Motorcycling Australia has announced that the ASBK Grand Finale double-header is now confirmed to go ahead as planned on December 3-6, however due to limitations to some state borders, the event will now be staged at Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn, NSW.
After recent announcements by State Premiers, opening of borders and ongoing restrictions in Victoria, Wakefield Park Raceway located in Regional NSW, now becomes the only venue capable of hosting the Grand Finale Double Header rounds of the 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul.
While the event has now shifted North up the highway only a few hours drive, the event date, Double Header event format, and event specific regulations all remain unchanged from the planned Winton event.
Wayne Maxwell in action during testing at Wakefield Park in March – Image by TDJ
‘’It’s been a long wait for the ASBK Paddock since Round 1 back in February, and a tough year for the sport and its riders,” said Motorcycling Australia CEO, Peter Doyle.
“However, we are extremely pleased to be finally heading back to the track to finish off the ASBK Championship and crown the 2020 champions.
“Our thanks go to the Winton Motor Raceway, Wakefield Park Raceway and Benalla Auto Club Group, owners of Winton and Wakefield Park for their flexibility with the adjustment to the location.
“Both Winton and Wakefield have been long time hosts of ASBK and the conclusion to this year’s championship wouldn’t be possible without them.’’
Wakefield Park ASBK 2019 – Image by TBG
With the ASBK final showdown now confirmed for the first week of December, sadly ASBK Race Fans will be unable to attend the event in person due to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead, fans can catch all the action live via ASBK TV partners SBSHD, Fox Sports Australia and Fox Sports Asia on both Saturday and Sunday.
ASBK rider entries will open at 5pm today (Friday Nov 6) via Ridernet, and riders are advised that due to COVID-19 restrictions entries will be limited to approximately 100 riders for this event. It is recommended to get your entries in early to avoid disappointment.
Again, due to COVID-19 restrictions, each rider will be restricted to a limited number of crew personnel for each class. More information can be found in the Additional Supplementary Regulations (ASR) via ASBK.com.au or Ridernet.
Following a stop/start year for ASBK and due to some riders being able to ride, practice or race in different states across Australia. ASBK Management Team advises in reference to ASBK Sporting Regulations 2.6 – Unofficial Practice; that Unofficial Practice will not be allowed at this round venue for the period commencing 30 days prior to the event. This 30 day rule replaces the 8 day rule for these double header rounds.
Mike Jones testing at Wakefield Park in March – Image by TDJ
Finally, all in the ASBK Paddock are again reminded that COVID-19 is a rapidly changing pandemic and the event and its conditions are subject to additional Government COVID-Safe regulations or changes without notice, which are beyond the control of ASBK Management.
All ASBK Paddock personnel attending the event must follow ASBK, Venue and State Government regulations. Failure to follow may result in sporting and/or government penalties and enforcement.
Teams and riders will be provided with additional information on COVID-Safe plans and requirements for this event. Further information will be sent out in the coming weeks.
DesmoSport Ducati testing at Wakefield Park in March – TDJ Image
2020 ASBK Calendar
Round
Track/Date
ROUND 1
WSBK – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC: 27 Feb – 1 March
ROUND 2-3
Wakefield Park, NSW: December 3-6
2020 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship Points
Penrite Honda Fireblade CBR1000RR-R SP – Rider Troy Herfoss with team owner Deon Coote from Elite Roads
While we wait to hear if ASBK will turn a wheel again this season, subject to borders being opened, Penrite Honda have been busy honing the edge of the new Fireblade CBR1000RR-R SP.
St George MCC conducting further tests this Friday night
The St George Motorcycle Club recently had the opportunity to run a test session under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park. In close communication with Motorcycling Australia, about a dozen lucky invited riders were the first ones on track in a simulated race environment.
St George MCC Test at SMSP – Image by Half Light Photographic
Plenty of safety tests and exercises were conducted on the night, from visibility of flag points, shadowing from other riders, race starts and glare from lights. There was about 10 specific exercises conducted on the night and a little free riding time, and feedback was very positive from both riders and officials.
Glenn Allerton
“The lighting is very easy to get used to from a riding perspective, I’ve been lucky enough to race a 24hr at Le Mans in France and the lights here at SMSP are a whole different level above the EWC lighting, I’m excited for the opportunities that this facility brings to our racing for the future and can’t wait till we get our first chance to have a race under lights.”
Glenn Allerton – Image by Half Light Photographic
Jack Passfield
“It was a privilege to test SMSP under lights. It’s a completely new environment for most of us to ride in and provides us with a whole new experience. Everything looks close to being ready and I’m keen to line up for some racing under lights in the coming months. Huge thanks to Michael O’Brien for his efforts to make it all possible!”
