Yamahas dominant season

The final round of the Australian Superbike Championship signalled the end of another impressive year for Yamaha’s road racers, with 3 series titles added to its burgeoning trophy cabinet.

The final round of the Australian Superbike Championship signalled the end of another impressive year for Yamaha’s road racers, with 3 series titles added to its burgeoning trophy cabinet. Jamie Stauffer’s dominance in the Superbike ranks continued in 2007 where it left off in 2006, with the 28-year-old recording a clean sweep of Eastern Creek at the opening round in February, setting the scene for the year. He went on to win 9 individual races throughout the season, complimented by 3 pole positions aboard the Dunlop-shod R1.

Such was his dominance, Stauffer actually wrapped up the title a round early, taking an unassailable points advantage after a strong showing at the Queensland Raceway Double-Header event. He was the only rider to break into the 300-point barrier in the class, and his performance, coupled with the efforts of brother Dan and other privateer Yamaha entrants, also saw the Manufacturer’s title taken out.

The R6 enjoyed similar success at the hands of Jason O’Halloran, Jamie Stauffer and Jeremy Crowe, with all three riders enjoying a stellar year in the competitive Supersport class. Yamaha would again emerge the victor, but this time it was O’Halloran who put his hand up for the title, pipping Stauffer by a small margin. Crowe was close behind in fourth, and the final result was truly indicative of the racebred model’s power and handling on the tarmac.

As well as winning the series title, Yamaha also took honours in the Privateers and B Grade Privateers ranks thanks to the efforts of Chris Seaton and Cameron Stronach respectively. An incredible advantage of 1464 points in the Manufacturer’s tally was indicative of the diverse and talented field’s choice of motorcycle – the R6 was clearly the machine to be on.

And while the factory Yamaha Racing Team riders dominated the headlines, the comprehensive whitewash by NakedBike class leading lights Scott Charlton, Jon Cartwright and Josh Houwen was one unable to be overlooked. The trio recorded a respective 1, 2, 3 finish in the 2007 championship, with their FZ1 and FZ6 machines getting the job done at the head of the field. All three riders enjoyed double duties for much of the season, with Charlton also campaigning a strong privateer effort in the Superbike class, finishing within the top 10 overall placings. Both Cartwright and Houwen ventured into the new GYTR FZ6 Cup, a one-make Yamaha series, with Houwen emerging the overwhelming victor.

Yamaha Motor Australia Motorsport Coordinator Cheryl Muldoon said 2007 had been another significant and successful year for Yamaha in the national road racing series. “Yamaha is delighted with the success of its leading road race teams and riders in the 2007 season, it has again been a dominant performance in the premier classes with the Superbike and Supersport titles returning to the mantle for another year,” said Muldoon. “Congratulations to Jamie (Stauffer) and Jason (O’Halloran) for their championship victories, they have been very well deserved and a good indication of the power, performance and handling of the R1 and R6 machines.”

“The clean sweep of the championship podium in the NakedBike class is also a fantastic achievement, with Scott (Charlton) and Jon (Cartwright) demonstrating the versatility of the FZ1 and Josh (Houwen) backing up particularly well on the FZ6.” “Plans have already been put in place to continue this run of top results as we approach the 2008 season, and accolades must go out to everyone who has helped make this such a successful year,” she concluded.