After delivering their best results of the season last month, Access Plus Racing riders Timothy Joseph “TJ” Alberto and Lawrence Macalinao are pumped up and ready to go as the Philippine Superbike Championship (PSBK) returns to the Clark International Speedway (CIS) this weekend.

The team debuted the 2023-spec Ducati Panigale V4 R and V4 S during their last visit to the 4.189 km circuit and used it to good effect. Not only did both riders deliver 2 race wins each in their respective categories, but Alberto and Macalinao also landed 1st and 3rd places on the overall podium in Race 1. Using the specially-developed high-performance Shell Advance Ultra 15w50 oil, their bikes stayed cool and maintained top performance throughout the grueling 10-lap races despite the scorching track temperatures.

In the short break between the rounds, Access Plus Racing again took to the tracks to further develop their bike setup in search for additional hundredths, if not tenths of a second per lap. Although they made good progress in testing, Round 4 of the championship will throw in a new variable into the mix as the organizers roll out a new tire compound this weekend.

Pirelli will debut the new Diablo Superbike SCX rear tire, which was developed for the world championship. It effectively replaces the old SC1 tire compound that has been used by PSBK since 2018. Promising better grip and performance, Access Plus Racing is hoping to break lap records with the new tire and further extend their lead in the championship.

As the 2023 season reaches its halfway point, Alberto now holds a 6 points lead in the Pro Class standings. Qualifying for Round 4 is scheduled on Saturday (August 5), while Races 1 and 2 happen on Sunday (August 6).

TJ Alberto, #77:

“We were quite successful last time we were at Clark with 2 race victories that put us in the points lead. But the championship has been very close this year and it’s going to be a very interesting weekend. While we’ve been developing the 2023 Panigale V4 R in the short break in between the races, this will be the first time for us to run the new Pirelli SCX tire. Looking forward to see how this changes the playing field, but it can only be good for us and I’m very motivated for the races.”