Riders in pit lane at SMSP – Image by Half Light Photographic
Glenn Scott
“I’ve been lucky enough to race under lights at Losail, Qatar GP circuit when I was racing in World SuperSport. To be back riding under lights here at Sydney Motorsports Park was an absolute treat. The circuit has done a great job with the light design and for St George Motorcycle Club to be pushing to create some racing at night I think is awesome for the sport and will be a great spectacle. They certainly have my support.”
Sydney Motorsport Park at night – Image by Half Light Photographic
Dominic DeLeon
“Sydney Motorsport Park under the lights is like nothing I have ever experienced before. Everything felt great. The bike felt faster, the grip felt better and the atmosphere was unreal. Having the opportunity to be a part of this historical event was truly an honour. I will like to thank the St George MCC and Sydney Motorsport Park for making this all happen in these difficult times. Keep up the fantastic work guys. Truly and amazing thing you guys are doing here for the bike world.”
St George MCC at Sydney Motorsport Park – Image by Half Light Photographic
A definite step forward in the motorcycling world from the ARDC, Sydney Motorsport Park and the NSW Government, some extra upgrades to the circuit in the coming months are expected to make Sydney Motorsport Park a race track that will be among the best facilities in the world.
Keep an eye out on the St George Motorcycle Club’s socials for practice nights planned over the next few months. The first of these is happening this Friday night, October 30 between 6.30 and 10.30 pm. Or head on down for a look to see how this place transforms under the lights at night.
The cancellation of the rescheduled around two of ASBK at The Bend in South Australia scheduled for November 20-22 has been made official by Motorcycling Australia.
The cancellation comes as a result of continuing delays to the reopening of State borders and State Government restrictions, despite falling virus numbers.
The need to make this decision is very frustrating for both ASBK Management and ASBK riders and teams as only a few weeks ago there were signs that this round might be able to occur. However, circumstances beyond our control will not allow for this event to take place.
ASBK takes this opportunity to thank The Bend Motorsport Park for their support and flexibility during this complicated and interrupted 2020 season. ASBK is very disappointed not to be visiting this outstanding venue this year, and we look forward to being back in 2021 for the International Motofest at The Bend.
The ASBK paddock now turns its attention to finishing off the year with the ASBK Grand Finale double header at Winton Motor Raceway over December 3-6. A four-day extravaganza of ASBK action is planned at the iconic Northern Victoria circuit which always throws up plenty of thrills.
The double header event now represents ASBK Round 2 – Saturday, and Round 3 – Sunday, which will see the 2020 ASBK Champions crowned across all classes. Discussions continue with Victorian Government to finalise COVID-Safe planning requirements for the event.
The Winton double-header round remains subject to further developments in State border restrictions, and a review by ASBK Management will be undertaken in November when further advice will be provided to the ASBK paddock.
ASBK Management further advises that the scheduled ASBK Practice Days at Winton Motor Raceway on October 29 and 30, will no longer be official ASBK practice days controlled by ASBK due to the continued COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria.
Winton Motor Raceway can advise that these dates will now become an open motorcycle ride day welcome to all eligible riders. Winton further wish to advise riders already entered for these dates that this booking can remain or to contact the circuit for further discussions and details.
Throughout 2020, ASBK Management Team have remained committed to communicating openly and regularly with the ASBK paddock during this unprecedented time. Whilst difficult decisions have been reviewed and made throughout this recent period, we thank teams, riders, partners, and fans for their understanding.
A single round of the 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship was staged before the pandemic hit Australia and that Phillip Island opener was dominated by Wayne Maxwell who fended off determined charges from Cru Halliday.
2020 ASBK Calendar
Round
Track/Date
ROUND 1
WSBK – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC: 27 Feb – 1 March
ROUND 2-3
Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla VIC: December 3-6
2020 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championship Points
While Victorian road racers have been suffering from a lack of track time due to travel restrictions, their foes based in the north of the country have been putting in plenty of laps at Morgan Park. Mike Jones and Aiden Wagner have been keeping sharp with regular outings at the tricky three-kilometre circuit situated near Warwick, 130-kilometres south-west of Brisbane.
Troy Herfoss and the Penrite Honda squad have also been using the circuit to shakedown the all-new Fireblade to ready the new Honda for ASBK competition. While both Jones and Wagner have raced at the circuit this year in earlier rounds of the Southern Downs Series, Herfoss had only completed practice days to hone the new Fireblade’s edge but was yet to blood that knife in competition.
Troy Herfoss leading at Morgan Park
After finally deeming themselves ready to rumble Penrite Honda did enter last weekend’s event and Herfoss started off on the front foot by taking pole position with a 1m12.777s, just outside the all-time lap record. Jones recorded a 1m12.609s during ASBK qualifying at the circuit last year on the 1299 Ducati, while Herfoss set the race lap record around the Queensland venue at 1m12.645s back in 2018 on a Fireblade SP.
