with a mechanical problem while in second position.

Meanwhile, Ted Collins (Yamaha) wrapped up the supersport title with a round to go, while Aaron Morris (Yamaha) and Mark Chiodo (Triumph) won the two races.