2024 Australian Superbike Championship: Round 4 - Morgan Park Raceway
Greetings from Motorcycling Australia (MA)!
On behalf of MA, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all the fans, riders and officials attending the 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul.
This year’s championship will feature seven rounds across Australia including Phillip Island, Queensland Raceway, Morgan Park Raceway, Phillip Island, an ASBK return to the revamped ONE Raceway (formerly Wakefield Park), and again wrapping up at The Bend.
We are excited to offer you an exhilarating program of racing at every round of the championship. For our Australian and international fans who are unable to be trackside, you won’t miss a moment of the action with our exclusive television coverage via our media partners: SBS, Stan Sport Australia and ASBK TV Live Stream.
mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance is thrilled to take centre stage once again as the naming rights sponsor for the upcoming 2024 ASBK Championship season.
This sponsorship renewal signifies the deep trust and mutual respect we have cultivated over the years, highlighting our joint dedication to bolstering motorcycle sports and upholding our brand values within the exciting backdrop of the Australian Superbike Championship racing series.
WELCOME FROM MA
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all those involved in this weekend’s event, including our fantastic volunteer marshals, the ASBK Senior Officials and staff, for their hard work in planning and executing another terrific showcase of Australia’s best road racing talent.
We also extend our thanks to our riders, teams, crew, and sponsors for their continued support of the championship.
We are eagerly anticipating the crowning of the 2024 ASBK champions across all six classes. MA wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable season.
Remember to always; Ride. Race. Enjoy!
Peter Doyle CEO Motorcycling Australia
WELCOME FROM MI-BIKE MOTORCYCLE
In addition to our sponsorship commitment, we eagerly anticipate the continued collaboration, particularly through the ongoing participation in the MA Member Benefits Program. This partnership allows us to further engage with the motorcycle community, providing exclusive benefits and reinforcing our support for riders across the nation.
Mark Bradley General Manager mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance
On behalf of the Southern Downs Regional Council, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2024 ASBK round at Morgan Park. This event is a testament to our region’s growing reputation as Queensland’s Horsepower Country and a premier destination for motorsport enthusiasts.
We are thrilled to host the Australian Superbike Championship, bringing together the best riders and teams from across the nation. Morgan Park’s challenging track and its stunning surroundings create the perfect backdrop for this thrilling competition. The roar of the bikes, the skill of the riders, and the excitement of the fans combine to make this an unforgettable experience.
This event is not just about the adrenaline and speed; it also represents a significant boost to our local tourism and economy. We are proud to showcase the Southern Downs and Granite Belt region to visitors from near and far. Our local businesses, from accommodation providers to eateries, are ready to provide you with a warm welcome and exceptional service. We encourage you to explore our charming towns, sample our local produce, and discover the natural beauty that makes our region so special.
WELCOME FROM SOUTHERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
There are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy during your stay. Download the official Southern Downs & Granite Belt visitor app to explore our scenic trails, towns and national parks. The ASBK round offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the best that our region has to offer.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the organisers, volunteers, sponsors and participants who have made this event possible. Your dedication and hard work ensure that this championship continues to grow and succeed.
Once again, welcome to the Southern Downs. May you have an exhilarating and memorable time and I look forward to seeing you trackside!
Melissa Hamilton Mayor
Southern Downs Regional Council
ROUND 4 SCHEDULE
FRIDAY12THJULY
SATURDAY13THJULY
SUNDAY14THJULY
MORGAN PARK RACEWAY
TRACK INFORMATION
LIVETIMING
COMPUTIME Race Timing Systems has been the providing timing services to the ASBK at selected rounds since 1990, and has been the series timekeeper since 2004. Live timing and results services can be accessed as follows:
In pit lane and parts of the pits (local wireless network):
· Connect to the RACETIMING wire less network
· Open your web browser and type www.localtiming.com as the web address
· Follow the links to live timing, results, or other pages
NOTE: The RACETIMING network does not provide internet access
Anywhere else at the venue or anywhere else in the world:
· Ensure you have internet connectivity
· Open your web browser and type www.computime.com.au as the web address
· Follow the links to live timing, results, or other pages for this event
For all your live timing results please go to Computime http://www.computime.com.au/Default.aspx and follow the links to ASBK Live Timing.
