ASBK announces return to racing in November

The 2020 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK), has released plans for the category’s return to racing in November.

The championship had only completed the opening round before the impact of the coronavirus pandemic led to subsequent rounds being postponed, rescheduled or cancelled. An effort to restart the championship in July was derailed by Victoria’s second wave outbreak and border closures across New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. Extending the periods of these border closures mean that no ASBK racing has been held since that season opener in March.

In the meantime, those able to have been participating in state-based competition to keep match fit while awaiting a return to national level competition, which now looks like it may happen.

On 11 September, Motorcycling Australia announced that the ASBK Management Team had released a plan for a return to racing this year, following consultation with numerous stakeholders that include teams, sponsors and circuit promoters.

The original seven-round 2020 championship had already been reduced to six rounds in June, with most of those subsequently cancelled.

The 11 September announcement locks in three rounds, starting at The Bend in SA this 20-22 November as part of the International MotoFest. The Bend round was on the June calendar update and holds the same dates on the new schedule, but what was to be the season finale will now be followed by a double-header at Winton, VIC, on 3-6 December, which will conclude the 2020 ASBK championship.

The ASBK Management Team hopes to have spectators at both venues, but this only seems likely at The Bend, given Victoria’s draconian curfews and lockdown laws. Regardless, all remaining rounds will be broadcast live through SBSHD, Fox Sports Australia and Fox Sports Asia.

To cater to Victorian ASBK riders who have been unable to participate in events, a 2-day closed test session is planned for Winton in October, but this remains subject to Victorian government regulations.

2020 Australian Superbike Championship – calendar update*

Rd 1     27 Feb – 1 Mar              Phillip Island GP Circuit, VIC
Rd 2     20 - 22 Nov                   The Bend Motorsport Park, SA
Rd 3     3-6 Dec                         Winton Motor Raceway, VIC
Rd 4     3-6 Dec                         Winton Motor Raceway, VIC

*Remaining rounds and dates are subject to updated State and Federal Government COVID-19 restrictions and may be altered as required.

For updates, go to: www.asbk.com.au

Photos: Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport