2024 Australian Superbike Championship: Round 5 - Phillip Island
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 INSURANCE
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
WELCOME FROM MINISTER FOR TOURISM, SPORTS AND MAJOR EVENTS
On behalf of the Victorian Government, I’d like to welcome you to back to Phillip Island for Round 5 of the 2024 Australian Superbike Championship.
If Round 1 of the 2024 Championship series – which was also held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit – is anything to go by, motorcycling fans are in for some fast and fierce competition over the weekend.
The Victorian Government is proud to support the Australian Superbike Championship through our Significant Sporting Events Program to support Australian motorcycling. Since the Program’s inception in 2010, it has secured more than 975 events for Victoria, keeping local businesses busy, hotels and shopping strips bustling and our economy strong.
This event will also shine a spotlight on this fantastic part of the state – a region that’s home to some of Victoria’s most
iconic tourist experiences, and a wealth of great food and drink offerings.
To all the riders and teams participating in the races – as well as the volunteers and staff who make the Australian Superbike Championship one of the country’s most exciting racing series – all the best.
I hope everyone enjoys all the action at the Grand Prix Circuit, but also finds the opportunity to explore what’s on offer across Phillip Island and the Bass Coast and has an unforgettable weekend.
Steve Dimopoulos MP Minister for Tourism, Sports and Major Events
ROUND 5 SCHEDULE
SATURDAY7THSEPTEMBER
PHILLIP ISLAND GP CIRCUIT 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.
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• 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: MORGAN PARK
MORGAN PARK REVIEW/PHILLIP ISLAND PREVIEW
The 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championships presented by Motul (ASBK) is fast approaching the business end of the season with three meetings in 64 days on the horizon.
The first stop is round five as we leave the mainland and head to the modern spiritual home of road racing in Australia at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
It will be the second visit to the island this year, after the opening battles commenced back in February alongside the Superbike World Championship.
On September 7-8, ASBK is the main attraction in a fast and furious two-day meeting so there will be on-track action galore to keep spectators entertained – with the AMA Warehouse, Michelin Supersport, Race and Road Supersport 300 classes joined by Aussie Racing Cars for something a little different.
It’s been eight weeks since round four at Morgan Park back in July, so every rider is keen to get back on track and continue their season. Especially at an iconic circuit such as Phillip Island.
AMA WAREHOUSE SUPERBIKE
With the way the season has unfolded, it’s expected the AMX Superstores Australian Superbike Championship will produce more of the same nose-to-ducktail and fairing bashing around the 4.448km piece of tarmac.
Championship leader Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) will be keen to climb atop the dais again as he hasn’t won a race since the second round two in March at Sydney Motorsport Park.
At Morgan Park, Waters finished fourth and third – the latter his first podium at the circuit since 2017 – as his lead in the championship was slashed to 17pts by the in-form Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) who has won the last four races.
Meanwhile, Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) was second in both races at Morgan Park, as well as grabbing a point for pole position, while a herculean effort from Max Stauffer (Penrite Racing Yamaha) saw him finish third in race one while battling injuries sustained in a heavy crash the day before.
Waters is now on 179.5pts, ahead of Jones (162.5), Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team, 145), Pearson (139.5), Stauffer (130) and rookie Cameron Dunker (Penrite Racing Yamaha, 115.5).
Ahead of Phillip Island, in Waters’ favour is his affinity with the layout, where he has been bested only twice in his last 11 outings aboard the Ducati.
That spectacular harvest included all three races in round one after extremely tight battles against teammate Harrison Voight – who will also return this round during a break in the European Moto2 calendar – and defending champion Troy Herfoss (DesmoSport Ducati).
At the corresponding round in 2023, Waters was still suffering from debilitating right arm injuries he suffered during the Suzuka 8 Hours world endurance race. He finished second in the opening race behind Halliday by just 0.077secs as Stauffer nailed his first ever podium in third.
LAST TIME OUT: MORGAN PARK
As for Jones., he crashed out in the battle at the front with two laps to go while in second.
In race two, after another brilliant three-way battle, the top spots changed as Waters claimed the win from Halliday, Jones and Herfoss – which then set the scene for a nail-biting final round battle between Waters and Herfoss at The Bend.
