Tag Archives: Desmosport Ducati

Troy Herfoss to ride DesmoSport Ducati at SMP this weekend

MOTUL Summer Night Series hosted by St. George MCC Sydney Motorsport Park – Gardner GP Circuit Round Two We can’t yet talk publicly about the plans Troy Herfoss has to race overseas this season, as the team he has signed for will make an official announcement later this month. However, we can tell you that […]

The post Troy Herfoss to ride DesmoSport Ducati at SMP this weekend appeared first on MCNews.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Bryan Staring clambering all over a sexy new Italian redhead….

Bryan Staring on the Panigale V4 R

After a fairly difficult couple of seasons Bryan Staring is hoping a sexy new Italian in his life might turn things around… Bryan will contest the 2022 Australian Superbike Championship with DesmoSport Ducati and is riding the machine for the first time this week at Phillip Island.

Bryan Staring

Since returning from Europe a few years ago I’ve really enjoyed racing in the ASBK and I’m excited to get on the DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4 R. I spent a long time living in Italy, so to be able to partner with such a passionate, and proudly Italian brand really brings back a lot of great memories for me. It’s no secret that the bike is incredible to begin with and I’m confident that I can race for wins and the 2022 ASBK Championship. I love riding motorcycles, I love racing and I’m motivated more than ever with Ben and Troy’s support.

This interview we conducted with Bryan Staring back in late 2014 gives some great insights into Bryan and his experiences in Europe.

We believe Bryan and the Ducati could be a fearsome combination. Bryan and DesmoSport Ducati crew chief Ben Henry have actually lived together at various times during their lives as the two are close friends who both hail from Western Australia.  We recently conducted an extensive interview with Ben that you can find here.

In the meantime check out these first images of Bryan getting to know the DesmoSport Ducati at Phillip Island this week.

Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens
Bryan Staring – DesmoSport Ducati – Image RbMotoLens

Source: MCNews.com.au

DesmoSport Ducati’s Ben Henry on ASBK, his new signing, and the year that was…

Ben Henry Interview


Trevor Hedge: Thanks for the catch up and quick chat Ben before we get ready to head to Phillip Island next week for the two-day official ASBK Test at Phillip Island.

A new year for DesmoSport Ducati sees the team slimmed down a little, with Oli heading over to Europe and Mike Jones returning to YRT for this season, you have elected to run a single rider team in 2022, and that rider is of course Bryan Staring. You know the recently married 34-year-old better than most, having lived together for some long stints over the years.

Bryan Staring joins DesmoSport Ducati for 2022

Due to the Covid travel restrictions enforced by Western Australia, where Bryan hails from and currently resides, he has yet to ride the DesmoSport Ducati, yet we are only about five weeks out from season start. That must put the pressure on for this coming test.

Ben Henry: “It definitely does, I’m trying to stay off social media, every time I look at something, someone is riding somewhere and I’m starting to get a little bit edgy, because Bryan’s not. But look, we’ve got seven days of riding before the first race, we’ve got five days in a row at Phillip Island, then a couple of days at Queensland, then down to the race, so if we need more than that we’ll squeeze something in somewhere. But the bikes aren’t bad, it’s not really like he has to turn up and set a heap of stuff up, or come up with some magic. The bikes are pretty good so, we’ve just got to get him comfortable on them and then off he goes. So yeah look, it does bug me a bit, but it is what it is really, I can’t change it, I know he’s training pretty hard and riding a lot of motocross, so that’s all I can ask for – that he turns up fit. And Bryan’s level of fit is equal to anyone else, equal to the best of the guys there. I know he can do it, and I kind of think if he can ride a bike, he can ride a bike, that’s really the bottom line.”

Trev: Do you envisage that Bryan living in WA might post some particular challenges this season?

