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Phillip Island WorldSBK & WorldSSP Test Wrap | Race News

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In the final test before the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship kicks off, Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) emerged as the standout, obliterating the lap record with an impressive 1’28.511s at Phillip Island. His dominance was closely contested by Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), who despite a crash at Turn 4, managed to set an impressive time of 1’28.585s. Report: WorldSBK

Meanwhile, Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) showcased consistent form, securing third place overall. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) also made waves with a strong performance, finishing in fourth position. The top five was rounded out by Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing). Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) showed promising form, consistently in the mix and eventually finishing in fifth place overall.

Both Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) had a challenging final day of testing. Bautista struggled with discomfort aboard his machine due to a nagging injury, leading to a mixed performance as he finished in seventh place overall. Meanwhile, Rea endured a significant crash at Turn 11, leaving him visibly uncomfortable and down the order in 15th.

Additionally, Honda encountered troubles with Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) sustaining an injury following a highside at Turn 11, sidelining him for the remainder of the test, while Tarran Mackenzie (PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda) also endured a crash at Turn 3, resulting in significant damage to his bike.

WorldSSP
Yari Montella’s (Barni Spark Racing Team) preparations for the 2024 FIM Supersport World Championship were completed in the best possible fashion as he topped the times by 0.062s ahead of Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing). The two Italians were the only riders to lap in the 1’31s bracket at the newly-resurfaced Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, the final test day for the WorldSSP field before the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round.

Caricasulo’s first Official Test with his new Motozoo ME AIR Racing team couldn’t have gone much better as he set a 1’31.943s to post the first ever 1’31s lap of the legendary Phillip Island circuit, going two tenths quicker than Andrea Locatelli’s pole lap record of 1’31.176s from 2020, although he did have a crash at Turn 4 in FP1 which impacted his testing programme. However, in the final 30 minutes of the session, Montella overhauled his time by 0.062s to claim top spot in both FP1 and FP2, unofficially smashing the lap record. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) claimed third with a 1’32.183s, matching Locatelli’s pole lap record but finishing three tenths down on Montella.

Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) comes into 2024 having replaced last year’s Champion, Nicolo Bulega, and started his Ducati career with P4 at the Official Test. The #99’s day was disrupted by a crash at Turn 9 in the final hour of FP2, with his bike brought back to the pits, but his 1’32.290s was enough to secure fourth. Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) claimed fifth place with Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) in sixth despite losing time in FP1 thanks to a technical problem. He was 0.453s slower than Montella.

2017 Champion Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) is returning to WorldSSP on a full-time basis, and he showed his speed with P7 on Day 1 on his Yamaha YZF-R6 as he lapped half-a-second down on Montella. Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was eighth as he looks to build on his stunning 2023 rookie campaign, with two Triumph riders just behind him and rounding out the top ten. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph), who’s switched to the Street Triple RS 765 for this season, was ninth ahead of Jorge Navarro (WRP-RT Motorsport by SKM-Triumph) in tenth as the team get ready for their WorldSSP debut. Despite his strong day, the #9’s FP1 session was impacted by a Turn 10 tumble.

Bahattin Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) narrowly missed out on a spot in the top ten as he finished the day in P11, only 0.017s clear of home hero Oli Bayliss (D34G Racing) in 12th with the Australian planning on completing a long run in FP2. Rookie Niccolo Antonelli (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) was 13th ahead of the returning Lorenzo Baldassarri (Orelac Racing VerdNatura), looking to mount a title challenge in 2024, in 14th. Niki Tuuli (EAB Racing Team) completed the top 15th.

There were several red flags throughout the day, mostly due to birds on track, which caused some disruption. However, Piotr Biesiekirski (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) brought out the red flags when he crashed at Turn 2 with just over an hour to go, with the Polish rider taken to the medical centre. At the end of the session, he was transported to hospital by helicopter; he is conscious but suffered a head injury and concussion. Marcel Brenner (VIAMO Racing by MTM) also crashed, this time at Turn 6, which disrupted his day although, as it came in the final hour, his lost running was kept to a minimum. Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) had a technical problem during FP2 when his bike came to a halt at Turn 11.

