News 1 Jul 2020
Phillip Island postponed as Morgan Park returns to ASBK calendar
Section: Competition
Adjusted six-round schedule released following further complications.
Image: Russell Colvin.
Victoria’s coronavirus spike has caused the Phillip Island round of the 2020 Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) to be rescheduled, with Morgan Park also now confirmed on the revised calendar.
ASBK was set to resume at Phillip Island on 25-26 July, however, elevated COVID-19 cases will now see the event shifted to being round four on 2-4 October.
With multiple hotspots in Victoria going back into lockdown and state travel restrictions in place, it has become increasingly evident that the July restart of this season wouldn’t be possible under those circumstances.
“The ASBK Management Team does not take these decisions easily, but we feel the best decision for the health, safety and success of the ASBK championship is to adjust the calendar to ensure that everyone from the ASBK paddock can attend and that they are safe when at an ASBK event,” commented ASBK sporting director Simon Maas.
“We have been very clear with the competitors and teams that the COVID-19 environment is ever-changing and flexibility will be required in 2020 whilst we live with these developments. We thank the competitors, teams and officials for their understanding and apologise for any inconvenience.”
Instead, the ASBK season is now scheduled to resume at Morgan Park in Queensland on 21-23 August, the Warwick circuit finally confirmed on the calendar after being absent from Motorcycling Australia’s (MA) initial schedule.
“These requirements are highly complex and ever-changing, which creates many challenges for MA on a daily basis,” MA CEO Peter Doyle said. “We are all adjusting to the constant developments to our plans, which effect motorcycle sport at all levels, from club, state and of course the MA national championships.
“In fact, they effect the wider motorsport community which includes cars, bikes and karting as we all seek dates and venues on short notice – we are all in this together. I am pleased that the ASBK Management Team have been able to find a strong solution to getting ASBK back on track and it will be a great 2020 ASBK championship.
“I am also proud to see that a majority of the MA members have been understanding, patient and supportive during this difficult period. I look forward to seeing bikes back on track soon.”
The remainder of the 2020 ASBK calendar will stay unchanged with visits to Winton in September, Phillip Island in early October, Wakefield Park in mid-October and the finals at The Bend Motorsport Park for International MotoFest in November.
2020 ASBK championship calendar (revised):
Rd1 – 27 February-1 March – Phillip Island, VIC
Rd2 – 21-23 August – Morgan Park, QLD
Rd3 – 11-13 September – Winton, VIC
Rd4 – 2-4 October – Phillip Island, VIC
Rd5 – 16-18 October – Wakefield Park, NSW
Rd6 – 20-22 November – The Bend, SA
Source: CycleOnline.com.au