ASBK press release:

Team Joe Rocket Suzuki’s Josh Waters has topped the timesheets by just .002 seconds in practice for Round 2 of the Australian Superbike Championship at Symmons Plains today. Having never raced a Superbike at the circuit before, Waters took advantage of the conditions early in the day to post a time of 53.796 seconds, just pipping out reigning champ Glenn Allerton on the Honda.

As promised, Yamahas Dan and Jamie Stauffer sorted out their traction issues of Wednesday to post times of 53.85 and 54.18 seconds respectively, followed by Suzuki duo Robbie Bugden and Shawn Giles.

Motologic Honda’s Wayne Maxwell recovered from a big crash early in the day to post the seventh fastest time ahead of privateers Craig Coxhell and Chris Trounson. Kawasaki’s Kevin Curtain rounded out the top ten.

With the top 10 covered by just 1.2 seconds, any rider has a realistic chance of taking out Sundays two races and fans are guaranteed of some nail-biting action.

Yamaha’s Bryan Staring took the fastest time in the Supersport class, posting a scorching 56.02 seconds to beat team mate Jamie Stauffer. Joint series leader Judd Greedy rocketed his Suzuki into third, followed by Kawasaki’s Ben Attard, Christian Casella, Scott Charlton and Troy Herfoss. Privateers featured heavily in the top 10 with Cameron Keevers, Chris Quinn and Chas Hern in 8th, 9th and 10th respectively. Tasmanian Brett Simmonds used his local knowledge to post a time of 57.46 seconds, just outside the top 10 but still less than 1.5 seconds behind the leader!

The men will be sorted from the boys when official qualifying for Superbike and Supersport starts tomorrow.

Gates open from 8am with fans also being treated to racing action from 125/250GP, Superstock 1000 and Superstock 600. Off track, there will also be Stunt riding displays, a Motorcycle show, a Custom Car and Bike Show and Shine, Carnival rides for the kids and Tasmania’s largest motorcycle accessories sale! Spectators can also watch all the action up close from the comfort of their own car with ample trackside parking available should the weather close in.