In Friday practice the team discovered that tyre wear throughout the two races would play a major part so they spent a lot of time on suspension trying to find the right combination between grip and tearing to last the 21 lap journey.
In the first qualifying, Chas was geared up ready for the start of the session but as the track seemed full he waited until 7 minutes to go before laying down only 4 laps and provisionally 6th fastest, putting him on the second row.
In qualifying 2, Chas noticed that winds were up and elected to remain in the pits unless he was knocked off the second row. As the 30 minutes wound down we watched patiently as top riders continued to turn laps hoping to improve their times. With less than 5 minutes left Dustin Goldsmith jumped up into 6th relegating Chas to 7th, and Scott Charlton pushed out a good lap to claim 8th. It was now or never and Chas took the gamble on not going o ut and staying on the 2nd row. As the riders crossed the line for the last time our team all relaxed and Chas was set for his first 2nd row start.
Chas managed to qualify 7th outright and 3rd privateer ahead of the factory Suzuki and also only .3 of a second off Bryan Staring in 3rd.
Come race day Chas was eager to get under way and see how he would fair in the 21 lap race compared to the factory riders ahead of him. As the red light went out he made a great start and at the hair pin he slotted up behind Bryan Staring and joined the leading pack. He sat just half a bike length behind the factory riders until on lap 5, a crash from Judd Greedy resulted in a red flag. After a long delay, we found out that Judd had lost his life as a result of the accident. Judd was an inspiration for Chas as he proved that privateer's can achieve the ultimate result in the factory dominated class, and his determination and dedication was truly amazing through his racing career. Judd's wicked smile and humor will be missed throughout the Super Bike field and he will be remembered as a winner. He was leading the race at the time of the accident.
After a meeting between race officials and riders, it was decided to cancel the rest of the meeting.
The Chas Hern Racing team would like to extend there deepest sympathy to Judd's family and team for their loss. Only time can soften the feeling of helplessness when you loose someone close.
Due to the withdrawal of our financial backer, the team is now in great need of financial support to continue the season as a top privateer.
A big thanks goes to Monza Imports, Shift, Alpine star and KBC for their support with the great gear and the Kirk McCarthy award for all the support that comes with it.
We would also like to thank Dunlop with the support of great tyres and Stewart Corser, Garry Crilley, Tiger and Shandon for their assistance at the track. Chris Churchward and his partner Janai for all their support over the weekend and helping with setting up the operation.
A big thanks go to the Gibson family for their hospitality over the test and race weekend, and Trent for taking my bike over to Tassy.
I would also like to put out a big thanks to Marty from Underground Designs in South Australia for all his efforts over the weekend and last year, Bandit Tire Warmers, Bendix Brakes, Mobil Oils, EK Chains, Mick Hone Motorcycles, Jake Royal from Racefit Australia, Afam Sprockets, Keith Muir for the great photos over the last 3 years and Phil Tainton for his help getting the bikes ready.