• Unique YZ-inspired Dual Twin aluminium frame
• RockShox 160mm front and 150mm rear travel suspension
• Four piston Magura MT5 brakes
• Shimano XT drivetrain
WHAT IS AN ASBK-SPEC SUPERBIKE?
The Australian Superbike Championship Alpinestars Superbike class features bikes that are not only fast, spectacular and sound amazing but are also easily accessible to the general public as they are very similar to those available for purchase off the showroom floor.
Engine capacities and minimum weights for ASBK machines are capped at 1000cc and 168kg for four-cylinder machines, and 1300cc and 172kg for two- and three-cylinder configurations. That said, it’s worth noting that Matt Walters’ 1100cc Aprilia RSV4 has also been homologated for the Alpinestars Superbike class in 2023.
While engine modifications for race versions are limited, Yamaha Racing Team manager, John Redding, says the engine is not a primary focus for performance gains in the Superbike class.
“To get a performance improvement of 10 per cent over the standard output is about as much as you can expect,” Redding said. “You can increase the compression ratio, fine-tune the degrees on the valve seats and adjust the cam timing for different tracks, but that’s about it.
“One of the advantages of keeping the engines relatively standard is they are cheap to maintain and last a while between rebuilds.”
With the engine and gearbox both being close to standard, teams have turned to other aspects of Superbikes to improve their performance.
“Suspension has been a major area of development on the race-spec bikes,” Redding said. “The suspension on a street bike is compromised for ride comfort, but on a racetrack comfort isn’t a factor – it’s all about optimising the handling and the corner speeds that can be achieved.
“Compared to the street version of the bike, the race bike will have different shock absorbers and fork internals, providing a much more adjustable setup.”
In recent years, significant innovation has taken place in the electronic systems of race bikes. These systems have been adapted to provide
functions such as fuelling, traction control, engine braking and antiwheelie control.
There’s little doubt that the electronics sphere has provided both the biggest challenge – and opportunity – to teams and riders.
“Electronics are one of the most important areas of development and something that has become a critical factor in determining the speed that can be achieved by different bikes,” Redding said. “There are significant advantages to be gained in having the best electronic set-up.”
The brakes on racing bikes are also upgraded, with items such as the master cylinder, brake lines, pads and discs all being replaced with race-specific items.
“In a race situation, maximum stopping power is a priority, but brake wear is much less of a consideration than it would be on a road bike, because components can be changed after every session,” Redding said.
According to Redding, the bikes competing in the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, are more similar to road bikes than those in other Superbike championships globally.
“The permitted modifications are much more limited here in Australia, which has the advantage of containing costs,” Redding said.
At Phillip Island’s round one this year, the 2024 ASBK-spec bikes demonstrated their impressive speed when compared to the international classes. For instance, Harrison Voight’s new Phillip Island lap record is 1:30.790, which isn’t far behind the WorldSBK benchmark of 1:28.564.
Not bad for a lightly modified road bike!
ROUND1 23-25FEB
PHILLIP ISLAND GP CIRCUIT, VIC
ROUND5 7-8SEP
PHILLIP ISLAND GP CIRCUIT, VIC
ROUND2 22-23MAR
SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK, NSW
ROUND6 4-6OCT
ONE RACEWAY, NSW
ROUND3 26-28APR
QUEENSLAND RACEWAY, QLD
ROUND4 12-14JUL
MORGAN PARK RACEWAY, QLD
ROUND7 8-10NOV
THE BEND, SA
LAST TIME OUT
QUEENSLAND RACEWAY REVIEW/ MORGAN PARK PREVIEW
ALPINESTARS SUPERBIKE
The 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) will make its annual foray to Morgan Park Raceway from July 12-14, on a circuit which always provides brilliant, eye-popping battles across all classes.
year he will be desperate to shake the ‘bogey circuit’ tag.