Troy Herfoss
The fastest race lap last weekend was Herfoss’ 1m33.033s in the fourth and final six-lap sprint on his way to victory in that race and also the round. Herfoss scoring three wins and a fourth place across the four six-lap races to bag 92-points for the round win. He was also leading the first eight-laps of the race he didn’t win, but a mistake late in the race saw him run off the track before rejoining the circuit to salvage fourth place.
Troy Herfoss
“I was hoping to race the bike earlier in the year but we didn’t have a surplus of parts available to us so didn’t want to get mixed up with other racers and risk damaging anything. It was just so good to be out in a competitive environment, some fast guys where there with Mike and Aiden, and Oli getting out on the Superbike. It has just confirmed some things for us and now I am just so excited to go racing. Looking forward to going to the big show in ASBK to show what we can do as I am confidenet we have got a package that is ready to run up the front.”
Troy Herfoss
Mike Jones won the longest race of the weekend, which at ten laps was still much shorter than the 16-lap distances run at the circuit during ASBK rounds, and came second in the other three bouts to finish the round seven-points behind Herfoss but won the four-round QLD Road Racing Championship.
Mike Jones
“It was great to have another chance to go racing with the team. Although I took a race win, I wanted four of them this weekend, so even though there a lot of positives to take, I’m not content with the results and it motivates me to keep working. We’ve shown in testing that we’re capable of more and so now we have more motivation to push back to the top step when we get to South Australia next month.”
Mike Jones
DesmoSport Ducati Team Co-Owner – Ben Henry
“I’ve got to be honest, I’m disappointed in our overall results this weekend. I just don’t think we matched the potential that we have, and we’re going to have to take this opportunity and use it to ensure we put everything on the table when we get to race the ASBK again. We didn’t get close to the times we’ve set in testing, but we were consistent, and both Mike and Oli were able to position themselves to take advantage of other riders’ mistakes. Despite the way I feel about our result, it was great to be at the track again, and it gives us some more direction as a team that we’ve been missing by not racing. I have to thank the club and the volunteers for another great weekend at the track and a well-run event.”
Oli Bayliss and Mike Jones
Oli Bayliss was having his second competitive outing on the V4 R Superbike and again the youngster acquitted himself well. He bounced back from a crash earlier in the weekend to 6-4-3-3 results that were good enough to give him third overall for the round ahead of Yamaha’s Aiden Wagner. Bayliss progressively got faster all weekend and set his fastest 1m13.655s lap in the final bout, only half-a-second slower than Jones.
Oli Bayliss
“I’m happy to be on the podium this weekend. With three other ASBK factory-level riders on track, it proved that I can mix it with the lead group. I’m still pretty sore after my crash on the 600 in practice on Thursday, so even though I think I can go faster, I’m still pretty happy to come away with third this weekend.”
Oli Bayliss leading Aiden Wagner
Aiden Wagner finished what was the final round of the series in fourth place after a fall in the last leg cost him any chance of a podium for the day or the series victory. Wagner finished with 3-3-2-10 results in the four races ran over the weekend and finished in second place for the championship, 18-points behind Mike Jones.
Wagner started the weekend on good form, regathering after wrecking a machine during Friday practice, and was in a fast moving pack at the front of the field that included, Troy Herfoss, Mike Jones and Olly Bayliss. He improved during the day and was again battling for a top two spot in the final race when he lost the front and went down on lap four. Wagner was able to scramble to his feet, pick up his factory Yamaha YFZ- R1M and return to the race to cross the finish line in 10th place.
Aiden Wagner
Aiden Wagner
“I felt pretty good on the track all weekend, I just wasn’t getting off the line as good as I needed to and had to charge my way forward in each race,” Wagner explained. “Herfoss and Jones were clean off the line and gapped me a little on the opening laps. I was able to draw them back in towards the end of each race but races only being six laps, I just made myself work too hard to get to the front. The final race I just got a little impatient and made move that I tried to force instead of waiting for the right time to pass. It was my fault and something I need to learn from. But I have enjoyed being at the races and back to events like this at Morgan Park. It has been fun and its also been awesome that Kev and the Yamaha Racing Team have been able to support me 100% at these rounds and I can’t thank them enough for the effort they have put in.”
Aiden Wagner
Conditions at the circuit were hot on the weekend with ambient temperatures in the 30s and track temperatures over 50-degrees.
Troy Herfoss
There are still two rounds of the Australian Superbike Championship left on the calendar as riders await updates on current COVID and border issues. Rounds at The Bend in South Australia and Winton in Victoria remain scheduled before the end of the year, with riders and teams hoping to finish off the ASBK championship after the opening round was ran way back in February. Wayne Maxwell dominated that opening round at Phillip Island ahead of Cru Halliday, but both riders have had little track time during the lockdown period and might be put on the back foot a little when racing resumes this year. A situation that is looking increasingly doubtful as weeks progress.
Oli Bayliss to context Southern Downs on the Ducati V4R
Keen to get back on track, DesmoSport Ducati will contest round four of the Southern Downs & Queensland Road Racing Series this weekend with both Mike Jones and Oli Bayliss set to battle a host of Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) regulars aboard matching V4R superbikes in the Formula 1 class.
