Motorcycling Australia’s official Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) will enter a new era once again late in 2016 when Troy Bayliss Events (TBE) partners the governing body in the series’ operation. The news was announced last Friday at the Sydney Motorcycle Show, also run by triple WorldSBK title winner Troy Bayliss’ company. CycleOnline.com.au takes a closer look at a selection of talking points so far.

Image: Alex Gobert.

Q: What has the vibe been like following the motoSBK introduction?

A: It’s been positive, no doubt, however first we must get through the independent ASBK series at the beginning of 2016 prior to the new motoSBK summer series. That could be a challenge for many in itself considering the tight confines of the schedule. Following that, expect the new-look championship to debut at Phillip Island’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and span through the summer months from there, however a full calendar has yet to be finalised. The more info we have between now and then, the better.

Q: Why was it launched at the Sydney Motorcycle Show?

A: Because TBE operates the major expos in this country and it was ideal to share plans with the assembled media and industry (the expo media walks always attract a reasonable amount of journalists from a variety of disciplines). The fact that TBE works closely with the industry heavyweights in this side of motorcycling is an important one for motoSBK, potentially sharing resources and being privileged to a large reach at least once or twice a year around the nation during the first-class motorcycle shows.

Q: Will TBE have any involvement in the independent ASBK series at the beginning of 2016?

A: Aside from keeping a close eye on how the wheel turns, not as much as some might expect. Sure, they will be in amongst the decision-making to an extent and will observe/learn from what MA and clubs are doing, but expect a very much refined and sharper series come motoSBK’s official launch.

Source: Supplied.

Q: How does TBE’ involvement affect the rival Australasian Superbike Championship?

A: It shouldn’t have any considerable affects for now, from what we can gather. There’s been no official word where the factory Honda/Yamaha teams stand, but chances are they will join Bayliss’ new factory DesmoSport Ducati team in motoSBK if all that is presented to them beforehand meets expectations and budget restraints. However, considering the revamped ASBK will be a summer series, you could get teams and select privateers contesting both (if not altogether, then one-off rounds at least). It will be interesting to see it unfold from here, though we expect the FX-ASC to maintain its varying strengths whether the factories are in it or not.

Q: Is the future of MA’s series now on the right track once and for all?

A: It’s too early to tell, but this is genuinely promising. What we do know is that TBE has a three-year agreement and they will be going ‘all-in’ to make it work for the sport domestically, our young riders looking to race internationally and also from a business standpoint. Something tells us that if Troy and Kim Bayliss, with TBE business partner Mark Petersen, can’t make this a true success working with MA to boost the ASBK, then it’s unlikely anybody will be able to in this particular series for the foreseeable future.