Halliday has won at the track before and, after winning the opening race at Sydney Motorsport Park back in March, has a spring in his step and will be amped to lead the field home.
Meanwhile, Jones has arguably done more laps at Morgan Park than anyone, beginning as a 12-year-old. After claiming the Superbike double at the circuit in 2022, he was embroiled in two massive tussles with reigning champion Troy Herfoss last year – but just pipped to the post on both occasions.
The tight and twisty nature of the track ensures that top speed isn’t a major factor: instead, it revolves around bike setup, skill and large doses of daring to negotiate the 12-corner 2.96km layout. And with the competition so tight, that often results in wafer-thin winning margins.
In the premier Superbike category, Josh Waters (McMartin Ducati) holds an impressive 29.5pt lead in the standings over Yamaha Racing Team’s Cru Halliday, who in turn is just 2.5pts ahead of teammate Mike Jones.
Waters has a massive opportunity to put one hand on his fourth ASBK title with a solid result at Morgan Park. In doing so, he would carve a little bit more history in the sport by becoming the first rider to achieve the feat.
With Herfoss (DesmoSport Ducati) absent this year while on MotoAmerica duties -- his rivals the only ones who won’t be disappointed! – Jones is galvanised to make it to the top step of the podium.
Others to watch out for this weekend include Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati), who sits in fourth place overall, Penrite Racing Yamaha duo Max Stauffer and Cameron Dunker, and Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha), while three-time champion Glenn Allerton (GT Racing BMW) should be back to top form after recovering from injuries suffered earlier this year.
Stauffer has been on the podium the last three races, and is full of confidence that he can mix it with his more experienced rivals. He sits fifth overall, just half-a-point behind Pearson.
However, there are plenty of rivals who will be doing their best to make sure Waters’ CV doesn’t grow any larger in 2024. Moreover, Waters doesn’t have the best record at Morgan Park and has only been on the podium just once – back in 2018 when he was on a Suzuki. In 2023, he was off the pace with a 9-5 scorecard, so this
Rounding out the list of major contenders are Bryan Staring on the MotoGo Yamaha and Arthur Sissis on the Stop and Seal Yamaha.
QUEENSLAND RACEWAY, QLD
MICHELIN SUPERSPORT
The Michelin Supersport races will be absolute crackers as the battle for the crown looks set to boil down to a battle between six Yamaha riders.
After a barnstorming start to the season – five consecutive podiums for three wins – Jonathan Nahlous has a 27pt buffer at the top over Olly Simpson, and then it’s only a 6pt gap back to sixth-placed Tom Toparis. Jake Farnsworth, Tom Bramich and Archie McDonald fill positions 3-5.
Two-time Supersport champion Toparis and McDonald swapped wins at the previous round at Queensland Raceway, and since then the latter has kept his name in the headlines by winning the European Stock Championship round in Portugal. Off the bike Archie is the joker, but once the helmet is on he turns into another beast.
And not forget last year’s runner-up, Simpson. While he hasn’t graced the top step yet in 2024, he’s been accumulating points through sheer consistency.
Jack Mahaffy (Yamaha), Brandon Demmery (Kawasaki), Jack Favelle (Yamaha), Glenn Nelson (Yamaha), Hayden Nelson (Kawasaki) and Marianos Nikolis (Yamaha) will also be in the Morgan Park mix across the two 14-lap races.
Nikolis is returning home between European Talent Cup commitments.
RACE AND ROAD SUPERSPORT 300
The Morgan Park intrigue continues with the Race and Road Supersport 300 Championship, which is anything but a walk in the park as the next wave of fast and fearless teenagers get to work on Yamahas and Kawasakis.
