While the Thursday of The Bend event was quiet on track, the riders were there and there was plenty of banter – and a little bit of spice to keep it “fun”.

We also preview this final round of the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul with some scenarios- from the likely to the ludicrous

 

We’ve already seen Wayne Maxwell on MC News trying to goad Mike Jones into a mano y mano battle at The Bend, but we doubt that’s likely to bring about a result for the reigning champ.

The main activities today were the main straight photo shoot and the all-important first media call at the Welcome Centre here at The Bend.

The presser provided some interesting moments, from Dan Falzon’s day/night job, Travis Wyman letting us know what a “bagger” is to Jack Miller laying down the law on what the team orders will be this weekend…

 

The Event Preview

With every championship set to be decided this weekend, we thought we’d play out the potential scenarios:

Alpinestars Superbike

The points sitch

Mike Jones has some daylight here after Maxwell failed to fire at Phillip Island. Staring has hung in there to rightfully be second.

1. Mike Jones 287
2. Bryan Staring 249
3. Wayne Maxwell 238

Most likely:

Mike Jones plays the smart game and just hangs in there to finish in the points and take the championship. Easy

Unlikely:

He bangs fairings with Maxwell and crashes out and Maxwell takes the title.

Equally Unlikely:

Maxwell and Jones take each other out and Staring comes through for the win.

But really:

The reality is the title is 90% done and the smart money will see the #46 YRT R1M take the championship in 2022.

Race winners and podium results for this round is another caper altogether. We refuse to play- there are just too many good options and who knows what the rain will do Sunday?

Michelin Supersport

The points sitch

It’s a bit tighter in the Supersport category, but Lytras pretty much has a race up his sleeve so doesn’t need to do anything brave/silly.

1. John Lytras 197.5
2. Ty Lynch 171
3. Tom Bramich 170

Most likely:

John Lytras takes it all in race one and then has a real crack in race two so he can win the title with a race win

Unlikely, but also possible:

He has a DNS/DNF situation and either Tom Bramich or the injured Ty Lynch take enough points to take the title.

Rather Unlikely:

Scott Nicholson can mathematically win the title and yet that’s not going to happen. Sorry Scott!

But really:

It’s only Lytras’ to lose. Bramich was strong last week and maybe there’s a carryover of form from PI to The Bend. The weather will play a role and we might see Lytras nervously tip toe-ing through a race just to play the championship game. This could get tight..!

Dunlop Supersport 300

The points sitch

If this was any other category, Dunker would be champion BUT there’s three races and therefore 76 points on offer so we have to wait…

1. Cameron Dunker 298
2. Glenn Nelson 239
3. Henry Snell 218

Most likely:

Dunker podium in race one and puts it all beyond doubt

Unlikely, but also possible:

It takes him two races.

Rather Unlikely:

It takes him three.

But really:

It will take one. Dunker is at the top of his form and the challengers haven’t been able to fire at the pointy end of the season.

Dunker aka the Baby Faced Assassin was at his best at PI last weekend

Yamaha R3 Cup

The points sitch

If you want a live, ready-to-rock title fight, then the R3’s have you covered.

1. Cameron Dunker 239
2. Glenn Nelson 239
3. Hayden Nelson 193

BIG YIKES!

Most likely:

Neither of the Nelsons (unrelated!) challenged Dunker at Phillip Island in the SS300s, so it feels like Dunker will be the one to beat.

Unlikely, but also possible:

Dunker wants to win the Supersport 300 title, so he just circulates to stay out of trouble.

Rather Unlikely:

Actually, nothing is rather unlikely when you have the leaders ON EQUAL DAMN POINTS

But really:

Dunker. But also Nelson. But mostly Dunker.

bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup

The points sitch

Another title race with three races and therefore 76 points on offer. That keeps it “fun” for the spectators and pretty damn nervous for the kids and parents in OJC. Personally, I won’t be able to watch a moment as it’s too tense. You tell me who wins and we’ll include it in the results.

1. Harrison Watts 276
2. Cameron Rende 251
3. Hudson Thompson 250

Most likely:

Harrison Watts plays the game and follow Rende/Thompson and lunges at the line with or over them and let the 25 point buffer work the championship.

Unlikely, but also possible:

It’s OJC: all things are pretty much possible.

Rather Unlikely:

Ryan Larkin and Sam Drane have maths on their side, but not history.

But really:

All three leading riders could win this and if that sounds like a ludicrously non-committal statement- you’ve never watched OJC. Let me know how it goes.

 

TV Schedule

Sunday: 1-4pm SBS Viceland, Stan Sport.