Herfoss returns on Australia WorldSBK wildcard

Troy Herfoss will return to the World Superbike championship with a wildcard entry to the 2019 season opener at Phillip Island, while fellow Australian Tom Toparis will wildcard in the World Supersport class.

Herfoss made his maiden World Superbike appearance 12 months ago at the Melbourne circuit but suffered a technical DNF in race one before electing not to start race two.

Eager for a stronger showing this year, the reigning Australian Superbike champion is relishing the opportunity with his Penrite Honda squad.

“I’m so stoked; over the moon,” Herfoss said. “It’s a huge honour to be able to represent the #1 plate in the domestic championship and be able to represent Australia in World Superbikes.

“Last year didn’t go as well as I’d hoped so the team are really appreciative that we’ve got another opportunity. I’m 100% certain we’ll be a lot more competitive this year. Last year we jumped right in the deep end and tried to build a bike in a very short period of time and with very limited testing.

“Now we’re going to have a bit more of a competitive bike and a bit more knowledge on how the weekend works and hopefully we can get in there and get amongst it.”

Toparis will also represent his home nation with a World Supersport wildcard, having recently wildcarded in Moto3 at the Japanese and Australian rounds, and is keen to build on his 15th-place finish from last year’s race.

The Phillip Island World Superbike round takes place on February 22-24 and also hosts the opening round of ASBK.