Racing: Aussie superbikes set for a grand finale

The 2009 Woodstock Bourbon Australian Superbike Championship makes its third and final visit to Phillip Island this weekend, with three riders still in contention for the ultimate prize - Honda duo Glenn Allerton and Wayne Maxwell, and Suzuki's Josh Waters.

Allerton is the defending superbike champion, and has led this year's title from round three on the Oleon Motologic Racing CBR1000RR. But just when it looked as though he was taking a vice-like grip on proceedings - he won four of five races in a mid-year blitz -- the New South Welshman has had to face a renewed assault from his teammate Maxwell and Waters on the Joe Rocket GSX-R1000.

The result is that just 9pts separates Allerton from third-placed Maxwell heading into this Sunday's two championship-ending 12-lap races.

That alone is going to make for some sensational racing, with the fearsome trio set to pull out all stops to bring home the title in 2009.

"It has been a fantastic year of racing and that shows in the fact that there are three of us in with a chance of winning the championship," Allerton said. "We tried a couple of things in testing and I'm really happy with where we are at.

"I am looking forward to the final event and I have every confidence in the team at Motologic. Back to back wins would certainly be fantastic."

There are permutations aplenty this weekend but, based on the trio finishing both races, winning form will be the one that really matters.

On that score, Maxwell has the most runs on the board, after he won two of the three support races at October's MotoGP round with the superb exhibition of Casey Stoner-like conduct - leading from the front and holding his nerve.

"I believe that it's possible to win both races this weekend, and I've had good momentum in the second half of the season so far," said Maxwell. "The bike is at its best and I couldn't be happier with the job that the team has been doing, so I guess if things go our way then it will determine the exact outcome of the championship on Sunday afternoon.

"We had a test at a public ride day last week and we definitely made improvements - I was happy with my lap times considering the conditions. I'm going into this weekend confident, so we'll just have to wait and see. There's a chance of rain over the weekend, but we've had two wet races so far this year and I've won one of them.

"I've never really struggled in the rain, so either way I think that it will be the same three guys battling for the win and I'm looking forward to trying to get the job done."

Meanwhile, Waters believes he's found some set-up changes duirng a recent two-day test that will give his GSX-R1000 an advantage over his two championship rivals.

"There were a lot of bikes on the circuit at the ride-day -- up to 40 in every session -- and it was hard to get a clear lap because of the speed differential," said Waters. "But I was able to concentrate on the parts of the track where I know I have to improve.

"I'm really happy with the bike and the changes we made. The team has given me the equipment to win the championship, so it's up to me now.

"I know what I have to do. I'll be going out to win both races on Sunday and just worry about myself -- not what anyone else is doing."

While the jousting for championship honours will capture most of the attention this Sunday, a number of other riders could be the ultimate spoilers, including Waters' teammates Shawn Giles and Robbie Bugden.

Both riders will certainly be pushing hard to finish fourth in the title (Giles has the upperhand by 12pts), and they could also take vital points away from Allerton and Maxwell to help out Waters' cause.

Other big guns in action will be Team Kawasaki's Kevin Curtain, Yamaha Racing Team pairing Jamie and Daniel Stauffer, and Craig Coxhell on the Bisley Workwear Honda.

Both Yamaha and Kawasaki will be winding up their factory superbike operations after this weekend, which will be extra motivation to go out on a high.

In the supersport category, Bryan Staring (Yamaha Racing Team) leads by a healthy 17pts from teammate Jamie Stauffer, but such are the vicissitudes of racing that the latter could retain his title if Staring runs into trouble.

Meanwhile, an in-form Shanon Johnson (ESG Racing Honda) will attempt to wrest third place from Ben Attard (Team Kawasaki), who holds a 13pt cushion over his opponent.

For people close to Melbourne, radio station SEN, located at 1116 on the AM band, will be broadcasting the final round at Phillip Island.

There will be updates through the day, and then live coverage of the final supersport and superbike races. Tony Schibeci will be joined in commentary by former Australian superbike and supersport champion, Adam Fergusson.

The remaining classes in action at Phillip Island will be superstock 1000, 125GP/250 mono, superstock 600 and sidecars. There will also be four-wheeled action with the Aussie Racing Cars.

Off-track activities will include a carnival for children, a show & shine, stunt riding demonstrations, a motorcycle accessories sales, and autograph sessions with the top riders. Access is free to the race paddock.

Two-day (Saturday and Sunday) passes cost $30 for adults, $20 for children, $25 for pensioners, and $80 for a family. Tickets are available at the gate.