Team Suzuki’s new recruit Wayne Maxwell has converted pole position to a comfortable win in the opening 12-lap race of the QBE Australian Superbike Championship at Phillip Island today, supporting the World Superbikes.
The Victorian rider held position off the start and stretched the legs of the Suzuki, building an eight second lead. Last year’s Superbike runner-up eventually finished 4.796s clear of Chas Hern (Suzuki) and Linden Magee (BMW), who held out a fast-finishing Ben Henry (Suzuki).
Maxwell was pleased with his opening race success.
“We couldn’t ask for much more today, a flag to flag win is a good way to start things off,” said Maxwell.
“I got a good start and the bike was very consistent. There are a few things we are not quite happy with but we’ll stick to our plan of trying as many different settings as we can over the weekend to collect as much data as possible.
“We’re keeping focused on the main goal which is being ready for the first point-scoring round of the championship in Tasmania.”
Matt Walters (Kawasaki) won the Honda Australian Prostock class, while in the Motul Australian Supersport race, polesitter Aaron Morris beat Chris Quinn by a mere 0.010s.
The Superbike/Prostock and Supersport fields will tomorrow contest the final races on their weekend schedule, 12 and 10 laps respectively.
