Features 27 Aug 2014

Cycle Central: 34

A front row view of Australian road racing, presented by Alpinestars.

After months of speculation and scenarios laid out on the table, it seems we’ve now got a firm direction and basis for at least the short term future of road racing.

As per a late Friday afternoon announcement that slipped into the inboxes, Motorcycling Australia has deemed the 2015 Australian Superbike Championship will move forward as its own entity, quashing any rumours (albeit fading fast) of a merger with the rival Australasian Superbike Championship.

As revealed in our chat with Terry O’Neill some time ago, the option of the championships combining had been a realistic one, with initial indications suggesting talks could and would take place. But as the weeks and months ticked over that option became less likely, and ultimately, taken off the table.

MA has confirmed a structure similar to that which the Australian Off-Road Championship is based upon, with state-based clubs to take charge of their respective event.

Image: Andrew Gosling.

Image: Andrew Gosling.

The series will consist of four or five rounds, with the opener to be staged at Phillip Island. Tassie, South Australia and the Northern Territory are off the table for next year, indicating that only Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria will host events. There is an unknown over Western Australia at this stage too.

Now that riders and teams have an indication of these plans, the next step is to determine which series to contest. There are of course differences in the rules at least between the current MA-spec Superbikes and those of the ASC, something which could influence the decision.

We’ve had a fairly strong indication from Honda that they will realign with the MA series, as re-iterated by Paul Free in our latest Industry Insight.

Who else from the Superbike class will make the switch back is yet unknown, and, providing the dates match and logistics aren’t too tricky, it is possible that some competitors will elect to line up at both.

You’d have to imagine that 2015 will be a bit of a learning season for MA and the clubs involved. While many clubs have plenty of experience in hosting successful events at that level, there are always going to be those teething issues that any new event sees.

Image: Alex Gobert.

It will be interesting to see too, just how cohesive the championship is in terms of moving from round to round.

Another big factor that is always a sticking point in the current economy is how much bang do the competitors get for their buck when it comes to a broadcast package. The ASC has the runs on the board there; it produces a consistent package, along with the streaming service, and we know when and where to expect to see it.

What will be on offer for ASBK competitors? You’d have to imagine it will be a fairly lean model, though hopefully one that provides the necessary coverage that sponsors seek. Coming weeks will see more details confirmed, and we’ll watch that with interest.

Keep an eye out tomorrow as we poll a handful of riders on their thoughts about the announcement, which effectively divides the two series and potentially sends them in different directions.

That’s all for this week. Follow our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates; just search ‘CycleOnline’.

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