Mike Jones
“I’m excited to go racing again! Ben and Chris are constantly working to get the most out of the bikes, and every time we’ve been on track we’ve made progress that gives me more and more confidence in the pace we can race with, not only at Morgan Park, but across a range of race tracks. With four races this weekend, it should be fun!”
Mike Jones and Oli Bayliss
In just the second race weekend for Bayliss on a superbike, the 17-year-old will be looking for consistent, fast laps under race conditions at Morgan Park, after setting laps times in practice just a few tenths off the lap record pace set by current ASBK Champion and DesmoSport team-mate, Mike Jones.
Oli Bayliss
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on the V4R this weekend. We’ve done another day of testing since the last race and I have really good pace on the bike, so I can’t wait to put that speed into a race situation and see where we end up.”
Oli & Troy Bayliss
Troy Bayliss – Team Co-Owner
“It’s always good to go racing, and I’m really looking forward to the weekend at Morgan Park. Oli is going to race both Formula 1 (superbike) and Formula 2 (supersport) to keep up the track time while Mike will stay focussed on getting the most out of the V4R. The club do a great job, and with a few more ASBK guys on track, it should be an interesting weekend”.
For Jones, the weekend is another opportunity to continue to hone his race craft and develop the V4R package prior to the expected return of the ASBK in late November.
Ben Henry – Team Co-Owner
“I’m really looking forward to racing again this weekend. (Troy) Herfoss has entered along with (Aiden) Wagner, so it will be great to see more competition at the front, giving us a solid marker for our progress with Mike and the bike, while for Oli, it will add another fast rider in the mix to see if he can run their pace. There’s very little pressure, so it should be a fun weekend!”
Southern Downs Queensland Road Racing Round 4 Schedule
2004 Australian Superbike and Supersport Champion Adam ‘Krusty’ Fergusson has been sentenced to a prison term of four years and nine months, with a minimum of two years and ten months.
Fergusson and his partner were found to be growing more than 100kg of Cannabis in their Geelong home via a sophisticated hydroponic operation.
Police raided the rented property more than 12 months ago and Fergusson had been charged and bailed, but in a recent appearance in the County Court that bail was revoked while he awaited sentencing. That sentence was handed down earlier this week.
I did know that Adam had gone through some challenges after retiring from racing and had been left with injuries that continued to plague him long after hanging up his leathers. The most serious injuries were sustained at Symmons Plains where he suffered major damage to his legs and hips in 2007 that he never fully recovered from.
I hope that the now 45-year-old Krusty can successfully rebuild his life after serving his sentence.
Adam Fergusson was a very talented road racer with multiple Australian Championships under his belt
BMW have released a few high-spec special versions of the S 1000 RR since the model was first launched just over a decade ago and in 2021 we will see an evolution of the model with the new M strategy aimed at pushing the performance envelope of the machine even further. The first M model S 1000 RR was released in 2018 but 2021 will see BMW take the concept further with a limited production model armed with extensive chassis and engine tweaks aimed to maximise racetrack potential.
BMW S 1000 RR M
Power has never been something BMW has lacked in any scenario, on the road or on the racetrack, thus many of the changes in these new versions are aimed at refining the chassis for track use in domestic road racing championships around the world.
BMW S 1000 RR M with the full gamut of optional accessories
The changes to the swingarm pivot will be crucial in allowing race teams to adapt conventional (non electronic) suspension for better track performance in racing series where the replacement of the pivot is not permitted due to regulations, such as here in ASBK. The suspension strut is bespoke to the M RR for unadulterated race performance and replaces the 87.5mm threaded rod unit of the S 1000 RR.
This area of change will be important in championships where the replacement of the swingarm pivot designed for DDS (electronic) suspension can not be changed out for a pivot designed to work with a conventional shock
The strut is an eccentric strut type with an initial length of 78mm and an adjustment range of 6mm in seven 1mm increments from 75mm to 81mm.
The linkage ratio has also been increased from 1.63:1 of the S 1000 RR to 1.97:1 – a move inspired by experiences of the race track accessories market.
The spring rate is 100N/mm and a new spring steel has been adopted to reduce weight. In addition, the swing pivot point has been optimised for use in motorsport applications.
Adjustment range is from -2mm to +2mm in 1mm increments – a new feature developed for the M RR.
The chain and thus effective swinging arm length has been extended by one pair of links, resulting in a revised wheelbase that provides the M RR a solid grounding.
The chassis of the new M RR is based on the RR with the bridge frame made of aluminium at its centrepiece. It has optimised Marzocchi forks as well as a revised central spring strut with blue spring and Full Floater Pro kinematics.
BMW S 1000 RR M
In addition, the top and bottom fork bridges are entirely milled, black anodised and are approximately 20 grams lighter than those used on the S 1000 RR.
