Luke George takes a clean sweep of Newcastle’s FIM Asia SuperMoto round
Luke George has taken a clean sweep of the opening round of the FIM Asia SuperMoto Championship, winning Sunday’s race at Newcastle’s iconic foreshore.
Malaysia’s Muhammad Habibullah finished second to claim third overall, with Michael Kirkness third in the final leg and runner-up for the round.
George also took a clean sweep of the Pro class and praised organisers for a well-run event.
“I had an awesome weekend,” George said. “Coming into this event I had no idea where I would sit in the mix. To be honest I was just hoping to make the top five. To race against a class field like this and come out in front is a real surprise. This is a fantastic event and I will definitely be back to defend my title next year.”
Michael Kirkness also claimed dual podiums, finishing third in the Open class.
“It has been such a long time since I raced SuperMoto it is certainly not my forte so I was stoked to be on the podium in both classes today. This is an incredible event, hats off to the organisers I will be back next year.”
Finishing second behind George in the final 30 minute FIM Asia SuperMoto race, Muhd Habibullah said he capitalised when a few riders made mistakes.
“I was at an advantage when a few riders made mistakes in beginning of the race. That promoted me to third spot since the start. Andy (McLiesh) attempted to overtake me a few times but I managed to hold him at bay. I am really proud with my performance today and hope for the same in Malang.”
Local riders swept the Open class with Scott Saul claiming the top step of the dais ahead Lee Stevens and Brett Rowe.
Paul Caslick dominated the Vets class while Karina Baillie won the Women’s class.
A record crowd flocked to the foreshore to enjoy a full day of racing at Graeme Boyd Motorcycles presents the Watson Demolition Newcastle City SuperMoto and were treated to world-class racing action.
The Australian round of the FIM Asia SuperMoto Championship has been secured for Newcastle for the next three years, through the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
The scoring system provides separate points for the FIM Asia and Australian Open series respectively.
Luke George scored first overall on 50 points, Micheal Kirkness is in second with 42 points, and Gabit in third with 37 points in the Australian Open Series.
In the FIM Asia Supermoto Championship, Gabit is the overall leader 50 points, being the highest placed Asian rider in both races. Khairi Zakaria (#32) is in second with 42 points after finishing 2nd and 3rd highest respectively, and Gabit’s brother Mohd. Al-Amirul Ashshahid – better known as Gaban – is in third after accumulating 40 points.
The 2016 FIM Asia Supermoto Championship heads to Malang, Indonesia for Round 2, on 8th and 9th October, 2016.
FIM Asia Supermoto Championships 2016 is a regional supermoto championship organised by Asia Supersports Group, a consortium of three companies namely Bikenation Motorsports Sdn Bhd, CW Media Sdn Bhd and E-Plus Entertainment Productions (M) Sdn Bhd, and supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Malaysia Major Events, Malaysia Truly Asia, Destination NSW, Tourism Hunter, Newcastle City Council, FIM Asia, Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM), KYT, KTM Malaysia and Premium World Motorsports (PWM) Sdn Bhd, official distributor of Husqvarna in Malaysia.
