Oli Bayliss steps up to Aus Superbikes

After a successful introduction to the Panigale V4 R last year, DesmoSport Ducati co-owners, Ben Henry and Oli’s dad Troy Bayliss, felt that the time was right for the 17-year-old to make the move to Australia’s premier road racing category.

"I'm really excited to move up to Superbikes this year, and I really appreciate the faith that Ben, Dad and Ducati have put in me,” Oli said.

“I'm training harder than ever and I can't wait to jump on my DesmoSport Ducati Panigale V4 R.”

Oli made his national level competition debut in 2016 in the Australian up-to-300cc Production Championship, progressing to the Australian Supersport 300 Championship, where he finished fourth in 2017 and 2018. Moving up to the Australian Supersport Championship with Cube Racing in 2019, Oli finished fourth in his debut year, then second in last year’s championship.

As the 2020 racing season was compromised due to COVID-19, Oli was one of many riders to race at state and club level to keep their eye in and it was under these conditions that he rode the Panigale V4 R for the first time, taking part in a Southern Downs & Queensland Road Racing Series meeting at Morgan Park last October.

Showing impressive pace and improvement all weekend, Oli secured a podium in the final race of that meeting, which convinced Troy and Ben that the youngster was ready to make the step to Superbikes.

“[Oli’s] had two years racing the 600 now and learnt a lot, but we really want to keep him progressing, and after some good days riding the Panigale V4 R last year, he showed he can handle the bike,” Troy explained.

“Oli has proven that he's fit, motivated and skilled enough to make this step forward in his career, so I'm looking forward to what the 2021 season has to offer.”

Oli is due to make his ASBK debut at Phillip Island on 19-21 February for the opening round of the 2021 championship, but under COVID, that event is yet to be confirmed.

For ASBK updates, go to: asbk.com.au

Photo: Nine Fivers Media