The Berwick speedster waits on the grid at Eastern Creek before one of his three races on the weekend before Easter.By Brad Kingsbury
CHRIS Williams continued his great season in the Australian Superbike national series recently with a topthree finish in all three races at the unfamiliar Eastern Creek racetrack.
The Berwick privateer, riding his Yamaha YXFRI race bike, does not have the factorysponsored resources that many of his rivals enjoy, but it has not stopped him becoming one of the most competitive riders on the circuit in just over two years.
Williams qualified third and finished second in race two and third in races one and three for an overall third placing in the event held on the weekend prior to the Easter.
He now holds third place overall in his championship category.
Williams also won the award for the best presented Superbike for the weekend and was thrilled with his podium finish.
“I was really surprised that I was at the pointy end of the group, given it was my first real look at the track,” he said.
Williams did one practice day at Eastern Creek about three months ago, but his bike was not in full race trim at the time and there was no competition.
He is competing in the main support class to the World Superbike category and is continuing to improve and impress.
“It’s a bit daunting really,” he said. “You have to earn your stripes in this game and I’m just enjoying the competition.”
“I was aiming to get in the top 10, but when I got out there I was right in the mix.”
Williams had a helping hand from former 125cc grand prix rider Trevor Manly who runs Lilydalebased company TM Performance and offered his assistance with the bike’s race setup.
“The suspension setup was completely different and a lot softer than what I’m used to,” Williams said.
“I’ve known Trevor for four or five years and the work he did really helped.”
The next round of the national titles will be held at Wanneroo in Western Australia in five weeks and then the series moves to Winton, which Williams classes as his home track.
“I would hope to win at Winton. I will have the edge there, but I’m just enjoying the competition at the moment and we’ll see where it takes us,” he said.
Williams is sponsored by his own company, Scorpion Race Gear, but is keen to hear from any potential sponsors who would like to become involved in his increasingly successful Superbike campaign.
