Michael places second in two superbike championships

Empire Bay carpenter Michael Blair has placed second in each of two superbike championships in his first year of racing a 1000cc bike.

Michael came second in the Superbike section of both the 2016 AFX Championship Superbike Series and the Australasian Superbike Championship Series

"Every race was fought hard over two days of great racing with positions changing throughout each race and drags to the line to decide winners," Blair said.

"It was hectic racing as usual, good fun but tense as the Championship had not been decided," he said.

Michael started racing in dirt track in 2009 when he was 15.

As there was nowhere to ride close to home, he joined Central Coast Junior Motorcycle Club at Somersby.

The committee of the day were keen to host some big events and Michael found himself entering club days as well as title events.

He placed in five Australian Titles and won three NSW titles, both long and short track.

His first full season of road racing was 2012.

When he placed first overall in Round 1 of Australian FX RR Champs he was hooked.

In 2013, he was rewarded with third in the ASBK Supersport Championship.

Consistency with top three placings throughout the season and two first places against the best in Australia's 600cc racing at Queensland Raceway was a real highlight.

To build on his good performance was Michael's goal for 2014, but it wasn't to be.

After setting the fastest lap in practice for the Supersport support class (World Superbikes Rd1) held at Phillip Island in February 2014, he hit a damp patch and crashed on turn three at 280kmh.

The injury to his hand and wrist kept him away from racing until the end of the year.

In 2015, Michael's determination to return to his previous form resulted in being crowned 2015 Phillip Island Champion held over two rounds in 2015 and placing third in the 600cc Supersport Australasian Championships (held over six rounds).

"This is my first year riding a 1000cc Superbike and to gain two second places in two different Championships has been a fantastic achievement," he said.

"The team support and local sponsors are a huge part of what I do.

"They are with me for the highs and lows and I couldn't do it without them," he said.

Media release, 20 Dec 16

Michael Blair, Empire Bay