23 Aug 2010

Yamaha Racing made a triumphant return to the ASBK Championship with an impressive victory in the 600cc Supersport division at round five of the Viking Group Australian Superbike Championship held at Queensland Raceway over the weekend.

The Brisbane based Yamaha Race Team (YRT) took advantage of the close proximity of Queensland Raceway and headed one hour west of their home base to make a special appearance at the Willowbank circuit.

The team of Kevin Curtain, Rick Olson and Pat Medcalf were determined to produce a good showing and early qualifying sessions had all three riders on the pace and on the front row of the grid when they lined up for the first of two 16 lap legs.

Kevin Curtain again proved that there is no match for talent and experience, taking the round win on the back of an impressive 1-1 display. Curtain didn’t have it all his own way enduring early challenges from Troy Herfoss and team mate Rick Olson in leg one before taking control at the midway point and riding to a comfortable three second victory.

Race two again saw Curtain and Herfoss locked into battle and the pair swapped the lead throughout the race. It came down to the final corner, where Curtain outsmarted his younger rival, ducking back up the inside to win the race and claim the overall round victory.

“I was determined to put up a good fight today and see how I stack up against the regular ASBK guys,” Curtain states.

“It is a track that you really have to be switched on for and be prepared to race at high intensity. Fortunately I was able to win both races, but I had to work for it all the way. A huge thanks must go to the YRT guys who have done plenty of long hours in the lead up to this race and their ability to get the bike spot on was evident today,” Curtain finishes.

Rick Olson continues to make strides forward with his spirited racing and he landed in fourth spot overall, narrowly missing the podium by just one point. Olson was right in the mix in both races and enjoyed battling for the lead in the opening leg before settling for third while race two saw him again inside the top three and cross the line in third only a few seconds from the lead.

Pad Metcalf also logged consistent results on his way to fifth overall for the round. Taking 5-6 finishes from the two races, Metcalf battled on bravely all the way to the finish despite not getting the jump in both starts and having to mount charges to claw his way back up the field.

Team Manager, John Redding was pleased with his teams’ performance and was full of praise for everyone involved.

“YRT contested the opening round of the ASBK at Phillip Island and didn’t get the results we were looking for. I think everyone was disappointed by that showing and were determined to redeem themselves at this event.”

“Kevin and Geoff have done a superb job on the bikes and all three riders raced with intensity and purpose.”

“To go 1-4-5 at a national round is a testament to the work and commitment everyone on the team has and the performance of the Yamaha R6,” he concludes.

YRT return to the track to contest the next round of the FX Nationals on September 11/12 at Wakefield Park.

ASBK Round 5 – Results
Supersport 600cc