Every race is intense from start to finish – a bonanza for spectators, and where any small mistakes from riders are punished by freefalling down the leaderboard in the blink of an eye.
Josh Newman holds a slender lead over fellow Kawasaki rider Harrison Watts, followed by Yamaha trio mounted Valentino Knezovic and the Simpson brothers, Mitchell and Jordy. Mitchell will be absent from Morgan Park, though, as he’s still recovering from injuries sustained during a cameo in the 2024 Australian ProMX Championship.
LAST TIME OUTCONT.
Making another appearance all the way from New Zealand is Jesse Stroud (Yamaha). The son of Kiwi legend Andrew, Jesse has proven the fruit hasn’t fallen far from the tree and learns a track very quickly. He crashed out of the opening race at Queensland Raceway but bounced back with two fourth places.
There’s every chance there will be three different race winners at Morgan Park!
All the Yamaha riders in the Supersport 300 title have also cross-entered in round one of the ShopYamaha R3 Cup, where the degree of winning difficulty is nearly as high.
BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP
Since its inception in 2029, the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup has proved the perfect stepping stone for riders aged 10-14 to learn the ropes and strut their stuff in front large crowds and on national television.
The likes of Harry Watts, Cameron Dunker, Cameron Swain and Archie McDonald have all graduated to bigger things from the OJC academy.
No doubt some of the riders this weekend will elicit “I saw him race as a kid! Look at him now” responses in future years!
Toowoomba’s Hunter Corney currently leads the way after a clean sweep at Queensland Raceway. He holds a commanding 38-point buffer over Rossi McAdam, followed by Ethan Johnson, Nikolas Lazos, Connor Lewis and Hunter Charlett.
AND NOT FORGETTING
As well as the non-stop action around the 2.967km layout, the 2024 event will feature loads of off-track activities to entertain the family, including pit walks, ‘Mini Moto come and try’ sessions, ASBK Trade Alley and the chance to meet their favourite ASBK riders with autograph sessions throughout the weekend.
Words: Mark Bracks Images: RB Moto Lens
Muscular, sporty, exaggerated and elegant at the same time, able to magnetize attention in any context, Diavel V4 synthesizes seemingly distant technical, dynamic and stylistic features, such as those of sport nakeds and muscle cruisers. The exhilarating performances of the V4 Granturismo engine are combined with surprising agility and dynamics for such a motorcycle.
ASBK TV Livestream 1 (website/Facebook): 9:50am-12:30pm (AEST)
ASBK TV Livestream 2 (website/Facebook): 4:00-4:20pm (AEST)
SBS: 1:00-4:00pm (AEST)
SBS On Demand: 1:00-4:00pm (AEST)
Stan Sport: 1:00-4:00pm (AEST)
Sky Sport NZ: 1:00-4:00pm (AEST)
FIM.MOTO.TV: 9:50am-4:20pm (AEST)
INTERNATIONAL
(check your local guides)
Eurosport
MotorVision.TV FMI - federmoto.tv
ROUND 4 SUPERBIKE RIDER LIST
easy to control
Warm-up
The tyre provides the grip needed from the first laps. The materials
up
Performance made to last Developed to suit amateur to experienced riders and all types of motorbikes.
The tyre delivers consistent performance, stint after stint*. Consistence achieved thanks to a footprint that is uniform over the various camber phases.
Warm-up
The tyre provides the grip needed from the first lap. The materials used allow the rubber to warm up quickly. It benefits from the latest technologies developed in MotoGP™.
Performance made to last
The tyre delivers consistent performance, lap after lap. Consistence achieved thanks to a footprint that is uniform over the various camber phases.
Driving ease
Treaded version of the MICHELIN Power Performance Slick, developed to suit both amateur and experienced riders and all motorbikes. The tyre is optimized for Supersport 600cc bikes riding in national and international championships.
Extreme grip even in the rain!
