Image: Russell Colvin.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has announced that the 2016 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) calendar has been revised, with the scheduled summer-based 2016/2017 motoSBK series also undergoing changes as a result.

This year’s ASBK series to be managed by MA will still commence at Phillip Island on 26-28 February, however it will now span into October with the final round to be held at Winton.

Morgan Park in Queensland has been moved to 5-7 August as the penultimate stop of the season, with Winton’s sixth and final round in Victoria to be contested on 30 September-2 October.

“We are inspired and motivated by all who are involved in the sport to make the ASBK championship an affordable and sustainable series,” MA CEO David Cottee explained. “We have listened to our teams and competitors, partners and our valued sponsors.

“[They] have expressed that by rescheduling two of the ASBK championship rounds for 2016, we have put ourselves in good stead to welcome what the future of this national series has in store. We are hoping that with this announcement, we can embrace more positive changes to the series and will endeavor to make the process as smooth and sustainable as possible.”

Logistical concerns were initially raised over the compact scheduling of the 2016 ASBK calendar released late last year, which was to make way for the summer series operated by Troy Bayliss Events (TBE) as motoSBK. That series is now expected to run through a regular calendar year in 2017.

“It’s great to see Motorcycling Australia has been able to adjust the calendar for 2016, hopefully this can assist with anyone that had concerns about the initial shortened series,” TBE’s Mark Petersen said. “After positive industry feedback, Troy Bayliss Events are happy to move forward with motoSBK to now be held within the 2017 calendar season.

“It is exciting to be a part of this process and to see the sport constantly evolving for everyone’s benefit. We’re very much looking forward to making some further announcements regarding 2017 and beyond in the coming weeks.”

2016 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) calendar:
Rd1 – 26-28 February – Phillip Island, VIC (WorldSBK)
Rd2 – 25-27 March – Wakefield Park, NSW
Rd3 – 16-17 April – Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW
Rd4 – 3-5 June – Barbagallo Raceway, WA
Rd5 – 5-7 August – Morgan Park, QLD
Rd6 – 30 September-2 October – Winton Motor Raceway, VIC