M carbon wheels, which are fitted as standard, provide additional stiffness while lowering unsprung weight to increase performance potential. This also changes front wheel load distribution from 53.8 per cent of the S 1000 RR to 52.1 per cent for the M RR.
With the new M RR, there is a BMW motorcycle with an M branded brake system, for the first time. Externally, the M brake callipers have a blue anodised coating in combination with the famous logo and we believe they are produced by Nissin.
We belive the M brake calipers are made by Nissin
The new M RR uses a water-cooled four-cylinder in-line engine based on the RR power train with BMW ShiftCam technology for varying valve timing and valve lift that has been modified comprehensively in the direction of a racing sport engine.
BMW S 1000 RR M
It achieves its peak output of 156 kW (212 HP) at 14,500 rpm. The maximum torque of 113 Nm pumps hardest at 11,000 rpm. The new M RR engine is more powerful than the RR power train in the range from 6,000 rpm to 15,100 rpm, a range that is particularly relevant for race track driving dynamics and that 15,100 rpm limit is higher than found in the regular S 1000 RR.
BMW S 1000 RR M
The M RR engine has extensive technical optimisations such as new two-ring forged pistons from Mahle, adapted combustion chambers, compression increased to 13.5, longer and lighter titanium connecting rods from Pankl, slimmer and lighter rocker arms, fully machined intake ports with new duct geometry as well as optimisations on camshafts and intake area.
The lightweight exhaust system is also made of titanium.
BMW S 1000 RR M
Highlights of the new BMW M 1000 RR
• M RR four-cylinder engine based on the RR engine for racing sport. Even more peak power, higher torque in the medium range and 500 rpm more maximum speed.
• 156 kW output at 14 500 rpm and thus 4 kW more than in the RR. Maximum torque of 113 Nm at 11 000 rpm.
• New 2-ring forged piston 12 g lighter, adapted combustion chamber and compression increased to 13.5. In addition, slimmer and lighter rocker arms.
• Fully machined intake ports with new duct geometry and BMW ShiftCam technology for varying the valve control time and valve lift.
• Titanium valves, on the exhaust side with new spring assembly, slimmer and 6 % lighter rocker arms and optimised camshafts.
• Very light, compact engine block with longer and 85 g lighter titanium connecting rods from Pankl for reduced friction power and less weight.
• Anti-hopping clutch without self-reinforcing for optimum Launch Control.
• Optimised differentiated intake system with shorter intake funnels for optimised gas exchange at high rotational speeds.
• New, 3,657 g lighter exhaust system with exhaust manifold, front silencer and rear silencer made of titanium.
• M winglets and high windscreen: Braking later and accelerating earlier and more stability when cornering thanks to the aerodynamic downforce without any reduction in maximum speed.
• “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic”, “Race”“ and “Race Pro1-3” riding modes and the latest generation of the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and DTC wheelie function with 6-axle sensor box.
• Two adjustable characteristic throttle curves for optimum response characteristics. Engine brake with threefold adjustable engine drag torque in “Race Pro” mode.
• Shift assistant Pro for shifting gears up and down without clutch. Simple reversibility of the shift pattern for race track use.
• Launch Control for perfect race starts and Pit-Lane-Limiter for precise speed in the pit lane.
• Hill Start Control Pro for convenient starting on slopes.
• Chassis design trimmed for race track use with modified geometry, optimised wheel load distribution and extended adjustability of the swinging arm pivot point.
• Optimised upside-down fork and revised central spring strut with Full Floater Pro kinematics.
• M brakes for the first time at BMW Motorrad: The M RR with maximum braking performance for the race track.
• M carbon wheels: Classy high-tech components for maximum performance on race track and road.
• Instrument cluster with large, perfectly readable 6.5-inch TFT display, starting animation with M logo and OBD interface that can be used with activation code for the M GPS data logger and M GPS laptrigger.
• Lightweight M battery, USB charging socket in the rear, powerful LED interior light units, electronic adaptive cruise control and heated grips.
• M design and dynamic form language indicate ultimate race track performance.
• M competition package with M GPS laptrigger and activation code, M milled parts package, M carbon package, silver, 220 g lighter swinging arm, DLC-coated M endurance chain and passenger package including tail-hump cover.
• Comprehensive optional accessories and optional equipment ex works.
We got wings!
The aerodynamics were a decisive point in the technical specifications for development work of the M RR. In addition to a maximum speed that is as high as possible and absolutely necessary for winning races, there was another objective in the technical specifications of the M RR: to establish the best possible contact of the wheels with the road – especially when accelerating.
The M winglets on the trim front, which were developed during intensive testing on the race track and in the BMW Group’s wind tunnel and are made of clear-coat carbon, take this into account as they produce aerodynamic downforce and thus additional wheel loads according to the speed.