Specially designed so that your track days and races can go ahead even in the rain! The compound has been developed for maximum wet grip and its grooved tread ensures optimum water drainage.
ROUND 4 SUPERSPORT RIDER LIST
ROUND 4 SUPERSPORT 300 RIDER LIST
ROUND 4 R3 CUP RIDER LIST
A total of $13,400 in bonuses will be available in the 2024 ShopYamaha R3 Cup, paid to the top three riders across individual races, the round and final standings.
Moreover, the fastest qualifier at each round will receive a $500 voucher to spend at ShopYamaha and, if a YZF-R3 rider wins both the ShopYamaha R3 Cup and the Race and Road Supersport 300 Championship, they will receive a $2000 bonus.
ASBK and Yamaha Australia introduced the one-make Yamaha R3 Cup in 2016 as a cost-effective entry-level package into national-level circuit racing. Since then, many of the established names in ASBK have honed their skills and
race craft in the pressure-cooker class where victories are always well-earned – and often not decided until the final run to the finish line!
Such has been the success of the initiative, Yamaha Moto Co. has launched the same concept across the globe, providing a perfect pathway to international competition for aspiring young talent.
Cameron Swain, who won the 2023 Yamaha R3 Cup, is a case-in-point, now contesting the FIM R3 bLU cRU World Cup alongside the FIM Motul Superbike World Championship.
BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP
BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP
Since its inception in 2019, the FIM Oceania and Dorna Sports-supported bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) has provided a nurturing environment for young riders to experience road racing at a national level, learn, improve, and showcase their talents.
The OJC has become a firmly established stepping-stone to the international racing arena and is recognised as a Road to MotoGP category. The most outstanding OJC riders have a clear pathway to progress to other international categories such as the Asia Talent Cup and Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
Even though it is only in its fifth season, OJC has already earned a formidable reputation as a breeding ground for future stars. And in 2024, history will be made when Jacob Roulstone, who was an OJC competitor in 2019, becomes a world championship grand prix rider in the Moto3 class. And in more exciting news, the OJC will be formally recognised in 2024 with Australian championship status, which is a nod to its powerful status as a major junior pathways program.
The 2023 OJC season has seen 11 riders debuting, joining the nine incumbents from 2022. Furthermore, OJC graduates and current riders have also competed internationally in 2023.
The OJC formula is simple but effective: competitors aged from 11 up to under 16 (as of January 1, 2023) compete against each other on identical Yamaha YZF-R15 raceprepped motorcycles, equipped with control Dunlop tyres, Öhlins suspension, Yamalube and DID chains.
Multi-mode lightweight PW-X3 motor with 85Nm of torque Join
• Unique YZ-inspired Dual Twin aluminium frame
• RockShox 160mm front and 150mm rear travel suspension
• Four piston Magura MT5 brakes
• Shimano XT drivetrain
ROUND 3 BLU CRU OJC
The MA RACESAFE Medical Team launches into a new Australian Superbike Championship season, all thanks to the support of our major sponsorsMotorcycling Australia, Motul Pirelli and Thor
The highly trained & dedicated team of Medical Professionals includes Doctors, Surgeons, Intensive Care Paramedics, Emergency Nurses and Physiotherapists. The team will continue to fulfil the critical role as the Official Medical Team for the 2024 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championships, presented by Motul.
The 2023 RACESAFE season was full of thrills and spills which kept the RACESAFE Medical Team busy at ever y event. Emergency Medical & Sports Medicine treatments were provided to competitors, with the RACESAFE Medical Team again spearheading exciting new developments in its well established rider care program.
The expertise of the MA RACESAFE Medical Team is in hot demand, with this team now providing the Official Medical Ser vice for the 2024 Australian Motocross Championships - MX Nationals, 2024 Australasian Supercross Series and Troy Bayliss Classic, just to name a few
Thanks to a shared vision for rider safety with their sponsors, the MA RACESAFE Medical Team has continued to pioneer new levels of rider care across Australia. Without their dedicated sponsors the MA RACESAFE Medical Team would never make it to track to provide this crucial role.
