YRD Riders Revel in Success at Phillip Island

Media Information: 2 March 2022

Yamaha boasted massive numbers at the first round of this years’ championship and that was reflected in the results with Yamaha claiming plenty of podium space in a great weekend of racing. Phillip Island always tuned on some sensational racing and the weekend didn’t disappoint with some thrilling racing providing plenty of entertainment for the good-sized crowd gathered at the event.

To view the YRD crew in action: https://youtu.be/iSMMuD2jy5A

1000cc Superbike
Yamaha had 12 riders contesting the Superbike division proving that the R1 really is the choice of the riders. The YRT duo of Halliday and Jones lead the way with their 2-3 finish for the round but there were several commendable performances by Yamaha riders just off the podium.

Not that long ago, Daniel Falzon was bed ridden with a badly broken leg after a horrific crash at the final round of the championship late last year. Despite his best efforts to recover as quickly as possible, it didn’t look like Falzon would make the first round but a last-minute decision to jump into the fire paid dividends.

Falzon charged to a fifth-place finish and improved across the weekend. He finished with 5-6 results to post fifth overall for the round and one of his better results in recent time, made even more special by the lack of preparation for the event.

Arthur Sissis proved consistent all weekend on his R1 to take eighth for the round on the back of his 8-8 results. The fast-starting Sissis mixed it up with the big names in the early stages of each race and will look to improve as the year progresses. Aiden Wagner also cracked the top 10 with is 7-12 results. Hit was the first hit out with his new team and a solid performance in his new surrounds.

600cc Supersport 
There is some fresh new faces appearing on the podium in the 600cc Supersport class as last years’ podium regulars Broc Pearson and Max Stauffer moving to the Superbike division. The day was won by Senna Agius who uses the event as a strong pre-season hit out before returning to Europe, but it will be Yamaha’s Tom Bramich that will have the points lead at round two after Agius departure, as he finished in second place with 2-3 results.

Olly Simpson took third for the day with solid 4 – 4 finishes while championship favourite Tom Edwards missed the podium as he suffered a DNF in the opening leg after getting a flat tyre. Edwards returned for race two and challenged Senna all the way to the end, but his DNF-2 results saw him finish in the back half of the top 10 and with some work to do to regain his place back at the head of the Supersport field.

300cc Supersport / R3 Cup
Yamaha again flexed plenty of muscle in the 300cc Supersport, taking a 1-2 on the podium. In what is always bar to bar racing that goes down to the wire, Henry Snell took the round win with 1-1-4 results ahead of fellow Yamaha R3 mounted, Taiyo Aksu, who used consistent results in all three motos to stand on the podium.

In the R3 Cup, Varis Fleming was the man to beat and holds the points lead heading into round two, Fleming finished with 2-1-1 results to take the round overall and a 10point gap over his nearest rival. Glenn Nelson chimed in for second while Taiyo Asku made another trip to the podium to claim third.

OJC- R15 Cup   
20 nervous thrill seekers made their debut in the OJC R15 Cup on the weekend but that didn’t stop the little tackers from cutting lose on the world recognised Phillip Island circuit. Harrison Watts broke through for the win ahead of Cameron Rende and Teerin Fleming.  

Round two of the ASBK now moves to Queensland Raceway, west of Brisbane and Yamaha riders will again be out on full force.