Ben: “Yeah, I do, I definitely do. It’s definitely not ideal, but I can’t change that either, he has a good job over there. It’s just been so random for the last two years with Covid, that I’ve just got over the whole trying to plan over something that I can’t plan. All you can do is make a plan and just march on with it. If it can’t happen it can’t, but if it can you just have to keep going. He will test bikes, he will come over as soon as the border opens basically. He works for a national company so he can work from Melbourne for a while and by the sounds of it, his job has been accommodating so far, for what we need to do. So we’ve just got to march on until it gets to the point where it becomes a problem and then we’ll go from there.”

Oli Bayliss gets a hug from DesmoSport Ducati Co-Owner Ben Henry in Parc Ferme after taking victory in Darwin 2021 – Image RbMotoLens

Trev: Apart from Oli’s breakthrough victory in Darwin, 2021 could be described as a challenging year for the team perhaps?  After his time on the big twin Mike didn’t seem to really gel with the high-revving nature of the V4? I think the torque of the Yamaha might suit Mike down to the ground and I expect him to be back in the title hunt this year, how would you rate your 2021 and how your riders went?

Ben: “It wasn’t real special to be honest, I guess all I can really do is apologise to Jonesy, I just didn’t put the team around him that he needed to support him to win. Like I don’t have a problem with Jonesy, and I think he can win, I think he is good enough, but unfortunately I couldn’t create the environment that he needed and that was just the way it was. I can’t really change it and that’s about all I can really say there. I think the bike is good enough, I think he is good enough, I just didn’t quite give him the tools he needed, and that said, I know that I can give them to Bryan and he’ll be fine.”

DesmoSport Ducati in Darwin 2021 – Image RbMotoLens

Trev: DesmoSport Ducati has the official backing of Ducati Australia, whereas the Boost Mobile Ducati squad is essentially a well organised and prepared privateer outfit, without wanting to have this come across as some sort of put-down or insult, that they dominated so comprehensively must have grated a little?

Ben: “Yeah for sure, no one likes being beaten and I don’t really like being beaten by people on the same bike, but it just is what it is, I can’t change it. Wayne was good, their team was good. With a competitive mind and competitive background you have to almost take the negatives out of what they have achieved.

“You know where you’re at before you get there, and before you get there you pump your own tyres up, and think something is going to happen, because that’s just the way all of us people are wired up. And so when you talk about Wayne and how dominating he was, yeah he did good, but he also had things pan out really well for him, from a competitors point of view.

“Right now I’m not the only person who races against him that feels that way, and I’m not taking credit away from them, it was just the way you have to think, when you’re in the game. You turn up and you tell yourself that someone did so good because they just are so good and you’re buggered before you start.

“You have to be able to go in there and meet the champion in their armour and figure out what the chink in their armour is, and sort of look at yourself and what we could do to be better. I really look forward to seeing them go a full season distance, and I’ll be interested to see how that pans out, because you know in two years we’ve really only raced almost one full season.”

Ben Henry (right), co-owner of Desmosport Ducati, shaking hands with Craig McMartin, who runs the Boost Mobile Ducati Team

Trev: I certainly get that psychology aspect and it’s always something interesting, and interesting to hear your viewpoint, as despite you no longer being a rider, that running the team you still sort of having that mindset.

Have you been hard at work at your Cube Performance Centre working to find improvements to the V4 R this coming season?  The Boost Mobile Ducati Team told me that they run essentially unopened engines in their V4 R machines, as in completely standard. Do you take the same approach or do you do your own engine blueprinting and optimisation in house, to the very limited extent permitted in ASBK of course?

Ben: “I haven’t been working on the engines, I’ve just been refining a lot of the small stuff around the bike to make it easier to work on and just a bit more streamlined really. There’s nothing too special about that engine.”

Trev: So you’ve basically got a standard Panigale V4 engine un-opened from factory?

Ben: “Basically yes”

Trev: The bike was certainly not short of power last season, Oli was nudging towards 310 km/h at The Bend. Interestingly I was talking to Josh Brookes about his struggles on the Ducati in BSB last season, and he said it basically came down to the team ordering new spec’ engines with more power at the beginning of the season, committing to that engine package and paying for it, only to find that no matter what the team tried they could not get the bike to hook up.  And of course in BSB they don’t have any traction control, whereas here you do have that available to you, along with various other changeable electronic parameters not available to riders in BSB.  Traction control systems are so advanced now that what was once really easy to pick by ear from trackside, is now pretty much imperceptible to onlookers.  How much traction control were Oli and Mike using last season? And just how much did each rider ‘lean’ on it, so to speak.

