Team SXV Aprilia Racing enjoyed a successful Saturday at Oran Park
with riders Josh McFarlane (SXV550) and Alex Gobert (SXV450) third and
fourth in the S1 and S2 classes.
Josh’s result on the big v-twin 550 was especially pleasing
considering his first race. A poor start saw him mid-pack initially and
the Queenslander had to work hard to make up ground. Unfortunately he
pushed too hard and crashed twice during the race – still managing to
get back on and finish 7th. Race 2 was better for Josh; a
solid third place behind leader Angus Reekie and second placed Graham
Cheney.
"After the disaster of race one, I just wanted to get into a rhythm
and finish," said McFarlane. "The bike is going brilliantly, and I’m
enjoying the Oran Park layout more – we’re circulating the opposite way
round this time out, and it’s definitely an improvement. I know I can go
faster and the third race should see an improvement as I got faster
lap-by-lap."
McFarlane’s words proved prophetic – in the final race he got a great
start to take second spot and maintained his position about half a
second behind KTM-mounted Reekie for most of the race. On the last lap
McFarlane threw everything he had at the leader gaining fastest lap of
the race and bridging the gap to finish just 0.2 behind.
"I made a mistake in thinking I could chase down Reekie on the last
lap – I pulled a third of a second but it wasn’t quite enough. I should
have tried to catch him a lap earlier, but that’s racing. Overall I’m
pleased to have got onto the podium after such a shocker of a first
race." He said.
Alex Gobert was delighted to be competitive in the premier S2 class
on his SXV450. Having missed out on the Superpole by just one spot, Alex
had a great ride from sixth on the grid in race one, the young
journalist-racer finishing a satisfying fourth. Gobert wasn’t so lucky
in race two – he bogged on the line and rounded the first corner onto
the dirt section in 8th place. A steady ride ensured 7th
place and fourth overall for the event and the championship.
"Although I would have preferred to be right up the front, the pace
this year is quicker than ever and to get in the top five in my first
meeting on the bike is a real confidence boost." Gobert stated. "The
bike is really good – it turns in really quickly, then easily holds a
line and fires out of corners like a jet. The SXV suits my style because
it’s so good on the asphalt which is where my background is – roadracing.
The tyres are really good, we only used one set for the meeting and they
hung in the whole time. I have to thank the team for letting me ride the
450 in this championship and I’m really looking forward to more time on
the bike and the next double-header meeting at Newcastle."
Team SXV Aprilia Racing will be in action at the next round of the
Australian Supermotard Championships at Newcastle Go Kart centre on the
6th and 7th October.
