Glenn Allerton was victorious for Next Gen Motorsports at Phillip Island. Image: Russell Colvin.

Next Gen Motorsports’ decision to contest the Australasian Road Racing Championship alongside the V8 Supercars at Phillip Island last weekend was a beneficial one, according to team principle Wayne Hepburn.

Hepburn’s team of Glenn Allerton and Ben Nicolson went 1-2 in the one-off ARRC event (click here for report) – the lone Australian Superbike Championship regulars on the grid.

However despite planned live television being dropped and little communication regarding the event distributed throughout the weekend, Hepburn is confident the appearance will serve the team well in preparation for 2014.

“Its obvious that the field was missing most of the regular superbike combatants, which was disappointing,” Hepburn told CycleOnline.com.au. “The main cause I see was the fact it was after our championship and everyone had spent their racing budget.

“We were in the same position and didn’t look like being able to turn up. BMW Australia and Pirelli Tyres agreed that it was important for the sport that we make an appearance, so they helped us get on the grid – thanks to them.

“The live television did not eventuate, but we were aware of this with the main reason being the quality of racing wasn’t up to a standard to be aired live. That being said we got plenty of big screen TV action in front of the large V8 crowds, who I think appreciated the bikes. It didn’t do us or our sponsors profile any harm.

“The promoter isn’t hiding behind anything and admits that had he communicated better and it not been after our Australian championship had ended, it would have been a greater spectacle.”

The Next Gen team took the opportunity to test under racing conditions, as well as give Nicolson the opportunity to acclimatise to the superbike.

“Next Gen Motorsports had an emphatic 1-2 placing at the Phillip Island Superbike round of the V8s last weekend,” Hepburn reflected. “Glenn Allerton could use the lack of competition to test things you may not try in the heat of battle.

“Ben Nicolson, who finished second in Australian Prostock, took the opportunity to step up to superbike. It took Ben a little to get the feel for the more powerful spec superbike with an easy second place to Glenn.”

Next Gen Motorsports is yet to confirm its position for next season, awaiting confirmation on the ASBK structure before making a concrete decision.