Ben: “They use a lot, they have a lot of support those guys, and I think they must get really used to it, like I haven’t ridden a motorbike in a real long time, but I rode that bike the day after The Bend, and the electronics support – jeez it was good, and it was very very supportive, so I would say they are using it a lot. They’re leaning on it a fair bit, I reckon they don’t even realise it any more, as it’s that bloody smooth. I reckon that they might say, ‘Uh nah,’ but I think it is actually quite a lot.”

Ben is most definitely a hands on team boss, and a more than handy rider himself… Image RbMotoLens

Trev: Do you not download the data and see who is using more or where?

Ben: “They’ve got different maps and we can see it all, but the rider is still always still speaking about the same shit, if they have traction control or not, it’s still just talking about grip, it’ll never stop. You know, I reckon if we could give it to them with no traction control I reckon it wouldn’t last too many laps. It’d just about spit the tyre off I reckon.  But anyway, I think they use a bit, quite a lot and I think there’s a lot more to come yet from the package yet that we’re using. I think Bryan is a bit old school, but I hope he can get his head around it really swiftly. I kind of expect he would have used something pretty good in MotoGP, so I dunno, and on the Kawasaki. But we’ll soon work it out.”

Trev: Thanks Ben, see you at Phillip Island next week where we can also, of course, catch up with Bryan, and get his thoughts about the bike after he gets down to business on it.

Ben: “I’m really looking forward to it, I’m also really nervous, so the anticipation is definitely building.”

Trev: Cheers mate.

ASBK Test Phillip Island RbMotoLens ASBK Test SBK Pits Ben Henry
Ben Henry seen here at work on the DesmoSport Ducati at the ASBK Phillip Island pre-season test in 2020, team co-owner Troy Bayliss working on the rear of the bike – Image by Rob Mott

Related Link

If you want come great background on Bryan Staring this interview with him from 2014 is a pearler

Source: MCNews.com.au

Bryan Staring to ride for DesmoSport Ducati in 2022 ASBK

Bryan Staring joins DesmoSport Ducati

After a fairly difficult couple of seasons with BCperformance Kawasaki, Bryan Staring will contest the 2022 Australian Superbike Championship with DesmoSport Ducati.

Team co-owner – Troy Bayliss

I’m really looking forward to 2022. Although we’ve had some great results, it’s been two years since we’ve been able to race a full season, and I think we’re in a great position to race for the ASBK championship again. Mike has done a great job for us over the last 3 years, and it’s a shame the last two years have been so interrupted, but we will part on good terms at the end of the season and I wish him all the best in his racing future. It’s exciting to get to work with a new rider, introduce them to my Ducati family and the Panigale V4 R. I have a lot of respect for Bryan, I raced against him in 2018, he was a challenging rider on the track.”

Bryan Staring joins DesmoSport Ducati

The recently married 34-year-old Western Australian first made his mark with Australian Championship #1 plates across three different categories. Staring won the 125 cc Grand Prix Championship as a youngster in 2004 before then claiming the Supersport crown in 2009, followed by the Superbike Championship in 2010.  The 125 and Superbike Titles were won on Honda machinery, while the Supersport crown was won with Yamaha.

Bryan Staring won the 2010 Australian Superbike Championship (Middle) – on the left is Troy Herfoss who won the 2010 Australian Supersport Championship while pictured right is Brendan Clarke who won the Superstock category that season.

Following a stint on the world stage in the European Superstock and also some time on the MotoGP grid aboard an uncompetitive CRT machine, Staring returned home to Australian racing in 2017 with Crankt Protein Honda where he finished seventh in the Australian Superbike Championship.

