Zylas Bunting faces the most intimidating task of his young motorsport career at the Superbike World Championships this weekend but the Crescent Head resident is embracing the challenge.
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Zylas, who claimed the GP Juniors Australian Championship for the 85cc class last year, steps up into the Yamaha R3 Cup and the Australian Super Sprint 300 class for 2018.
The 14-year-old will race against senior competitors on the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and it’s expected to be a packed race track with 41 participants registered for the divisions.
The youngster has little experience on his new motorbike and as it’s his first competition against senior riders, he has minimalised the expectations on his shoulders.
“It’s the second biggest meeting in Australia and it would be a great result if Zylas can finish in the middle of the pack,” Zylas’ father Mark Bunting told the Argus.
“He has only ridden the bike three times heading into practice and it’s a very competitive level of racing – he’s up against adults.
“It’s a world class event and it is by far the biggest competition he has competed in.
“I just want him to go out there, have fun, enjoy the experience and if he rides to his potential then we will all be happy.”
Zylas will get his first taste of the Phillip Island Circuit on Thursday, ahead of the qualification process on Friday afternoon.
Zylas’ recorded time will give him his position on the grid for his opening races on Saturday.
The speedster will compete in four races on Saturday and two on Sunday, with two of the races counting towards the Australian Superbike Championships.
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The winner of each division will be crowned based on their results in each race, as there is no final.
While Zylas’ main goal is to improve and be competitive in the Australian Superbike Championship title, his father knows it’s a difficult challenge.
“The plan is for Zylas to adjust to the higher level of competition, the new bike and conditions,” Mark said.
“This weekend will be a great indicator to see where he’s at, he will be one of the youngest and least experienced in the field.”
The Bunting family expressed their gratitude to Col's Motorcycles in Kempsey for the support in getting Zylas’ bike ready for competition.
The second round of the Australian Superbike Championships will be held in a little over a month at Wakefield Park.