BMW S 1000 RR M
The additional wheel load on the front wheel counteracts wheelie inclination, traction control regulates less, more driving power is converted into acceleration and the driver achieves faster lap times. The effect of the winglets is also noticeable in curves and when braking, the downforce allows later braking and ensures increased cornering stability. The additional downforce developed at speed is significant, with 13.4kg generated on the front axle and 2.9kg on the rear at 300km/h.
The instrument cluster of the new M RR has the same basic design as the RR and has an M start animation. As part of the optional equipment, an activation code (contents of M competition package) can be used to provide comprehensive data material for the use of the M GPS laptrigger and M GPS data logger (Original BMW Motorrad Accessories) via the OBD interface of the instrument cluster.
BMW S 1000 RR M
For those who are still not satisfied with the new M RR in standard trim, the M competition package provides a fascinating mixture of classy components for the racing technology gourmet and the aesthete at the same time. In addition to the M GPS laptrigger software and the corresponding activation code, the M competition package also includes the M milled parts package, the M carbon package as well as a silver 220 g lighter swinging arm, the friction-optimised, maintenance-free and DLC-coated M Endurance chain and the passenger package including tail-hump cover.
BMW S 1000 RR M
The new machines are scheduled to arrive in Australia around March 2021. The M RR will retail for $50,990 +ORC and is the variant aimed primarily at racers and trackday nuts, while the upper spec’ Competition Package with all the extra bling will sell for $57,990 +ORC GST. Two are on order for the NextGen BMW ASBK squad and 25 of the limited production machines are heading to our shores which will ensure their eligibility to compete in the Australian Superbike Championship.
2004 Australian Superbike and Supersport Champion Adam ‘Krusty’ Fergusson looks certain to be heading to jail after being charged with cultivating cannabis.
News reports indicate that Fergusson and his partner were found to be growing more than 100kg of Cannabis in their Geelong home via a sophisticated hydroponic operation.
Police raided the rented property more than 12 months ago and Fergusson had been charged and bailed, but in a recent appearance in the County Court that bail was revoked while he awaits sentencing.
Fergusson pleaded guilty and the charges carry a mandatory jail sentence in Victoria.
I did know that he had gone through some challenges after retiring from racing and had been left with injuries that continued to plague him long after hanging up his leathers. The most serious injuries were sustained at Symmons Plains where he suffered major damage to his legs and hips in 2007 that he never fully recovered from.
I hope that Krusty can successfully rebuild his life after serving any sentence that will be imposed on the now 45-year-old.
It’s not often an athlete can claim they spent 25 years at the top of their sport across different disciplines, winning more than 70 Championship titles, including two titles in the same year across two classes in the Australian Superbike Championship and is still competitive today. That is unless you are Australian Superbike legend, Jamie Stauffer.
There must be something in the water in the town of Kurri Kurri, NSW, where Stauffer was born, as the town has also produced Australian motorcycle royalty in Casey Stoner (MotoGP) and Chad Reed (Motocross and Supercross).
Jamie Stauffer leads Shawn Giles, Robbie Bugden, Russell Holland, Andrew Stroud and Glenn Allerton at Winton in 2006
In fact, the wider Newcastle region could easily claim it has produced more recent world class motorcycle riders than any other region in Australia when you include Toby Price, Jason Doyle, Broc Parkes, Kevin Curtain, Craig Anderson, Rohan Tungate, and Phil Lovett, all who have lived in the region at some point in the early part of their careers before they went onto great success.
“It’s funny because when I look back at Kurri Kurri dirt track and the riders, the names I rode against at the time weren’t names and now they are people who have done really good stuff in all different disciplines across the world and we rode together and made each other better,” said Stauffer who runs the successful DoctorMak Engines in Maitland, NSW.
Jamie Stauffer – Mallala 2015 – Image by Damir Ivka
For Stauffer, now 41, the love affair with motorcycles still burns just as bright as the day he received his first motorcycle at the tender age of 4-years-old.
“It’s a way of life for me,” he said.
“I’ve got a little bit of property where I live and we’ve got a track in the back yard and even if I’m not riding or at a race track with Max, I’m prepping this track so others can ride or I’m at a dirt track or at Christmas at a speedway track and helping people in the pits.
“I’m a motorcycle racing fan in general, but if I’m not around motorbikes, I’m bored to be honest.”
ASBK 2016 -Morgan Park – Jamie Stauffer – Image by Keith Muir
Stauffer’s resume of success is why for many in the sport he is amongst Australia’s greatest riders. Between 1991 and 1999, Stauffer was the king of dirt track, winning 49 State and 16 National titles.
It was a phone call from current Motorcycling Australia President and former Champion, Peter Goddard that started Stauffer’s road to success in road racing.
Jamie Stauffer – Winton 2002
“In 1996 Peter Goddard rang and said we; my brother and I, should get into road racing and he gave us contacts to get some Suzuki RGV 250s and we said alright we will give it a go and see what happens,” said Stauffer.