“Motorcycling Australia is ver y pleased to come on board as the major sponsor of RACESAFE Australia for 2024 and beyond. The RACESAFE team will be key component of the 2024 mi-bike Australian Superbike Championships, presented by Motul, as well as at the MX Nationals, Australian Supercross Championship and other major MA national events throughout the year
The level of medical ser vice and support provided to these events and our motorcycling community as a whole is unrivalled, and that is why we had no hesitation partnering up together for the good of all of our stakeholders.
We are looking for ward to working together with RACESAFE to support and enhance the range of ser vices they can offer, which will no doubt benefit our MA membership in many ways.” Quoted Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Boyle.
Exclusive to the Motorcycling Australia’s national motorcycle championships, is the MA RACESAFE Mobile Medical Unit. This world class facility will travel to each round of the ASBK series and will provide an onsite Emergency Medical centre, Physiotherapy facility, plus Mobile Command Unit for the MA RACESAFE Medical Team.
Equipped with the most modern advance life support medical and sports medicine equipment, this unit is a first for Australian Motorsport. The project rivals any unit worldwide.
MA RACESAFE Mobile Medical Unit includes:
• Philips Critical Care Monitors with ECG, SP02, NIBP, etC02
• Philips MRx Heart Defibrillator
• BOC Medical - Oxygen Systems
• BOC Medical - Suction Unit
• I.V systems
• Intubation / Air way Management Unit
• Sphygmomanometers
• Otoscope & Ophthalmoscope
• X-Ray Viewer
• Trauma Beds
• Ultrasound Unit
• Portable Interferential Unit
• Arm Pump Treatment Unit
• Simoco Two-way Radio Systems
MA RACESAFE Medical Team will include for the 2024 Australian Superbike Championships :
• Motul RACESAFE Medical
• Chase Cars - Fully equipped with
• Advanced Life Support Equipment
• MA RACESAFE Medical Team including,
- Emergency Director
- Series Chief Medical Officer
- Intensive Care Paramedics
- Emergency Nurses
- Sports Physiotherapists
- High Speed Chase Driver
- Technical Support Officer
- Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Emergency Doctors
RACE FLAGS
YELLOW FLAG
Waved - danger ahead Riders must slow down and be prepared to stop. Overtaking is forbidden.
BLUE FLAG
Waved - flag indicate a rider that they are about to be overtaken.
CHEQUERED FLAG
Waved - race or practice session is over.
BLACK FLAG
Riders whose number is shown with the flag must stop at the pits on the next lap.
RED FLAG
Waved - race or practice interrupted. Riders must return to the pits.
GREEN FLAG
The track is clear.
YELLOW & RED STRIPED FLAG
Deterioration of adhesion to the track.
WHITE FLAG
Waved – slow moving intervention vehicle on track
ASBK SERIES OFFICIALS
Peter SMITH
Tom WILLIAMS
Simon MAAS
Paul HINDS
Peter BLACK
Gary BLEAZBY
Brendan FERRARI
Phil REINEN
Rob SCOTT
Ian REDDIN
Evon STEWART
Sam PHILLIPS
Jan HIGGINS
Peter GODDARD
MA Series Steward
ASBK Series Race Director
ASBK Series Safety Officer
ASBK Clerk of Course
ASBK Clerk of Course
ASBK Deputy Clerk of Course
ASBK Series Starter & Finisher
ASBK Assistant Clerk of Course
ASBK Series Chief Technical
ASBK Deputy Chief Technical
ASBK Series Race Secretary
ASBK Series Chief Pit Lane
ASBK Series Tyre Control
ASBK Series Safety Officer
MOTORCYCLING AUSTRALIA WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK ALL THE ASBK VOLUNTEER OFFICIALS!