Bryan Staring on the grid at the 2013 MotoGP season opener in Qatar with long time supporter Russell Farrow
Bryan Staring on the grid at the 2013 MotoGP season opener in Qatar with long time supporter Russell Farrow – Bryan rode a CRT MotoGP machines that year – Image AJRN

When Bryan returned to Australia for that 2017 season he was coming back from extensive leg injuries that he had sustained in a motocross training accident in Italy. The injuries were so severe that he had been at risk of losing part of his lower leg, however he bounced back and eventually even returned to even winning bicycles races as he got back to full fitness.

Bryan Staring wins at Aragon 2012
Bryan Staring won the European Superstock 1000 race at Aragon in 2012

Staring then teamed up with BCperformance Kawasaki where Bryan won the opening round of that 2018 season before eventually finishing sixth in the championship, which he repeated in 2019 before improving to fourth in season 2020.

Bryan Staring battling with Troy Bayliss earlier in the weekend - TBG Image
Bryan Staring won the opening round of the 2018 ASBK season at Phillip Island – TBG Image
Bryan Staring

Since returning from Europe a few years ago I’ve really enjoyed racing in the ASBK and I’m excited to get on the DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4 R. I spent a long time living in Italy, so to be able to partner with such a passionate, and proudly Italian brand really brings back a lot of great memories for me. It’s no secret that the bike is incredible to begin with and I’m confident that I can race for wins and the 2022 ASBK Championship. I love riding motorcycles, I love racing and I’m motivated more than ever with Ben and Troy’s support.

Staring is currently equal fifth in the 2021 Australian Superbike Championship points standings with current DesmoSport Ducati rider Oli Bayliss.

Oli Bayliss - Image by ImagesEverything
Oli Bayliss is off to the new look World Supersport Championship while Mike Jones has been linked to a Yamaha ride in 2022 – Image by ImagesEverything

With Oli Bayliss off to World Supersport, and DesmoSport Ducati’s recent announcment that they would only run one Superbike in 2022, that of course leaves Mike Jones on the outer.

Bryan Staring joins DesmoSport Ducati

It had been widely rumoured that Jones would line up on a Yamaha in ASBK next season but we believe that potential option might not be finalised.

Ben Henry – DesmoSport Ducati – Image Half Light

This interview we conducted with Bryan Staring back in late 2014 gives some great insights into Bryan and his experiences in Europe.

Bryan Staring joins DesmoSport Ducati

We believe Bryan and the Ducati could be a fearsome combination. Bryan and DesmoSport Ducati crew chief Ben Henry have actually lived together at various times during their lives as the two are close friends who both hail from Western Australia.

Team co-owner – Ben Henry

I’ve followed Bryan’s entire career and I’m really excited to finally get to work with him. I actually have a set of his MotoGP leathers in the workshop! He has some big shoes to fill after the success we’ve had with Mike as well as the development of Oli, but I firmly believe that Bryan gives us the best opportunity to follow on from our championship win from the last full ASBK season in 2019. Of course, we still have the final round of 2021 at The Bend coming up, and I’m confident we’ll see strong results as we look to carry the momentum from Darwin, and the Southern Downs Series into 2022. It’s tough to part ways with Mike, he’s been with us since before DesmoSport Ducati existed and we’ve achieved a lot together in that time, including two championships here in the ASBK, as well as spring boarding Mike to race in Europe and even a race MotoGP. He’s an incredible rider, but our paths simply don’t align in 2022 and I expect we’ll be battling him on the track next year.

Bryan recently married long term partner Jemmie
The couple are pictured here with Bryan’s biggest supporters, dad John and mum Anthea
Image Facebook

Bryan is expected to ride the DesmoSport Ducati for the first time on the Monday immediately following the 2021 Australian Superbike Championship finale at The Bend.

Bryan Staring to ride for DesmoSport Ducati in 2022 ASBK

Source: MCNews.com.au

DesmoSport Ducati extends commitment to ASBK

DesmoSport Ducati 2022 plans

DesmoSport Ducati today expressed the team’s ongoing commitment to the Australian Superbike Championship but with the recent announcement that Oli Bayliss will race in World Supersport next year, the Queensland based team is at this stage planning to run only one Superbike rider in 2022.  The name of that rider is expected to be announced soon.