“I never knew anything about road racing at the time.
2002 Superbike podium at Winton- Jamie Stauffer, Shawn Giles and Josh Brookes
“My brother went full road racing earlier than me as I was doing a bit of speedway and dirt track.
“It came to a point where I said I better do one.”
As they say in the classics, the rest was history. Stauffer would go onto not only dominate Supersport and Superbike classes, but consistently finish in the top ten for the next 15 years.
From the get-go Stauffer impressed. Winning the Australian Aprilia Challenge, the Two Wheels 6 Hour Endurance race, and a win at the Daytona International Speedway in the Formula USA Aprilia Challenge.
Jamie Stauffer – Australian Superbike Champion – 2006 & 2007
2006 was a magical year for the Yamaha shod rider, winning both the Australian Superbike Championship and Supersport Championship.
The following year, he nearly claimed both championships again, but crashed at turn 9 at Sydney Motorsport Park, during the last round, last race and finished second in the Supersport class. Yet, he still won this Superbike class championship.
Jamie Stauffer – SMP 2006
“2006 was a great year. I had had a few good years before that and a lot of good races and came close to some titles,” Stauffer said.
“When I signed with Yamaha everything just clicked. I was riding at my best. The bikes were good. The team was good and the first meeting I won all six races, scored two lap records and a pole.
“It was one of those times when you feel that confident that you jell with the bike that well and the team everything just fell into place. It was special.
Jamie Stauffer 0 Winton 2006
“We had a really great time with Yamaha to be honest, the racing was so good, and the competition was tough.
“Over history there was always someone to step up and raise the bar that everyone had to catch up to, and I was lucky enough that, that was me.
“We had a great run and at the end of the day it made everyone else a better rider as they wanted to win and beat me.”
Stauffer fondly remembers dominating both Superbike and Supersport classes.
Check out this Yamaha advert featuring Jamie
I was there that day the on-track footage on the stock R1 was taken at Phillip Island in this video above. Jamie was asked to go out and pull a few slides so he just jumped on a stocker and had the thing completely sideways everywhere right from the off.
“Back then if you could win a 600 Supersport race, you were pretty confident you could win a Superbike race as well.
“I remember in 2006 or 2007 qualifying in the first round at Eastern Creek and I put it on pole in Superbikes and my qualifying time on a 600 would have put me second place on the superbike,” he said with a chuckle.
Stauffer also raced overseas in the AMA Superbike series after a USA based friend asked him to come and join him and they would get a couple of Yamaha R6’s to race.
“It’s quite a funny story. I went over there, picked up a couple of bikes and went from San Diego to Daytona.
In 2007 Jason O’Halloran (Third from left) won the Australian Supersport Championship on a Yamaha. Team-mate Jamie Stauffer took out the Superbike Title. #26 is Dan Stauffer, #4 is Jeremy Crowe.
“But the day before leaving, we were getting the bikes tuned, and on the way back, a car ran up the back of me in the truck I was driving.
“It hit me pretty hard and it broke bits of stuff off the brand new bike. So, we were a couple of days late leaving because we were fixing the bike.
“We finished 7th there but 10 of us went across the line side by side and I got the track record there and was lucky enough to get a call up from Yoshimura Suzuki who put me on the 600 over there for the rest of the year.”
Stauffer’s last full season of racing was in 2016 in ASBK, but he was given the opportunity by good friend Craig McMartin to race the last 2 rounds of the 2019 Australian Superbike Championship on what would become Wayne Maxwell‘s 2020 round 1 winning Ducati.
Jamie Stauffer – SMP 2019 – Image by TBG
While he suffered bike issues at Phillip Island, Stauffer proved he was just as competitive at Sydney Motorsport Park despite qualifying poorly.
Stauffer managed to race with the front runners in both races scoring a 5th and 6th placing on a bike he had not ridden, showing there was still plenty of talent and fight in the former full-time racer.
“I don’t think anyone forgets how to ride but I struggled all weekend looking after Max’s bikes as well.
“I qualified way back but went out and I did really well over race distance.
“During qualifying I’d come in to make changes to my bike and I was there with the helmet on changing Max’s wheels. It was a hard weekend, too hard to ride and look after Max at the same time.
“The Ducati V4R is pretty damn good, easily the fastest bike I’ve ridden.”
Jamie Stauffer talking set-up with Adrian Monti at Phillip Island last year
While he could be competitive with ASBK front runners, Stauffer realised it was too hard to race and be crew chief mechanic and Dad to Max.
Max gives dad Jamie Stauffer a hug in the pits at Wakefield Park in 2015. Team Honda Racing boss Paul Free and son Alex in right of shot.
“I had my time and I realised it was time to give Max a go.
“I feel if I wanted to, I would have to get a lot fitter so I could go out and be competitive in Superbikes, but I love helping my young guy out and making him a better rider.”
