FZ6 Cup 2008

by Dave · March 13, 2008

Australia’s most affordable and evenly-matched production motorcycle racing series hits the track for the first time in 2008 this weekend, with a fleet of Yamaha FZ6 pilots ready to do battle at Sydney’s Eastern Creek. The field will feature a mixture of established and emerging talent from a variety of backgrounds, with a number of newcomers set to shake things up.

2007 champion Josh Houwen may have moved on, but a number of his sparring partners are back to re-ignite the battle which blazed from start to finish last season. Series runner-up Keith Greentree (TCR, Biketek, Motul Oils) had a close fight with Beau McKenzie (L&B Race Products) across the 7-round championship last year, with the riders finishing second and third respectively, separated by just over 20 points. It will be a true state-of-origin battle between the duo, with Queenslander Greentree hoping to steal a win at New South Welshman McKenzie’s home hitout.

It may be a one-make series, but the Yamaha Racing Team’s newest recruit Amy O’Mara is determined to let the boys know who is boss. O’Mara will pilot the only ‘factory’ bike, which will feature a distinct pink paint job that is sure to stand out on track. As well as ensuring she’s easy to spot, the pink livery will serve to raise awareness of the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the invaluable research it conducts. She will be joined by two other female riders on track this weekend, including 2007 East Coast Road Race Series winner Nakeeta Quayle (Circuit Breakers Ride Day and Race Schools).

Yamaha’s Training Manager (Service)/Marketing Technical Support coordinator Simon Thomas said Quayle and O’Mara would certainly be up to the challenge.

"Amy and Nakeeta are just a few of the new faces that join the experienced racers for this year’s series," said Thomas. "True is the concept the FZ6 cup provides a great foundation and proving ground for up and coming riders and old hands alike."

"Rohan Tungate, the young dirt track champ, hails from the Hunter Valley region which has produced some of the world’s finest motorcycle riders including Chad Reed, Casey Stoner and the Stauffer brothers, so we can expect some brilliance from him. There will be an interesting battle between the FZ6 riders sponsored by motorcycle magazines, with Zak Thackeray and Rennie Scaysbrook respectively piloting these machines."

"Then there is a range of familiar faces from 2007 including the likes of Keith Greentree, Chris Knox, Beau McKenzie, Danny Moulton and Rick Olson, all with significant experience under their belt."

17 GYTR FZ6 Cup Championship bikes will grid up this weekend, to contest a series of 3 7-lap races. Riders will hit the track first up on Friday, for two practice sessions in the morning and the first qualifying session in the afternoon. A second qualifying session on Saturday morning will see results merged and the first pole position for 2008 awarded.

Race 1 will take place on Saturday afternoon, with races 2 and 3 following on Sunday morning, and Sunday afternoon in between the other on-track action including the premier Superbike and Supersport classes. The GYTR FZ6 Cup Championship will feature at all 7 rounds of the 2008 Australian Superbike Championship, and a limited number of race-ready packages are available for the second round at Mallala, South Australia, in mid-April and the preceding events.

GYTR FZ6 Cup Championship Entry List, Round 1, Eastern Creek Raceway.

3. Beau McKenzie (B)
11. Michael Marsh (D)
20. Rick Olson (C)
22. Karen Webb (C)
23. Duncan Middleton (B)
26. Phillip Burke (B)
27. Rohan Tungate (D)
33. Rennie Scaysbrook (C)
43. Danny Moulton (C)
46. Adam Dawes (D)
51. Chris Knox (C)
52. Keith Greentree (A)
66. Zack Thackeray (C)
68. Amy O’Mara (C)
78. Nakeeta Quayle (C)
85. Brendan Watson (A)
89. Gavin Hainsworth (A)