2024 Australian Superbike Championship: Round 7 - The Bend
The reopening of One Raceway after a suite of upgrades is a huge shot in the arm for motorsport in Australia, and to have Red Bull Ampol Racing join us at the ASBK Championship round is going to make for a spectacular event.
The admiration across the Supercars and Superbike paddocks between drivers, riders and teams is huge, and we’re going to see that first-hand One Raceway with plenty of fun on-and-off-track activities. And the Feeney family has a rich connection to Superbike racing in Australia via Broc’s dad, Paul, so this event is poignant in so many ways.
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
On behalf of the ASBK team, I’d like to thank Red Bull Ampol Racing for joining us at One Raceway to launch its assault on this year’s Bathurst 1000.
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
ROUND 7 SCHEDULE
FRIDAY8THNOVEMBER
SATURDAY9THNOVEMBER
SUNDAY10THNOVEMBER
THE BEND MOTORSPORT PARK
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: ONE RACEWAY
THE BEND PREVIEW
After another electrifying year of competition, the 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) concludes at The Bend in South Australia from November 8-10.
All six ASBK Championship classes are ‘live’ rubbers heading into The Bend, setting the scene for a nervewracking grand finale which will also include an international element thanks to the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU Asia-Pacific Championship with Aussie Ryan Larkin still in the hunt for top spot.
The ASBK classes will race three times each around the 4.95km circuit, with SBS On Demand also broadcasting all the Saturday action so fans don’t have to miss a minute as all the drama and intensity unfolds.
PIRELLI SUPERBIKE
In the premier Pirelli Superbike class, it all comes down to The Bend after 13 races, 152 laps and 524.132km of intense competition between the top riders in the country.
With a maximum of 76pts in the offing at The Bend – there’s a bonus point for pole position – 37pts separate the top three in the title chase, with Josh Waters (McMartin Ducati) leading on 256.5 from Mike
For Waters and Jones, the carrot is to become the first rider in the 35-year history of the Australian Superbike Championship to be crowned champion for a fourth time. The duo currently shares that honour with Troy Herfoss, Shawn Giles, Wayne Maxwell and Glenn Allerton.
Meanwhile, making a welcome return to ASBK is defending Superbike champion Herfoss, who will reunite with the DesmoSport Ducati for the first time since round three at Queensland Raceway back in April.
Since then, Herfoss has added the popular ‘King of the
LAST TIME OUT: ONE RACEWAY
If Pearson can continue his front-running ways on the second DesmoSport Ducati, Herfoss could be the perfect foil to allow his fellow Queenslander to keep the pressure on Waters and Jones.
Also wheeling out a Superbike in the 20-rider field is multiple Australian Supersport champion, Tom Toparis, who will make his debut in the class as well as making his return to racing after a pelvis-breaking highside at Morgan Park’s round four.
Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team), who is currently fourth in the standings, is a late The Bend withdrawal due to injury, which could see Penrite Racing Yamaha duo Max Stauffer and Cameron Dunker, Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) and Arthur Sissis (Stop and Seal Yamaha) all relegate him down the final order after the three 11-lapm races.
Unfortunately, retiring veteran Bryan Staring won’t be in action after an injury sustained in the last round at One Raceway.
MICHELIN SUPERSPORT
In Michelin Supersport, teenager Jonathan “JJ” Nahlous is in the box seat to claim his first Australian title in a season which has seen him fend off all challengers with a catalogue of race wins and brutal consistency.
He has a healthy 40pt buffer (238 to 198) over South Australian Olly Simpson (Yamaha), but then it’s tight back to Tom Bramich (195), Jake Farnsworth (193) and Archie McDonald (190).
McDonald was clearly the fastest rider at One Raceway,
but he then cooked his championship goose when he crashed out of race one while holding a three-second lead. His teammate Jack Mahaffy then won the race before McDonald won the second from Mahaffy and the rapidly improving Hayden Nelson (Kawasaki).
Conversely, Simpson didn’t do his championship hopes any favours either when he crashed out of race two at One Raceway.
RACE AND ROAD SUPERSPORT 300
The Race and Road Supersport 300 class will be another that goes down to the final corner of the final lap of the final race – a scenario like every season of production racing in the last 40 years! Another certainty is that the class will continue to produce further champions.
The lad in the box seat is Joshua Newman, who holds a 32pt lead over Valentino Knezovic (Yamaha), with Harry
LAST TIME OUTCONT.
Watts just 4pts adrift to make it two Kawasakis in the top three.
