Troy Herfoss has drawn first blood in the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul season finale at Wakefield Park, setting the fastest time in practice today after a spirited battle with his rivals Cru Halliday and Wayne Maxwell.

Yamaha rider Halliday set the fastest time in the opening session before Maxwell responded with the best lap in the second session aboard his Ducati. Finally, in the final session, Herfoss clocked a 57.328 on his brand-new Honda to end the day with bragging rights.

Herfoss, born and raised in Goulburn, has an enviable record at his home circuit and is looking forward to tight contests throughout the weekend.

“We’re pretty much even, Wayne, Cru and I,” Herfoss said.

“In the last session, it looked like Wayne and I were both running the same plan – we each did a longer run, did some good times and I was really happy at the end of the session to go out and find a little extra from the bike.

“It’s a great track for me, I know it really well, but it’s been an eye-opener coming here with a brand-new bike. We changed a few little things as the day went on and we went faster every time.

“Because we’re on a new bike, we don’t have a lot of data so we’re still trying to work out our best direction. The best part is our effort level was the same throughout the day, but the lap times became faster; it’s been a good day for us.”

Herfoss, Maxwell and Halliday all recorded lap times in the 57-second bracket; fourth overall for the day was Glenn Allerton on his BMW, ahead of Aiden Wagner.

Reigning champion Mike Jones was sixth, with Bryan Staring, Josh Waters, Jed Metcher and Arthur Sissis completing the top 10.

Tomorrow’s action will consist of Round 2 timed practice and qualifying for the Superbikes.