DesmoSport Ducati – Image Half Light
Team co-owner, Ben Henry

Troy and I have been talking a lot about 2022. We both believed quite early in the year that Oli needed to continue his progression, and we’re both committed to our goals and plans for DesmoSport Ducati and so we have decided to go back to one Panigale V4 R superbike rider next year. We’re actively looking for partnerships for next year and beyond as we cement our plans. I don’t think that Troy will be in Australia as much as usual next year, but he’s already committed to continuing his role within the team, even when that’s from Oli’s side in Europe. I’m excited for what the rest of 2021 holds, and I can’t wait to race a full season again.”

Ben Henry – DesmoSport Ducati – Image Half Light
Team co-owner, Troy Bayliss

I’m really happy to be able to confirm our intentions for 2022 both with DesmoSport Ducati and with Oli. The ASBK has given us an incredible breeding ground for Oli over the years to hone his skills and build his confidence, and we all believe the next step for Oli to continue to progress is to race on tracks through Europe. Over recent years Ducati have been paying attention to Oli, offering advice as he advanced, and his recent form has meant that the very same people that gave me a chance all those years ago, are now lending support to Oli as he rides a Ducati Panigale V2 in World Supersport. In saying that, I love what Ben and I have built in DesmoSport Ducati, and we’re still just as committed to the team now as ever. This leaves us in the position of seeking support for both the team in Australia, and for Oli internationally. We’re motivated to win ASBK championships, we’re looking to finish 2021 strong and head out of two shortened seasons into 2022 with some momentum.”

DesmoSport Ducati pits at Winton earlier this year – Image RbMotoLens

DesmoSport Ducati now finalises preparations for the recently announced final round of the 2021 ASBK Championship at The Bend Motorsports Park on December 3-5. With some special guests slated to race, it’s sure to be an incredible finish to the season.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Oli Bayliss on the V4R for QRRC Round 4 at Southern Downs

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
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
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
  • Saturday – October 10
    • Qualifying: Session #5
    • Race 1: Race #5 (after lunch)
    • Race 2: Race #14
  • Sunday – October 11
    • Race 3: Race #23 (before lunch)
    • Race 4: Race #32

Source: MCNews.com.au

Defending ASBK Champions eager to get back on track

Panigale V2 being prepped for two-up rides with TB

DesmoSport Ducati welcomes the release earlier this month of the final Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) calendar, with racing set to get underway at Winton Motor Raceway on September 19 & 20.

In a year like no other, DesmoSport Ducati is primed and ready to get back on track and finish the 2020 season across the five remaining rounds in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.

Team Co-Owner, Troy Bayliss

Phillip Island feels like a lifetime ago really, but Mike has continued to put in the work off the bike when we were unable to ride, and both he and Ben have found something more from the V4R, so it will be great to go racing again and put it to the test.

“As for me, I actually got to put some laps in on the new Panigale V2, and it was so much fun! I actually had such a good time, that Ducati have agreed to let us build one into a two-up bike for the rest of the year, so should things settle down, keep your eye’s peeled for an opportunity to jump on the back with me, although be warned, I might be a little rusty.”

Ducati Panigale V
Troy Bayliss and DesmoSport Ducati are preparing a Panigale V2 as a two-up ride bike for ASBK rounds

While subject to constantly changing government rules and regulations, Motorcycling Australia (MA) has been working hard to ensure our championship moves forward. With the dates now cemented in place, DesmoSport Ducati has continued to test and develop the V4R with Mike Jones aboard the bike and is prepared to resume racing to defend the 2019 ASBK title.

Team Co-Owner, Ben Henry

It’s been a year that no one could predict, that’s for sure, but the break from racing has allowed me to spend some more time with my family and working on my business, Cube Performance Centre, which has been fantastic. If anything, the break has just highlighted how much I love our sport and has me motivated more than ever to perform at the racetrack. Mike has been able to ride the bike, and we’re confident that we’ll be ready come September.