Max, now competing in the Motorsports TV Supersport class came through the ASBK junior ranks with plenty of race wins and podium finishes in the YMI Supersport 300 class.
“It’s totally different being on this side of the pit garage, being the crew chief and trying to work out what the rider is trying to interpret is a different thing, but quite fun.”
Like many former racers now helping their children race, Stauffer gets nervous every time Max gets on the bike.
Max Stauffer – 2004 and 2019
“It’s actually terrible, it is worse than being on the bike.
“It’s nerve racking to be honest and it’s with you the whole time he is out there, but it’s what he wants to do, so I help him.
“The moment he crosses the line you catch your breath and it’s all good.
“He’s definitely got a lot of talent. He is a better rider than I was at the same age.
“If he keeps progressing and learning I think he can move forward, and he seems to be doing all the right things.
“When he first started racing and even though I had a fair bit of experience, every time I would tell him something he would ignore it, but now he has realised pretty quickly that I do know what I’m talking about and now takes it all in and listens and learns.
“Each time he gets on the bike now he’s doing better and getting faster.”
Max Stauffer gets a hug from mum – TBG Image
So, what are Stauffer’s hopes for his son Max.
“COVID has changed it a bit this year. Originally, I wanted him to be winning races by the end of the year, I still want that.
“He has only had one race this year on the 600 so we will see how he goes and whether in the future he goes to Superbike here or overseas.
Jamie and Max at Winton in 2019 – Image by Rob Mott
“On a Yamaha I won the Superbike Championship and I think it would good if Max could be the next person on a Yamaha to do that or a double on Yamaha.
“Yamaha have been fantastic and have helped us a lot.
“We all get along great and I’ve always had a good relationship with those guys, even when I went to Ducati and Honda.”
Jamie Stauffer leading brother Dan at Winton in 2007
What does Stauffer think about ASBK today?
“I think now it’s more professional, the teams are making the bikes and pit areas more presentable and ASBK is doing a really good job with the series.
“When I started, we turned up with RGV white gel coated fairings and now all the bikes and teams look presentable and everyone has stepped it up.
“It would be good to see some more money in the paddock with more sponsorship available.”
What does Stauffer think of the current riders, some of whom he raced against and who is his tip to take out the 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, in the Kawasaki Superbike class?
Jamie Stauffer and Troy Herfoss at the 2014 Suzuka 8 Hour
“It’s good to see guys like Wayne Maxwell still competitive, you need old people out there on track as well as young people.
“It’s good to see Wayne and Troy Herfoss there and going so good, shows you don’t need to be young if you still got and want it.
“If there was no stoppage this year, I would have said Wayne for sure and I think he still has got a pretty high chance of winning, I’d put my money on him.
Jamie Stauffer leading an FX-ASC race at Mallala in 2014
“But Troy has a new Honda and it will be interesting to see how fast he is on that, as he was definitely not on the best bike out there.
“Troy is always strong competitor anytime he’s on the track and he is still winning races, so will be interesting to see how he goes.”
While Stauffer has ridden on Ducati, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha throughout his career, there is only one favourite bike.
“The Yamaha 2006 R1SP is definitely my favourite, it was a pretty special bike to ride and I’ve still got that bike, it’s the only one I have really.”
Jamie Stauffer did the Superbike and Supersport double in 2006 for Yamaha
Some of Jamie Stauffer’s major achievements include
2000 – Winner of Australian Aprilia Challenge.
2000 – Winner of Two Wheels 6 Hour Endurance, teamed with Warwick Nowland and Mark Willis.
2005 – 3rd in Australian Superbike Championship.
2006 – Winner of both Australian Superbike and Supersport Championships.
2007 – 9th in Suzuka 8 Hour with Norick Abe.
2007 – Winner of the Australian Superbike Championship, 2nd in the Supersport Championship.
2008 – Winner of the Australian Supersport Championship, 2nd in the Superbike Championship.
2009 – 2nd in Australian Supersport Championship.
2010 – 5th in Australian Superbike Championship.
2011 – 2nd in Australian Superbike Championship.
2012 – 3rd in Australian Superbike Championship.
2013 – 4th in Australian Superbike Championship.
2016 – 8th in the Australian Superbike Championship.
You will be able to catch father and son – Jamie and Max Stauffer – at the next round of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, round 2, to be held at The Bend Motorsport Park, South Australia, on November 20-22.
Max Stauffer with Aussie Superbike legend dad, Jamie Stauffer – Image Rob Mott
The ASBK Grand Finale for 2020 will be conducted as a double-header round, rounds 3 and 4 over 4-days, at Winton Motorway Raceway, December 3-6.
ASBK round 2 at The Bend and both rounds 3 and 4 at Winton Motor Raceway (Saturday and Sunday) will be broadcast live through our TV partners on SBSHD, Fox Sports Australia, Fox Sports Asia.
Jamie and Max at Winton in 2019 – Image by Rob Mott
