Dream Garage: Troy Herfoss, ASBK champion

For Troy Herfoss, there was never a ‘Plan B’, racing was it. Luckily that worked out.

Although, to be fair, it wasn’t luck, it was pure grit, determination and persistence, culminating in his remarkable third Australian Superbike Championship title in 2023. This achievement granted him entry into the exclusive club of three-time champions alongside Australian racing luminaries such as Wayne Maxwell, Josh Waters and Glenn Allerton.

The former AMA Supermoto Champion is a household name in Australian circuit racing, transcending boundaries between on and off-road competitions. He was poised to make a cameo appearance in the elite Aus ProMX MX1 450 class at Queensland Motorsport Park round seven until a training mishap intervened, resulting in multiple broken ribs, a collapsed lung and even a bruised heart. Fortunately, with an ASBK break allowing time for recovery, Herfoss bounced back, securing his third ASBK Championship.

This title win is a remarkable comeback following a near-death accident at Darwin’s Hidden Valley in 2021. This year marked Herf’s 10th and final year with the Penrite Honda team, a decision he announced just a week before the ASBK finale. Delivering the shiny championship trophy to his team holds deep significance for Herf, symbolising his tenacity and determination in the face of overwhelming challenges – a testament to never giving up, never giving in. As echoed by the swarm of Herf fans donning his merchandise at the ASBK final round, the sentiment is clear: “Thanks for coming.”

Opportunities have presented themselves here and overseas so watch this space, 2024 could be mega for Mr. Herfoss.

I pinned him down for a chat about what he’d stock in his Dream Garage.

Daily ride: 2023 Honda Goldwing

I get my kicks and adrenaline rush from the track so the Goldwing is the ultimate luxury motorcycle – perfect for a weekend trip, plus they actually handle so well incase I need to give some gas, haha.

Something Special: 1996 Honda CR500cc motocross bike

The CR500 was the ultimate motocross bike growing up, I love the sound of it, the smell of it and the fact it scares the daylights out of any level of rider. Plus the 1996 looks really cool.

Track Toy: Alex Barros’ 2002 NSR500 GP bike

This was the last of the factory Honda two-stroke race bikes. Similar to the CR500, I grew idolising the riders that could tame these amazing bikes, I was a fan of Alex Barros but the main reason for this particular bike is I imagine that being the last of the works HRC 500cc two-stroke would mean its the best of them (I’d prefer it in Mick Doohans colours)