Goulburn’s two-wheel wonder is a genuine title contender for the prestigious Sunday series, sitting third overall on 210 points behind Honda teammates Wayne Maxwell (248) and Jamie Stauffer (234).

But with six races left to decide the championship, including three sprints at Herfoss’ home circuit, the final podium is far from decided. “It’s going to be nice to again race in front of my mates and family,” he said.

“Having them supporting me will be a big motivator and it certainly helps if you need that extra edge.”

Herfoss, by his own admission, started the season slowly.

In Round One at Wakefield Park in March he was out of the placings in the Saturday series (the FXSuperbikes) but managed to clock the fastest lap in race three, earning him pole for the Sunday events where he picked up two 5ths and a 4th.

But consistency has kept him in the mix at the head of affairs throughout the season, which wraps up at Sydney Motorsport Park on November 22 and 23.

In Rounds Two and Three, at Mallala (South Australia) and Queensland Raceway, he picked up a swag of points even though a win eluded him.

But at the previous round at Winton (Victoria) last month, Herfoss dominated.

He won the first and third Swann Insurance races and was looking good in the second before crashing out while trying to pass teammate Maxwell for the lead.

He said he has well and truly sorted out that early season “rustiness” which he attributed to the time taken to get used to the Honda bike and the weekend racing format.

His mid-season sojourn to contest a round of the World Endurance Championship at Suzuka in Japan is also paying off.

“We rode four stints of one hour each in 100 per cent humidity,” he said.

“It was a great experience, learning about the way the Japanese go about things in the pits was an eyeopener for sure.”

Sunday’s all important grid position relies on lap times recorded in Saturday’s races.

The rider who sets the fastest lap of the day in any of the three Saturday races earns pole for each of Sunday’s races (fixed grid).

“It’s a different format to what I have been used to but it makes for ultra competitive racing over the entire weekend,” Herfoss said.

“It also places greater importance on tyre strategy, with teams only being able to use three sets of tyres throughout the weekend.”

Herfoss says Wakefield will suit his 170 horsepower Honda.

“It has a mellow power in that it hasn’t the greatest topend speed but can carry speed into a corner,” he said.

His aim this weekend will be to ensure he remains in contention for the Sunday championship.

“I simply have to win all three races to be a genuine chance of winning overall,” he said.

“And being at Wakefield, on a track I like and suited to my bike, in front of my friends and family, I’ve got everything going for me. It’s just a matter now of delivering on that and I am super motivated to do so.”

Racing at Wakefield Park commences on Saturday and Sunday from 9.45am.

Tickets available at the gate.