Herfoss takes ASBK lead in Darwin podium double for CBR1000RR SP2

Crankt Protein Honda Racing put together a superb debut aboard the 2017 CBR1000RR SP2 in Darwin’s fourth round of the 2017 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) today at Hidden Valley Raceway.

After qualifying fourth on the grid, defending champion Troy Herfoss rode to a pair of second place finishes in the heat of Hidden Valley to take over the series points lead.

Despite minimal mileage with Honda’s latest top-specification Fireblade prior to arriving in the Top End, Herfoss finished just 0.453s outside of the victory in the two-part opening encounter and then repeated his result with a controlled showing in race two.

It was enough for him to take over the championship lead by 13 points, setting he and the Victorian-based team up for a strong run home in the 2017 championship chase.

Teammate Bryan Staring was also particularly impressive across the Hidden Valley race weekend, slotting his SP2 into fifth on the grid and then racing to 4-3 results for third overall. It was his first overall podium since returning to Australia with Crankt Protein Honda Racing this season and he’s sixth in the standings, 39 points from Herfoss.

Next up will be Queensland’s Morgan Park Raceway on 25-27 August, the circuit in which Herfoss dominated at on his way to the championship last year.

2017 ASBK Rd4 Hidden Valley results:

1. Josh WATERS 50
2. Troy HERFOSS (Crankt Protein Honda Racing) 40
3. Bryan STARING (Crankt Protein Honda Racing) 35
4. Corey TURNER 32
5. Robert BUGDEN 32
6. Matt WALTERS 27
7. Cru HALLIDAY 26
8. Mitch LEVY 23
9. Troy GUENTHER 22
10. Beau BEATON 19

2017 ASBK championship standings:

1. Troy HERFOSS (Crankt Protein Honda Racing) 170
2. Robert BUGDEN 157
3. Daniel FALZON 155
4. Wayne MAXWELL 148
5. Josh WATERS 135
6. Bryan STARING (Crankt Protein Honda Racing) 131
7. Cru HALLIDAY 110
8. Corey TURNER 81
9. Beau BEATON 79
10. Mitch LEVY 78