Trevor Jackson
AS the Australian Superbike series reaches the final rounds of the season, Furner racer Dallas Skeer will look to gain some momentum from the penultimate round this weekend at Phillip Island.
An ordinary start to the season in the Supersport category, with early accident damage put Skeer on the back foot and he has not been able to make up the lost ground.
He is now riding for simply seat time in what will be the World Superbike round at the fast, sweeping circuit.
Phillip Island takes no prisoners and a good bike setup is required to achieve good lap times.
A solid effort at the master of Mac Park series recently here in the Limestone Coast, following a trip to the island for the Victorian championships has given Skeer some idea of what he is up against.
Now he has to put it into practice at the top level, with little time to prepare.
One practice session and one qualifying session is all that is set down for the support category before hitting the track in earnest on Saturday afternoon.
It is also not one of Skeer’s favourite venues, but he said that is one reason to go there, even though he is out of the running for a decent finish to the year.
“I have only ridden once at Tailem Bend a couple of weeks ago since Mac Park,” Skeer said.
“We went pretty average at Tailem Bend bu I am riding the best I ever have I reckon.
“I feel comfortable on the bike and at some tracks my pace might not be there, but I feel really comfy and at home on the bike.
“I have never felt like that before so it gives me the confidence to just push to get the times down to where I want to be.”
Skeer has been happy with his decision to change from a Suzuki to a Yamaha 600cc machine this year, with the bike setup fast right out of the blocks.
However, he has not competed in every round this season and will need to push hard to ensure he is up to pace leading into next year.
“I just want to get some momentum for next year,” Skeer said.
“We have back-to-back rounds at Phillip Island this weekend then Tailem Bend next weekend, so I need to get some seat time and see where I am sitting in the field.
“The boys have been racing all year so if I want to fight for the championship next year I have to see what I have to do at these tracks.
“The bike is good so there are no excuses.
“It is up to me now.”
Just to throw a spanner in the works, the weekend’s forecast does not look promising for motorcycle racing.
Add that to a fast circuit like Phillip Island and a less-than-perfect run could end in disaster.
“Pillip Island has no grip and is very fast, so it is scary,” Skeer said.
“It is not ideal and we are a support race, so our first race is at 5.30pm Saturday.
“Hopefully we get some dry track time because wet riding is really a waste of time.
“I have never raced in the wet in ASBK in four years.
“I will still go out because that is what we are going there for, but there is no point pushing too hard and destroying my bike in turn one at 250 kilometres-per-hour.
“Hopefully we get a good run and can build a good base for next year.”
