Racing
About ASBK
The Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) is Australia’s premier motorcycling championship, with a season filled with 7 rounds in 5 states bringing together Australia’s best riders and leading world class manufactures.
The motorcycles used for ASBK are production based motorcycles with modifications purpose-built for racing at speeds parallel to world’s standards. These bikes aren’t built for the road, but are obtainable for riders wanting to test their skills on the race track.
The Australian Superbike Championship was first held in 1989 and won by Malcolm “Wally” Campbell. The bikes were 750cc 4-strokes and produced 115 -120 horsepower.
In 2009, Josh Waters from Mildura, Victoria was crowned Australian Superbike champion in his rookie year.
As the sport evolves, bikes get lighter, faster and the tires more tractable. The end result is speeds and lap times unprecedented in previous years. Technology has limitless boundaries and with traction control, new suspension componentry, data acquisition and new tire technology the future looks bright for advancements in motorcycle racing.
The Riders
The current crop of rider’s are equally more advanced like their bikes than the predecessors. Advance sports science has enabled riders to fully understand their bodies and minds. These advancements have helped riders exceed in areas that were previously ignored.
Off the bike training, mental training and practical on the bike training are equally demanding and necessary to become a champion.
In a sport that has been acknowledged by sports coaches, doctors and physiologists as both physically and mentally demanding at the highest level of athleticism its critical for riders to be the complete package.
Classes
Superbikes
Superbikes are the premier motorcycling category in Australia for road based motorcycles. The bikes are very similar to what can be purchased in the local bike shop; however have considerable amount modifications such as slick tyres, race tuned engines and modified electronics to support their racing requirements. Superbikes run on standard unleaded pump fuel and have an engine capacity around 1000cc, depending on the manufacturer. Most riders have raced in lower classes prior to competing on a Superbike. Superbikes are made up of Manufacturer supported teams and Privateers. An average bike would cost around $150,000 and produces over 200 horsepower capable of speeds over 300km/h!
Superstock 1000
Superstock class is divided into two categories (A& B class and C&D classes). Each category is raced separately. A and B Class will run with the main Superbikes in 2010. The classes are made up of riders who are striving to make it to the ultimate category and highest level of racing the Superbikes. Superstock 1000 bikes are limited to the amount of modifications that can be made but still provide plenty of power compared to a standard road going bike. The bikes must have a maximum retail value of $35,000 when new!
Supersport
The majority of Supersport bikes are 600cc. Similar to Superbikes, they can make a considerable amount of modifications to the race bikes. The bikes have a minimum weight (without fuel and rider) of 158kg (depending on size of engine) Supersport is considered the stepping stone to the Superbike category.
Superstock 600
Superstock 600 bikes run an engine between 600cc – 750cc (depending on how many cylinders the bike have). They have a minimum weight (without fuel and rider) of 162kg (depending on size of engine). This category has vast limitations on modifications that can be made which maintains they are the nearest thing to a road bike.
125/250 GP
This class is entry level racing. Riders can be as young as 14 years old to race in this category. The bikes run engines that are 125cc and 250cc respectively. There are very few modifications made to these bikes.