Phillip Island loses Superbikes
In another major blow to Phillip Island, South Australia has secured another major motorsport event, today announcing a multi-year agreement to bring an annual round of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) to the state from 2028.
In another major blow to Phillip Island, South Australia has secured a major motorsport event, today announcing a multi-year agreement to bring an annual round of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) to the state from 2028.
Phillip Island will host the championship for the final time in 2027, with South Australia now holding the rights to the two biggest circuit racing motorcycle world championships in the world, with the MotoGP snatched for the Adelaide Street Circuit from 2027.
The Bend will become the third circuit in Australia to host WorldSBK after Oran Park and Phillip Island, which has been the local home since 1990.
The event will be staged at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend, with the inaugural WorldSBK round expected to attract thousands of interstate and international visitors.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas this morning said securing the championship further strengthened the state's position as Australia's motorsport capital.
"South Australia has built one of the strongest motorsport portfolios in the country," Mr Malinauskas said.
"With WorldSBK joining MotoGP, the Adelaide 500 and the AirTouch 500 Enduro, this announcement reinforces our commitment to motorsport and reflects our determination to ensure South Australia remains the home of motorsport in this country."
Shell V-Power Motorsport Park Managing Director Dr Sam Shahin described the announcement as a historic day for both the venue and the state.
"WorldSBK is coming. This championship is set to bring the top motorcycle manufacturers, teams and riders to South Australia, creating a powerful platform that will showcase our venue, our passionate motorsport community and our state to a global audience," Dr Shahin said.
WorldSBK is recognised as the world's premier production-based motorcycle racing championship, featuring heavily modified versions of motorcycles from leading manufacturers including Yamaha, Ducati, Honda, BMW and Kawasaki.
The machines can reach speeds approaching 340km/h, placing them among the fastest racing vehicles in the world.
WorldSBK Sporting Director Gregorio Lavilla welcomed the move, saying The Bend would provide an exciting new home for the Australian round of the championship.
Further details in next week’s Advertiser.
