WAYNE MAXWELL RETURNS TO SCENE OF CHAMPIONSHIP SUCCESS AT WAKEFIELD PARK, THIS WEEKEND
On his previous visit to Wakefield Park late last year, Wayne Maxwell, riding his Boost Mobile with K-tech Suspension Ducati Panigale V4R, was leading the Australian Superbike Championship.
When the dust had settled after the two rounds, he prevailed to be victorious in the prestigious title, and earned the rare privilege of sporting the Number One plate for his title defence in 2021.
Coming into this weekend’s, third round of the Australian Superbike Championship, (16-18 April), Wayne and his team are in a similar position of leading the championship, but there are many more laps and races to be completed before a victor is decided in this year’s seven-round title battle.
Last month, at the opening round, contested at Winton Raceway in Victoria, Wayne was on the pace from the first day’s practice and came away from the two Superbike races with a win and a second place to again be at the top of the championship table - a position he is aiming not to relinquish.
“The opening races for the year were pretty good to us,” explained the 2020 champion. “We came away with a win and second to be leading on points, but it is only very early days, so it is vitally important to continue the momentum.
“We had a test at the track a couple weeks ago and the Boost Mobile with K-Tech Suspension Team were very happy with the progress we made with our new electronics package. We have a good base setting to start with on Friday morning, and around a track like Wakefield you need a very good set-up, so hopefully the weather is similar this weekend and we have good conditions to race with.”
The Wakefield Park circuit - known as Australia’s spectator track - is a very challenging venue for Superbikes. Unable to use the top-end horsepower due to the short straights, it is vitally important to have the suspension to negotiate the contours of the race track, maintain good corner speed, and have a well-balanced machine to be able to utilise all the late braking prowess that a Superbike rider possesses in order to execute the overtaking manoeuvres that are required to pass someone on such a tight little track.
Practice for the event starts on Friday with qualifying sessions on Saturday, and the two Superbike races to be contested on Sunday.
Spectators are permitted to witness Wayne in action, but tickets must be pre-purchased, online at asbk.com.au
2021 Australian Superbike Championship
Rd 1 Feb 19-21 Phillip Island, Vic (POSTPONED DUE TO COVID)
Rd 2 March 12-14 Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC
Rd 3 April 16-18 Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn, NSW
Rd 4 June 18-20 Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin NT
Rd 5 August 20-22 Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick QLD
Rd 6 Sept 23-26 The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, SA
Rd 7 Nov 4-7 Symmons Plains Raceway, TAS