Destination NSW sees ASBK return to SMSP under lights!
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) is set to return to Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) in 2023 and – for the first time ever – under lights!
Through a partnership with Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Australia’s premier two-wheel championship will return to the SMSP complex for not only the ASBK Championship round on March 24-25 but will also kick off the 2023 season with the Official ASBK Test on February 1-2.
ASBK’s return to Sydney’s famed 3.93km Grand Prix circuit for the first time since the final round of 2019, will also be the first-ever ASBK round to be held under lights thanks to SMSP’s full-track lighting system.
The unique two-day format will see action commence during the day across all the key ASBK classes with race activity highlighted under lights at the spectacular world-class NSW venue.
NSW Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the Australian Superbike Championship would be warmly welcomed back to Sydney Motorsport Park.
“The NSW Government’s strategic investment in the redevelopment of Sydney Motorsport Park, including the installation of permanent lights, has made it an enviable world-class venue for all disciplines of motorsport.
“It will be fantastic to have the debut Australian Superbike Championship under lights at Eastern Creek in March, and the Official Test event in early February bringing riders, teams, officials and fans from all over Australia to the venue.
“We are proud to partner with Motorcycling Australia on this event and showcase Sydney as the home of Australian motorsport, which is a key pillar in our ambition to make Sydney and NSW the major events capital and premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.”
Glenn Matthews, CEO, Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC), the circuit operators of SMSP: “We are thrilled to be able to host a round of the Australian Superbike Championships at Sydney Motorsport Park in 2023.
“Since their last visit in 2019, over $25M in venue enhancements have occurred and we can’t wait to see the riders battle it out at night under lights for the very first time.”
Peter Doyle, CEO, Motorcycling Australia: “It’s a big year for ASBK returning to SMSP, not only for the first ever ASBK night race, but for the Official ASBK Test in February.
“It’s a testament to all involved to bring this to fruition and to Destination NSW for their vision and support.
“With the level of talent featuring in ASBK today we expect the riders to put on a hell of a show for Sydneysiders and visiting fans from across the country, we can’t wait to see the first ever ASBK race under lights.”