News 9 Mar 2017

Darwin confirmed on 2017 ASBK series calendar

Return to Hidden Valley made official by Motorcycling Australia.

Image: Keith Muir.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has officially announced that round four of the 2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) presented by Motul Pirelli will be held at Hidden Valley Raceway in the Northern Territory on 6-9 July.

As indicated by CycleOnline.com.au this month, Darwin will replace Barbagallo Raceway on the calendar after all motorcycle activity has been cancelled at Western Australia’s leading venue. This year’s Hidden Valley event will mark the first for ASBK since 2013.

“It is great to see the ASBK championship heading back up to Darwin and Hidden Valley, a venue that is very popular with the teams and it is a circuit enjoyed by riders,” MA CEO Peter Doyle declared. “This is a timely decision for everyone involved in the ASBK in 2017, from riders and spectators and volunteer marshals. We very much look forward to returning north for the highly-anticipated July round of the ASBK and once again visiting our friends in the Top End.”

MA has collaborated with Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) and Motorcycling Australia Northern Territory (MANT) to take the ASBK back to Darwin and NTMEC general manager Andrew Hopper said it was a great coup for Hidden Valley. It’s understood the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) could host a round in Darwin as soon as 2018.

“It’s great to have the ASBK return to the Top End, this partnership brings another significant national event to the Northern Territory,” Hopper said. “High-profile events like this provide great tourism opportunities and also generate a boost to the business and hospitality industries. The event will also be welcomed by all motorbike fans, who have long wanted a return of two-wheel racing.

“It’s expected that the return of the ASBK to Darwin will open up further motorsport opportunities in the Northern Territory. Through demonstrating our ability to stage championships of this calibre, we increase the potential opportunities to host international standard motorcycle events in the future.”

President of MANT and local City of Darwin, Alderman Garry Lambert, added: “Motorcycling Australia Northern Territory is privileged to be working in partnership with Motorcycling Australia, ASBK, Top End Road Racing Association (TERRA) and the Northern Territory Government to again host a round of the ASBK in Darwin for Territorians.

“Hosting a round of the premier road racing event in Darwin, signals Darwin as a sporting destination of choice and will provide a significant economic stimulus to the region. The selection of Darwin as a round of the ASBK adds significant value to the ground-breaking work MANT and TERRA are doing in promoting Darwin as a sporting destination throughout Asia.

“The ASBK will attract world class talent to Darwin, the event will provide a platform for local riders to test their talent against the best in Australia. Local riders will be included in the program, ensuring an exciting event for spectators.”

An official ASBK test day has also been confirmed for the venue on 6 July, directly prior to the race weekend, in a bid to have racers refresh themselves with the circuit or potentially learn the layout for the first time.

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