ASBK Wakefield Park Test TDJ Mike Jones main straight Cover
Mike Jones – Image by TDJ

Cube Racing Set to Return to the Track

And of course over in the other half of the DesmoSport Ducati Team at an ASBK event is the Cube Racing Supersport effort where TB’s teenage son Oli Bayliss has been honing his craft and despite the lull in racing young Oli has been training hard and also testing the Cube Racing YZF-R6 regularly at Morgan Park.

Oli Bayliss

I don’t think anyone can tell what will happen next with everything that’s going on, but I’m happy that MA have set a calendar for a little later in the year. There’s a good chance that we might be able to race the last five rounds and finish the season. Even though there hasn’t been any racing, I’ve still been able to do a few track days, I’ve been training harder than ever and I feel really good on the bike, so it will be great to get back on the grid and actually race again. I just wanted to thank everyone that’s stood by us as a team, and me as a racer this year. My brother just opened a gym, Apex Performance and Fitness, I see how hard Ben works at Cube Performance Centre, and I know that all our sponsors work just as hard in their businesses, so I really appreciate everything that you all do so we can get on track.”

Team owner, Ben Henry

We’ve been lucky to get some solid track time for Oli over the last few weeks and he’s continued his progression, despite the lack of racing. He’s physically stronger, and his confidence continues to grow with every outing on the bike. He’s unofficially set the fastest time for a 600 at Morgan Park and he’s set times in race simulations that would see him win in previous years, so I’m just looking forward to getting him back into a race situation to develop his race craft and continue his progression.”

Revised 2020 ASBK Calendar

  • ROUND 1 – WSBK – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC: 27 Feb – 1 March
  • ROUND 2 – Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla VIC: 18 – 20 September
  • ROUND 3 – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Cowes VIC: 2 – 4 October
  • ROUND 4 – Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn NSW: 16 – 18 October
  • ROUND 5 – Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick QLD: 6 – 8 November
  • ROUND 6 – International MotoFest The Bend, SA: 20 – 22 November

Source: MCNews.com.au

Do the Australian MotoGP with Troy Bayliss!

DesmoSport Ducati Australian MotoGP Experience


2019 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) contenders DesmoSport Ducati, owned by three-time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss, and Cube Performance Centre’s Ben Henry, are hosting their very own MotoGP corporate suite at turn four of the iconic Phillip Island circuit this year.

DesmoSport Ducati Australian MotoGP Experience
Troy Bayliss on the DesmoSport Ducati in ASBK, which will run alongside the MotoGP round

The team, currently leading the ASBK with Mike Jones, traditionally host just sponsors throughout the MotoGP weekend in various locations, has taken the unprecedented step of securing their own suite and are inviting you to come spend MotoGP with Ben, Troy, Mike and the entire DesmoSport race team.

MotoGP Australia Miller
Jack Miller at the Australian MotoGP
Ben Henry

“MotoGP is a spectacle, and an event that we as team enjoy racing each year, even though it isn’t a point scoring round of the ASBK. It gives us a great opportunity to catch up with a lot of our sponsors, friends and even other racers from across Australia and the world. Troy and I discussed our plans for MotoGP and decided that hosting a small hospitality suite would be a great way for us to enjoy the racing while we also got to spend some time with a great bunch of people.”

DesmoSport Ducati Australian MotoGP Experience
The ASBK DesmoSport Ducati

With the team looking to let their hair down at the event, the suite will have a maximum of just 40 people, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere where everyone will have the opportunity to not only spend time with the team and their sponsors, but a host of special guests throughout the weekend.

MotoGP ASBK Supports TBG Superbike Race Start Bayliss Herfoss
Australian Superbike MotoGP Supports in 2018
Troy Bayliss

“MotoGP is a great weekend of racing, and for us, is relatively low pressure, with no championship on the line, so I’m really looking forward to being able to spend some time relaxing with a small group of people throughout the weekend. I’m planning on getting a few old mates in for chat throughout the weekend too which will be a lot of fun!

