Right from the outset Round 1 of the 2007 GYTR Superstock Cup presented some extreme challenges for SD Racing and our rider Darren Sciberras. In fact with a crash in our only outing before the season opener we were very lucky to even get the bike on the grid. Thankfully with help from Euro Pro Smash Repairs and Mansfield Motorcycles we got there in the nick of time, but this was only the beginning of the hardship.

By the end of Friday's qualifying Daz was a whopping 2.7secs off of his best time last year, certainly not what we had expected. The Megacycle R6 was handling more like a rusty old double decker bus than a finely tuned race bike and upon further investigation it was found to have a badly twisted frame. Shocked by the finding we frantically searched for a solution but it was quickly obvious that we were stuck with the bleak situation and our backs against the wall. Not ready to give in Daz and suspension and setup Guru Trevor Manley got to work trying to find ways to get the best out of the bent bike. It was amazing that even with such a fundamental frame issue, Trevor was still able to help Daz improve the setup and make the bike a lot more rideable. Now rather than a rusty old double decker, we were dealing with something more along the lines of a hotted up combie van, surf board on the roof and all.

Still, getting around corners was a major issue, the bike just wanted to go straight. Daz gave it absolutely everything but could only manage a qualifying position of 10 th . As race one approached we knew we had to minimize the damage and score as many points as possible even with bike problems. A killer start, some luck and dogged determination saw Daz produce easily his best ride ever with a well deserved 2nd place. "That was a real struggle, changing direction was very difficult so I am absolutely wrapped with our 2nd place. I had no corner speed so I had no choice but to make up time on the brakes if I wanted to stay in touch." Daz commented after the race.

Sunday morning brought a new day but we knew repeating race one's result was going to be about as difficult as extracting milk from a bull. Another killer start and opening lap saw Daz back in the lead group and as high as 4th place until yet a further setup back crept in, brake fade. The only weapon we had left was now gone and Daz slowly started to slip back in the order. A further mistake with a back marker saw another two positions go leaving the SDracing rider to finish a disappointing 9th , still it was one position better than we started.

The brake problem was fixed promptly and by now Daz was coming to grips with riding the 'twisty' bike and ready for another battle in the third and final race. This time the killer start was no where to be found however the recent coaching from Ken Onus and Trevor Manley saw a different more patient rider and one by one he started to make up places. "I had gotten up into 5th place with lots of laps left, the brakes were back to normal and I knew where I was strong and where I wasn't. I was using this to my advantage and was hopeful of another strong finish." Suddenly a stupid error and all the hard work came unstuck. "I hit a false natural going into turn 1, as the bike tried to jump back in gear the rear wheel kicked violently and I had no option but to head for the dirt at over 200km/h. My only focus was to avoid the gravel trap knowing it would take a long time to get out but I couldn't do it, I guess I was lucky just to keep it upright." Subsequently Darren rejoined in last place and with the remaining laps could only manage to get back up to 20 th , a very disappointing end to the weekend.

"When I think about race 3 my stomach turns, I am so gutted about that result. By that stage the frame problems weren't even an issue, we had done all the hard work, I was in a good position and if I had finished there it would have been a great result considering. But I let the 'get out of jail' card slip through my fingers and that really hurts. The guys in this field are too good to be giving them a 36 point head start after only the first round. Still there is no point crying about it, there are still seven rounds to go but its going to be hard to make up all that ground."

"I need to say a big thanks to Trevor Manley from TMPerformance.com.au and Lisa for all their hard work this weekend, it was tough. though. Also thanks to Chris Woods at Mansfield Motorcycles for all the last minute parts and to Ken Onus for all his advice and coaching, hopefully I can repay them with a better result at Winton. Also thanks to all the well wishers and supporters, your words of encouragement certainly do make a difference!"

On the positive side, Super Daz didn't go flying over the handle bars at any stage this weekend, yes those James Bond type, folding out training wheels do help.