Giles was reportedly fastest at the Eastern Creek ASBK test today onboard the new GSX-R1000

Team Joe Rocket Suzuki’s Shawn Giles unofficially set the fastest lap at today’s Australian Superbike Championship test at Eastern Creek with a best lap of a mid 1:31 in the team’s debut at the circuit with the brand new 2009 model GSX-R1000.

Giles set the lap late in the afternoon to pip teammate Josh Waters for the top spot on the time sheets, while Yamaha Racing Team rider Dan Stauffer also lapped in the 1:31 bracket according to the team.

The test was attended by the Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki factory efforts amongst a host of privateer Superbike, Supersport and Superstock competitors, with Kawasaki Racing Team rider Kevin Curtain again continuing his good form that earned him Superpole at the Queensland Raceway round last month.

Notable appearances were made on the day by former Superbike champions Adam Fergusson (Ducati) and Martin Craggill (TJRS), while double Endurance World Champion Warwick Nowland was also circulating on an Oran Park 6-Hour supported Yamaha.

The Supersport field was reportedly topped by YRT’s championship leader Bryan Staring in the low 1:33s, while both Shannon Johnson (Evolution Sports Group Honda) and Troy Herfoss (TJRS) were also in the 33s.

Johnson had the assistance of defending Australian Superbike Champion Glenn Allerton for the test, with Allerton’s Motologic Racing Honda outfit again sitting out the test.

No times were given for defending Supersport champion Jamie Stauffer in either the Superbike or Supersport classes for the test.

The fourth round of the ASBK series will take place at Eastern Creek Raceway in New South Wales on 7-9 August.

* Note that all times reported are unofficial due to lack of transponders and are sourced directly from the teams.