Superbike Masters join ASBK at SMP season finale

2019 Australian Superbike Championship

Round 7 – Sydney Motorsport Park

Round 7 of the 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship hits Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend and will not only mark the grand finale of the Australian Superbike Championship, but will also offer a special treat with the Superbike Masters category appearing on the support schedule.

The Superbike Masters category appeared earlier in the season at the Morgan Park ASBK round, and encompasses a range of Period 5 (1976-82) and Period 6 (1983-1990) motorcycles.

With big, heavy road-based motorcycles such as Suzuki GSX1100, Kawasaki Z1000, Yamaha ZFR1000, Ducati TTF1 and even an Irving Vincent, the category showcases the history of Superbike competition in Australia.

Superbike Masters competitor and series liaison Darren Lark said one of the main points of interest is the differences between the various motorcycle brands. The Superbike Masters were popular with the crowd when they appeared on the program at the Morgan Park round, and SMP has attracted a 27-bike field.

Darren Lark

“These days, a lot of current-model motorcycles are very similar in their construction, but back in the 1970s and ‘80s there were different design philosophies. A lot of people enjoy the nostalgic aspect of looking at the bikes, and remembering their unique features. Some of the bikes were completely naked, whereas others had elaborate fairing designs. From our perspective, it’s like a group of mates playing cricket, and getting invited to play at the MCG during the lunch break at the Boxing Day Test. At the end of the day, we’re just a group of mates who enjoy racing each other on the track and hanging out off the track, and it’s very cool having the opportunity to race at such high-profile events.”

Lark said spectators at SMP are encouraged to wander through the pits, talk to the riders and experience the machines first-hand.

Tickets for the event are now on sale, and can be purchased online here (link). All patrons who purchase tickets before 11:59pm on Thursday evening will receive a FREE Sunday pit-lane walk.

Superbike Masters Standings

ASBK Schedule