The 2006 GYTR Australian Superstock Cup came to a some what fitting end for SD Racing's Darren 'Super Daz' Sciberras at Sydney's Eastern Creek on the 18 th and 19 th of November.  As has been the case many times this year, round 7 saw some flashes of potential from the TW-Performance R6 pilot but the end result was disappointing with 15th for the weekend (due in large to a crash in race 2) and 9th overall in the final championship standings.  Things started off in the right manner but as has been the case all too many times this season the spacer between the handle bars and seat was causing problems which left Daz in the gravel trap after a very high speed accident that he was lucky to walk away from. 

Although Darren's results don't look much on paper, some joy can be taken knowing that the level of competition he was up against was quiet strong, especially given Darren's lack of experience not only in road racing but motorcycles full stop.  Even though we had great help and arguably the best bike in the field, the lack of experience was a telling factor with Daz making too many mistakes throughout the season costing valuable points and results.  But this difficult season has given us many experiences to draw from and a platform to improve upon into the future.

Darren Sciberras: "Before I waffle on about myself I would like to say a HUGE congratulations to Ian Andrews for wrapping up the series and also to Chris Trounson and Josh Houwen for the 2 nd and 3 rd places respectively.  They all rode so well this year along with many of my fellow competitors that I had so much fun racing against and hanging out with them this year.  I learnt so much and had a great time in the process but the best part of all was meeting so many great people and forming some great friendships.

I have to admit that I am a pretty disappointed with my performances on the bike, I have had great help and a great bike this year but I have just made way too many mistakes and that eats at me.  Still there is nothing I can do about that now other than do my best to learn from those mistakes, so hopefully I can.  I really don't like the fact that I have crashed so many times this year and the one this weekend was the worst one of all, it was so silly and I should have known better.  I know race reports are a way for us riders to acknowledge our sponsors and I don't want to sound as if I am just plugging them but my Tiger Angel leathers have been nothing short of amazing! Nine crashes in the one suit and not once did I lose any skin or get injured from the extra protection moving around during a crash. I can't speak highly enough of them and I put it mostly down to how well they fit, you seriously can't beat tailor made protective gear.

Soon all my thoughts of letting the team down were out the window once I realised just how bloody fast I was travelling, HOLY SMOKE! As soon as I left the tarmac I was catapulted into a violent tumble but I remembered the words that a mate, Andrew Reid, had given my when I first stating racing, "just relax dude!" I did the best job of relaxing that I could but I was really scared because it didn't seem like I was slowing down and I knew this was the fastest that I had ever crashed. Soon my visor was torn off and I could feel the pebbles from the gravel trap smacking me in the face.."when is this going to stop" I thought. To be totally honest I don't really remember anything else. When it all stopped I knew that this one had rattled me, I normally have the piece of mind to see if I can pick up my bike and if not get out of the way but not this time, I was dazed! I stood up but rapidly fell back onto my knees realising I needed a few moments to recapture my composure. Thankfully I did and thanks to the two marshals on the turn 11 flag point that came to my aid, although their funny afro wig and big purple fury hat had me wondering for second whether I had landed back onto plant earth or into some wired type of cartoon. Thankfully it was real and they were actually wearing that funny get up. As always the Honda Racesafe crew were there to pick up the pieces highlighting just how invaluable they are to our thrilling sport, thanks guys, we all appreciate your dedication so much.

I guess on reflection I could try come up with some pathetic excuses but the reality is that fellow competitors smoked my butt with some brilliant riding especially seeing they were all C or D graders and I know I have lSeant so much more for being thrust into such good and healthy competition.

Ok so now here it comes, unashamed plugging and thanks to all who made this my first ever full season possible and one I will never forget! First and foremost, to Ian Wiltshire and TW-Perforamce.com.au , thanks for all your help and being there through thick and thin, its been more fun then not even though we had some fixing to do along the way. Megacycle's Ken Onus .what can I say? Thanks for your help and you are a gem of a bloke, but seriously we just need to find a way to fit a Megacycle muffle to your mouth so we can get some peace and quiet around the pits, LOL. Glen Holland and Shocktek , dude sorry you have had to straighten my bike so many times, it wasn't my fault honest but you do enjoy working with the bike jig anyway don't you? Trevor Manley and TMPerformance.com.au , thanks for the awesome suspension and setup work, I have learnt heaps and know I had the best handling bike in the field. Eruo Pro Smash Repairs, thanks and hopefully I won't keep you so busy with repairs and painting next year! It would be hard to get around a track without a bike and Mansfield Motorcycles have been great with not only delivering the wonderful new Yamaha R6 but providing the spares to keep it running. Dexam Industries and Bob Minogue , thank you so much for your support, it really has helped. Valter Moto components, Road Rocket and Randle, thank you and those rear sets can really stand a beating, I certainly can confirm to that! Sharp Racing and accessories, my bike would have fallen down a lot more often if it wasn't for your race stands. Of course with banging my head on the ground so many times this year I would have forgotten a lot of it without the great high resolution pictures taken by Stephen Piper . To my family and friends for coming to watch, even though I know some of you, especially mum hates to see me race!

Also thanks to AUSCO for not only organising the series but giving us competitors a forum and place to air our media releases. And last but in no way least...Lisa for absolutely everything!!!! But please slow down woman, I need to hang onto some pride!"