In the last two rounds emerging stars have hit the scene like a meteor. At Phillip Island it was Will Nassif (Yamaha), while at One Raceway it was Kawasaki pair Calvin Moylan and Casey Middleton. The trio sits in positions 5-7 behind Jordy Simpson (Yamaha) in fourth.
South Australian Tara Morrison (Kawasaki), who will represent FIM Oceania in the inaugural Intercontinental Games in late November, will be looking to push hard towards the front at The Bend, while making lateseason cameos will be Cameron Swain (Yamaha) after a season in Europe competing in the bLU cRU r3 World Cup (which included a victory at Magny-Cours) and
SHOPYAMAHA R3 CUP
Knezovic leads the way in the ShopYamaha R3 Cup by 13pts from Nassif who won all three races at One Raceway to leapfrog his way into equal second place alongside Jordy Simpson.
Meanwhile, Mitch Simpson makes a welcome return after recovering from injuries suffered when he competed in the ProMX round at Gillman earlier in the year.
BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP
The young-uns of the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup will continue their handlebar-to-handlebar battles, but with a 71pt lead Hunter Corney should wrap up his first national championship in race one.
OJC was on the support card at the recent Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, with Corney winning two races while Ethan Johnson took out the last leg.
Johson is second in the standings and 59pts in front of Hunter Charlett.
NOLAN SUPERBIKE MASTERS
The Nolan Superbike masters is a real crowd magnet with the vintage machines always a major attraction for spectators.
This is the third and final round after the opener at Sydney Motorsport Park in March and the second instalment a couple of months ago at a weatheraffected Phillip Island.
There are five classes in the category for machines from different eras and ages, with defending champion Keo Watson (Yamaha) leading outright from Jack Passfield.
But that’s where it will end, with Watson sidelined with injury which opens the door for Passfield to cruise to the title. Alex Phillis (Suzuki) and Ryan Taylor (Suzuki) should be Passfield’s major opposition at The Bend.
Words: Mark Bracks
Images: RBMotoLens
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.
Livestream 1 (Facebook and asbk.com.au) : 9:15am-12:10pm (ACDT)
SBS: 12:30-3:30pm (ACDT)
SBS On Demand: 12:30-3:30pm (ACDT)
Stan Sport: 12:30-3:30pm (ACDT)
Sky Sport NZ: 12:30-3:30pm (ACDT)
Livestream 2 (Facebook and asbk.com.au) 3:30-5:00pm (ACDT)
FIM.MOTO.TV: 9:15am-5:00pm (ACDT)
INTERNATIONAL
(check your local guides)
ROUND 7 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 7 SUPERSPORT RIDER LIST
ROUND 7 SUPERSPORT 300 RIDER LIST
Wet4U race fairings, Addicted to Track, Independent safe access, Portbike
,MDG,
Yamaha, Impeller Museum & Event Services, Ricondi, Motorcycle Dyno Garage
Fearless Motorcycle, AJ Racing, MTZ Racing, Renelec
Dancewear, Knight Designs, Picture me rollin, AT 1 Race Leathers
Excite Motorsports, Billetta Imports, TCX
AV, Anderson Stands, Motostars, LS2 Helmets
Australia YRD,Simpson Crash, Simpson Signs
Calder auto electrics, Complete commercial real estate, Highside, whites power sports
(Aust) Pty Ltd
AGV, AT1 Pro Race Suits
Scudstyle Dynamics, Corey Turner Racing, ohlins, Diverse Civil, Fleurieu Cranes
Yamaha world
ROUND 3 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
Jai STRUGNELL SA Yamaha YZF-R15 bLU cRU Yamaha, Shark Helmets, Dunlop, Ricondi
ROUND 3 SUPERBIKE MASTERS RIDER LIST
YAMAHA R3 BLU CRU ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP
The Yamaha R3 bLU cRU Asia-Pacific Championship was introduced to foster emerging talent in the Asia-Pacific region, drawing 21 riders from across six nations – including Oceania young guns Ryan Larkin from Australia and Haydn Fordyce from New Zealand – who are taking the next step in their careers via the intensive Yamaha training, mentoring and development program.
With all competitors utilising identical race-prepped Yamaha YZF-R3s, the upcoming round at The Bend signals the final event of the 2024 championship that’s held over six rounds, travelling to circuits across Thailand and Japan.
Joining Larkin at The Bend are his countrymen Hunter Corney and Ethan Johnson, who are currently the top two in the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup.
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!