It won’t be a repeat this year as Herfoss isn’t competing as he focusses on his King of the Baggers commitments in America, but Pearson will certainly keep the DesmoSport name up in lights as he chases a maiden Superbike victory.
And Voight is the lap record holder at Phillip Island, so he could push Waters all the way yet again – don’t be surprised if it’s a McMartin Racing quinella and the current lap record (1:30.790) is lowered yet again.
There are others who will be right in the mix, including three-time Superbike champion Glenn Allerton (GT Racing BMW), who is no stranger to winning at the Island, Stauffer, Dunker – straight off competing in the opening two rounds of the Aussie Flat Track Nationals in Brisbane – Arthur Sissis (Stop and Seal Yamaha), Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) and Bryan Staring (MotoGo Yamaha).
MICHELIN SUPERSPORT
With 44pts separating five riders, with six races remaining and a maximum of 150pts up for grabs, there’s still a lot to play out in the Yamaha-dominated Michelin Supersport class.
Jonathan Nahlous (Yamaha) has a comfortable 32pt lead over Archie McDonald, who in turn is only 12pts ahead of fifth-placed Jake Farnsworth. Olly Simpson and Tom Bramich are third and fourth.
Nahlous dominated this year’s Phillip Island opener, with his relentless pace leaving everyone in his wake as he also set a new lap record of 1:34.682.
No doubt he is aiming for the same result this weekend but those mentioned above and others like Jack Mahaffy, Jack Favelle, Brandon Demmery, the returning Marcus Hamod (Honda) and Hayden Nelson (Kawasaki) will be also pushing hard for big points.
RACE AND ROAD SUPERSPORT 300
If there has ever been a processional race in the Race and Road 300 Production class over the years, it must’ve been in another dimension!
It definitely hasn’t happened in this country – particularly Phillip Island – as many races have five or six riders separated by about half a second across the finish line.
Consistency is more than just a priority in this class. Without it, the season is a case of many “ifs”, and we all know that “if my aunty was my uncle…” we could all be world champions…
Everyone in this field can vouch for that statement and most are just tender teenagers finding their way in circuit racing. On and off the track.
A solitary point separates Josh Newman and Valentino Knezovic at the top of the table, with Harrison Watts in third place, 13pts off the lead.
LAST TIME OUTCONT.
Tara Morrison returns to racing at Phillip Island after an injury-interrupted year. Morrison scored her first podium in Supersport 300 at the Phillip Island season opener.
NOLAN AUSTRALIAN SUPERBIKE MASTERS
The second round (of three) of the Nolan Superbike Masters will be an extremely emotional affair after the sad passing of tireless class coordinator Darren “Big Dazza” Lark in April this year.
There will be a get-together on Saturday afternoon in the Superbike Masters paddock to remember Darren, and a ‘Darren Lark Perpetual Trophy’ has been created and will be awarded to the overall winner.
Jack Passfield currently leads after an impressive outing at Sydney Motorsport Park, ahead of defending champion Keo Watson and Josh Mathers – all Yamaha mounted. Dean Oughtred (Yamaha) and Ryan Taylor (Suzuki) are next.
The Superbike Masters riders have come out in force, too, with a weekend-leading 32 entries.
OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Spectators will receive free entry into the ASBK paddock at Phillip Island, while the event will also feature offtrack activities to entertain the family, including pit walks, ‘Mini Moto Come and Try’ sessions for kids, the ASBK Trade Alley and the chance to meet their favourite ASBK riders and ambassadors during autograph sessions throughout the weekend.
Phillip Island is also a brilliant place to visit, and highlights include its renowned surf beaches, Penguin Parade, the Koala Conservation Centre, Seal Rocks, the pioneering spirit of Churchill Island, and myriad dining options including freshly caught seafood.
Words: Mark Bracks Images: Rob Mott and Russell Colvin
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: 9:50am-12:30pm (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-4:35pm (AEST)
ROUND 5 SUPERBIKE RIDER LIST
Accessories, MotoJet Garage, Pit Lane Studio
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 5 SUPERSPORT RIDER LIST
ROUND 5 SUPERSPORT 300 RIDER LIST
ROUND 2 SUPERBIKE MASTERS RIDER LIST
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!