DesmoSport Ducati Australian MotoGP Experience
Troy Bayliss

The team has indicated that they will also race in the support Superbike support category over the weekend, however have yet to confirm if it will be Bayliss or Jones who will race or on which of the teams two ASBK spec race bikes, the V4R or the Pangale FE.


Tickets include

  • Track entry
  • Intimate 40 person setting
  • Special Guests throughout the weekend
  • Full hot buffet lunch
  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • Access to the DesmoSport Ducati team garage
  • Premium beer, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee
  • Outdoor viewing area with garden tables and chairs
  • Pit-lane walks available*
MotoGP Australia Michelin
Australian MotoGP 2018

Tickets Options

  • Three-day Pass $1550
  • Friday ONLY $300
  • Saturday ONLY $500
  • Sunday ONLY $750

Contact Dave via [email protected]
(0431 755 290) to book.

MotoGP rnd Phillip Island Australia Preview
Phillip Island – Australian MotoGP

Source: MCNews.com.au

Mike Jones shooting for ASBK Title with DesmoSport Ducati

Mike Jones to challenge for the 2019 ASBK Championship

After a strong result at Wakefield Park for the second round of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), 25-year-old Queenslander Mike Jones has earned himself a full-time ride with DesmoSport Ducati.

ASBK TBG ASBK Round Wakefield Park SBK R Sunday Mike Jones TBG
Mike Jones – Wakefield Park – TBG Image

With a strong existing relationship, obvious talent and commitment, and living in close proximity to the team, Mike Jones is a logical choice for the DesmoSport Ducati team, owned by Ben Henry and Troy Bayliss, in order to keep their championship hopes alive. Jones has moved to third in the ASBK championship standing, just 13-points behind current series leader Cru Halliday after two of seven rounds.

ASBK Rnd Wakefield RbMotoLens Mike JONES
Mike Jones – Image by TBG Sport

Ben Henry

“In some ways it was difficult, and in others, it was a very simple decision to make for Troy and me. We race at the highest level, and it’s our aim to win the 2019 Australian Superbike Championship. With Troy missing two rounds against so many racers capable of winning, our best chance to achieve our goal is to continue working with Mike. The work he did with us in testing and at round two made the bike even better to ride, and so, after some long conversations, Mike has been offered Troy’s race bike for the rest of the season. Troy, once he’s able to ride again, will now focus on setting up the V4R with us, while Mike gives the ASBK championship his full attention.”

ASBK Rnd Wakefield Mike JONES Parc Ferme RM
Mike Jones and Ben Henry – Image by Rob Mott

Mike Jones

“Three weeks ago, Ben asked if I could help set up Troy’s bike during testing while he was injured, which led to me racing for the team at round two. At the airport on Monday, while travelling home from the event, Ben and Troy offered me to race the rest of the season for them! Although I was planning to compete in the Spanish Superbike Championship this season, I’m very excited about this last-minute opportunity to be on-board with DesmoSport Ducati against one of the toughest fields of superbike racers in years. The team is the strongest it’s ever been, and the bike is significantly different to the Ducatis I raced in 2016 and 2017, which gives me the strong belief we can win races, and challenge for the championship. I’m highly motivated and really looking forward to putting in the maximum effort with the team to achieve these goals.”

ASBK Test Wakefield TDJimages Mike Jones
Mike Jones – Testing at Wakefield Park – TDJ Image

Does this mean Troy Bayliss will not be back racing this season?

Troy Bayliss

“It’s an interesting position for me to be in right now. I want to win, and those who know me, know that I will do whatever it takes to ensure I can win. As a team owner, that means putting the best person on the bike for the season, and right now that’s Mike. I know that I can win races in the ASBK this year, but I don’t believe I can win the title after missing two rounds against such a strong field of racers. That’s not to say you won’t see me line up on the grid again this year, but Mike is our title contender. I’m 100% behind him and believe that we have the team and equipment to win.”

Ducati Panigale VR Troy Bayliss
Troy Bayliss and the Ducati Panigale V4R – Image by Karlos Neale

Source: MCNews.com.au

DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4 R | In delectable detail

DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4 R

The season opener for DesmoSport Ducati at Phillip Island was disappointing for all concerned. The team, TB himself, along with everyone involved in ASBK and the spectators.

