MOE Superbike champion Nathan Jones is eager to get back on track and defend his 2015 Victorian Superbike title when the opening round of the 2016 Motul Pirelli Victorian Road Racing Championship kicks into high-gear at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex at Broadford this weekend, April 9-10.
The dual Superbike champion won his first state title in 2013, and after winning his second last year, Nathan plans on securing a third in this year’s revamped four-round VRRC competition: “My goal is to definitely win the championship again,” Nathan said.
“I’d like to be able to be consistent and improve on my lap-times,” Nathan added.
“I haven’t been to Broadford since last year so I’m looking forward to it. I think the main competition is going to come from my brother Tyson.
He had some bad luck breaking his chain last year, but I’m sure he’ll be up there again this year, and also Ben Gotch (who finished second last year). He’s getting quicker all the time so it should be good battling I think.
“The numbers are look pretty strong in the Superbike class so I’m looking forward to it,” Nathan added.
Nathan, 31, is looking forward to the revamped four round competition this time round: “Four rounds is definitely a better concept for a state championship. You have to be a bit more consistent over the four rounds,” he added.
Round 1 will take place at Broadford (April 9-10), with Round 2 at Phillip Island (August 27-28), and Round 3 (September 24-25) and Round 4 (November 12-13) both at Broadford.
On the track at Broadford, Nathan is hoping to one day beat Jed Metcher’s current lap-record of 56.561 he set in November 2014. Currently, his fastest lap-time is a 56.9. “I’d like to go for his record. That’s the ultimate time but I know that’s still awhile away but we’ll see how that goes,” Nathan said.
Tyson, 29, is also looking forward to the upcoming VRRC. “It’ll be good to get back on the bike this weekend and have some fun. It’s going to be a really good championship this year,” Tyson, who won the Open Over 500 title last year, said.
“I’d like to be focused on more consistent results this season and make no mistakes. If you can get away with no mistakes over four rounds that should work out pretty good hopefully,” Tyson said.
“I’d like to thank 3J Racing, Nathan, Cykel Products Australia, Pirelli and Race Center for all their incredible support throughout the years,” Tyson added. “I’d like to thank 3J Racing, Tyson, Race Center, and Cykel Products Australia,” Nathan said.
Round 1 of the 2016 Motul Pirelli Victorian Road Racing Championship takes place at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex on Strath Creek Road in Broadford this weekend, April 9-10. For more information please visit: www.vrrc.com.au.