Even More Morning News - Andrew Stroud & Aussie Superstock

Andrew Stroud, riding on a Suzuki GSX-R1000, wants to win the New Zealand Superbike Championship and take the trophy which 2009 champion Robbie Bugden now has at his home. Given his results so far - his performance last weekend, specifically - he could be a real threat. This coming weekend is the second round, to be held at Teretonga, so we will see how far he can take his lead.

http://tinyurl.com/ylpdr34

International Entertainment Group (IEG), who are the Australian Superbike promoter, along with Motorcycling Australia, has changed the format for the Superstock series. Superstock A and B riders will compete within the Australian Superbike class, but their points will be decided separately. Superstock groups C and D will ride together in their own class and be scored together. This all came from listening to the competitors involved. How unlikely to hear a motorcycle race series listening to the participants...

http://tinyurl.com/yhrn9kt

And, More Morning News - Fiat Yamaha, Moto2 & Motohansa

Fiat Yamaha will be unveiling their livery at the first day of the Malaysian test on 4 February 2010. Basically, it's a big media day and photos of the bikes and riders - Rossi and Lorenzo - will be encouraged. If you are in the press, this is for you.

http://tinyurl.com/y8krw42

The most popular chassis in Moto2 may be the Sutter MMX - up to a third of competitors in the class may be using their product. Sutter MMX is based in Switzerland and made the frames for the Kawasaki MotoGP teams, plus they will be making all of the slipper clutches used in the series. They were lucky in being the first to get prices out and have product ready for testing, and that is why they seem to be in the front of everyone else at this point.

http://tinyurl.com/y9ec2wo

Turns out that the BMW S1000RR will be seen in the Australian Superstock 1000 series this season. The Motohansa team has joined up with Laser Exhaust to field Jeremy Crowe on the machine at select ASBK rounds throughout the year. Perhaps they will make it a full-time effort before season's end.

http://tinyurl.com/yztx4nj

Thursday Afternoon Moto News - ASBK, Yamaha and a Bar

Well, it seems that Motorcycling Australia has axed the Superstock B race from the 27 - 29 February 2010 Phillip Island round of the Australian Superbike Championship. Originally, apparently, organizer International Entertainment Group had said that B riders could compete in the Superbike class (for their own separate podium) as the A riders will, but no more. It seems that B, C and D riders will compete together for the remainder of the 2010 season.

http://tinyurl.com/yefj7yt

Now we head off to my (wish it weren't true) hometown metro area, Portland, Oregon. Kelly's Olympian Bar & Diner has been in business wince 1902 (as the Olympian Saloon way back, which was named for Washington's Olympia Brewing Company) and is full of some of the coolest motorcycle-related decor you can imagine. If you are in the area and a motorcycling fan, this is a place for you!

http://tinyurl.com/ybsrrqu

On to a classic machine which may bring back memories from your own riding past. The Yamaha TT500 was made from 1976 until 1981 (at least that was the last year it was imported to the US) and was an impressive machine. It is still considered a lightweight and fun ride and has legions of fans worldwide. It is indeed a very cool looking bike, so go and learn more about it.

http://tinyurl.com/ydmbzc9

A beautiful 1953 Laverda 75 Sport is up next. It was photographed by renowned Australian photographer Phil Aynsley. This bike was made just five years after Francesco Laverda decided to build this machine. It is an impressive piece of work and would look best in my garage!

http://tinyurl.com/yd7dysn

Trinder Brothers Racing to Race Aprilia RSV-4 with Dan Stauffer

It is now confirmed that the Aprilia RSV-4 will be competing in the Australian Superbike Championship. Trinder Brothers Racing and Aprilia Australia have worked together to secure this factory-supported team in the series Down Under. With skilled pilot Stauffer aboard, they have a real chance at success - especially with that RSV-4! TBR will also field Cole Odendaal and Jackson Leigh-Smith in the new Superstock 1000 A class in 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/yczky2s

Even More News After Australian Superbike - and 2010 Season Schedule

Honestly, the news here is all from two press releases - one from Glenn Allerton' s team and one is from Jordan Burgess’ Australian Superstock 1000 Championship team. Have a look at how these two riders fared in the 2009 ASBK season.

http://tinyurl.com/ybp8537

Rick Olson Won the 2009 Australian Superstock 600 Championship.

http://tinyurl.com/yg8kpsw

Next, we have the new 2010 schedule for the 2010 Australian Superbike Championship. You will want to check this out to see where you can see this great series next year.

http://tinyurl.com/yfk22qq

Darwin gets a round in 2010 - first since 1999: http://tinyurl.com/yf4l9jn

Josh Waters is Australian Superbike Champion in Rookie Season

Yep, it's true, Waters and his Team Joe Rocket Suzuki won both final races at Phillip Island this weekend, and that brought them the ASBK crown for 2009. Waters held of riders Glenn Allerton and Wayne Maxwell, who were also in contention for the prize, and took the Championship in his first season in the series and at the young age of 22. What's next? Well, how about another season and another championship! Bryan Staring won the Australian Supersport Championship class, and Pat Medcalf claimed the inaugural Australian Superstock 1000 Championship. It was a great weekend for racing Down Under.

http://tinyurl.com/ydfhjrx