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Troy Bayliss – Ducati 1299 Panigale R Final Edition – TBG Image

Troy worked so hard in the off-season, training off and on the bike in pre-season testing. In the lead up to season 2019 it is fair to say they were better prepared than they were in 2018.

TB was quick out of the blocks at Phillip Island, topping first practice, but then a broken finger on his left hand, followed by a broken finger on his right hand in the opening race, made it difficult for him to operate the brakes properly, and the tough decision was made to park the bike for the weekend. Troy underwent surgery earlier this week in preparation for round two at Wakefield Park on the weekend of March 24.

A full season of racing under their belt, a year of set-up data with the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition and a fit and motivated Troy raring to go suggested that this would be their year.  With no points from the three-race opening round though they definitely face an uphill battle from here.

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Troy Bayliss – Ducati 1299 Panigale R Final Edition – TBG Image

It was this set-up data and plenty of time on the bike that had seen the team make the decision to race the big L-Twin at the Phillip Island season opener. There were not enough spares and Troy had not enough time on the bike, suggesting that it was very much a different animal than the big twins that powered him to success on the world stage.

There is another hurdle before it can be raced in the ranks of ASBK though. It still needs to be officially homologated by Motorcycling Australia. To satisfy those requirements Ducati, or DesmoSport Ducati, need to supply M.A. with all the necessary documentation in regards to the official number of bikes coming into the country, and confirmation of its ADR compliance etc. As of now, that is yet to have happened.

The team are still not yet in a position to confirm when they will race the new Panigale V4 R at Wakefield Park, but they did uncover the delectable machine in front of fans during the World Superbike weekend. A gallery of images showcasing the new DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4 R can be found at the bottom of this page.


DesmoSport Ducati’s Ben Henry

“I’m really excited to unveil the V4R. There’s been a lot of demand from fans to see it, so I’m glad we were able to pull together as a team, get it done and show race fans what we’ve been working on. We’re not in a position to confirm when we’ll debut the bike on track, but we’re working hard to make it happen as soon as possible. This a special bike, and I’m as excited as everyone else to see it at full noise with Troy in the seat.”

DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V R Troy Bayliss
DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4 R

At the bottom of the page find a gallery of images showcasing the DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4R.

2019 ASBK Championship Points Standings
Pos Name Machine PTS
1 Aiden WAGNER Yamaha 71
2 Cru HALLIDAY Yamaha Racing Team, Yamaha 55
3 Josh WATERS Team Suzuki ECSTAR Australia, Suzuki 50
4 Mike JONES K& R Hydraulics, Kawasaki 49
5 Bryan STARING BCperformance, Kawasaki 48
6 Troy HERFOSS Penrite Honda Racing, Honda 41
7 Wayne MAXWELL Team Suzuki ECSTAR Australia, Suzuki 40
8 Glenn ALLERTON Next Gen Motorsports, BMW 40
9 Daniel FALZON Yamaha Racing Team, Yamaha 32
10 Ted COLLINS Next Gen Motorsports 31
11 Matt WALTERS Kawasaki Australia, Kawasaki 30
12 Glenn SCOTT GSR, Kawasaki 28
13 Max CROKER Mladin Racing, Suzuki 27
14 Mark CHIODO Penrite Honda Racing, Honda 24
15 Alex PHILLIS Team Suzuki ECSTAR Australia, Suzuki 19
16 Arthur SISSIS Suzuki 18
17 Sloan FROST FILTA NZ, Suzuki 12
18 Damon REES Tony Rees Motorcycles, Honda 11
19 Lachlan EPIS BCperformance, Kawasaki 10
20 Phillip CZAJ Eco Light Up, Aprilia 8
21 Ryan YANKO Force 8 Contracting, Ducati 3
22 David BARKER Kawasaki 1
23 Matt TOOLEY Phillip Island Ride Days, Yamaha 1

Images by M33 Productions

Source: MCNews.com.au