The Aussie Riders
WorldSSP 12 32 Oli BAYLISS AUS D34G Racing WorldSSP Team Ducati Panigale V2 1’32.884
WorldSSP 17 21 Tom TOPARIS AUS Stop & Seal Racing Yamaha YZF R6 1’33.259 
WorldSBK 8 87 Remy GARDNER AUS GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team Yamaha YZF R1 1’29.399

The top six from the Official Test for WorldSSP, full results here:
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) 1’31.881s
⁠Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) +0.062s
Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +0.302s
Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) +0.409s
Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Team) +0.444s
Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +0.453s

WorldSBK Combined Results after FP2

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’28.511s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.074s
3. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.324s
4. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) +0.490s
5. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.700s
6. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Team Motocorsa Racing) +0.702s

Download FP1 Results
Download FP2 Results

The 2024 season commences with the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round, running from this Friday, February 23rd, to Sunday, February 25th.

2024 Phillip Island WorldSBK Test Gallery

ASBK Rd1 | Celebrating 35-years of the Aus Superbike Championship

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PitBoard
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It’s fitting the 35th anniversary of the now days tagged mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance ASBK presented by Motul begins at Phillip Island this weekend, a circuit that, more than any other, has produced a magnificent catalogue of extraordinary battles over the last five decades in the hotly contested four-stroke production based class. Press: MA

That’s just the ‘official’ version of history, with Superbike racing for all intents and purposes already a de-facto national class well before it was formally inaugurated in 1989. The machines were predominantly ‘open books’: not always the most angelic in the handling and braking departments, but still able to transfer some serious horsepower through skinny rear tyres.

Mal Campbell at Phillip Island on the Honda RC30.
Mal Campbell at Phillip Island on the Honda RC30.

In 1989, Tasmanian hard-charger Malcolm Campbell won the first ASBK Championship on a Honda RC30. Thirty-five years on, today’s generation of Superbikes from Japan and Europe are light years ahead of their forerunners across every performance metric, but the philosophy remains the same: showcasing the latest generation of high-performance, four-stroke production-based machines on racetracks across the country.

Kevin Magee, Mal Campbell and Rob Phillis.
Kevin Magee in second place chasing Mal Campbell and being hounded by Rob Phillis.

In 2024, that all begins at round one, with riders to start the seven-round season across three 12-lap races around the legendary tyre-churning constant-radius curves of the grand prix circuit. The Superbike riders will also be joined by the Michelin Supersport and Race and Road Supersport 300 classes at the ASBK opener.

Round one will be televised on SBS Sport and SBS On Demand on Sunday, February 25 from 1:00-3:00pm AEST.

All practice, qualifying and race results will be available here.

Phillip Island | WorldSBK Rd1 Preview, Schedule & Ticketing

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PitBoard
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Remy Gardner was the fastest Rookie in seventh place, finishing 0.926s behind Razgatlioglu.

Phillip Island is hosting the opening round of the 2024 WorldSBK championship this weekend, with two test days first, then all of the action kicking off from Thursday. It includes round one of the ASBK Championship as well, so should be a great weekend…

Click here to read the full official program for the Phillip Island WorldSBK…

The weather forecast is looking 50/50 but finger’s crossed it holds out and fans are treated to another stunning weekend of racing at Island. Tickets are available at the gate or here
Ticket prices are for GA – $145 ($180 gate) for a three day pass, $40 ($55 gate) Friday, $90 ($110 gate) Saturday or $99 ($125 gate) on Sunday but click here to check all of the pricing on the official website. There is no listing for Thursday ticketing on either official or Aussie website. Camping tickets start at $245. For those after a little bit of luxury, Bar SBK tickets are available for $310 and VIP are sold out.

With Round One of the 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) kicking off too, there will be plenty of excitement, and the Aussie supers are only a second or so off the pace of the world supers, so the action is always red hot.

A delayed start to Race 1 in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship provided plenty of drama as rain came down before the start of the race.

Support categories of Australian SuperSport 300 and Australian SuperSport (600) will be awesome too! And don’t forget to cheer on Remy Gardner #87 in WorldSBK and Oli Bayliss #32 in WorldSSP…

Check out our WorldSBK and ASBK content…

2024 WorldSBK Championship Round One Schedule

Phillip Island WorldSBK Highlights Gallery

Catch Ya Later, Zane Dobie!

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A very tired Team BikeReview!

Our Deputy Editor, Zane Dobie, has moved on to further his media career in a different direction. Dobie graduated from the University of Wollongong with his Batchelor’s Degree in Journalism in 2020, and immediately started working for BikeReview.com.au and Pitboard.com.au

Within half a lap, Zane had enough confidence in the ZX-4RR to put the hammer down...

Previous experience freelancing for exhaustnotes.com.au and AMCN, where his Dad, Chris Dobie, was editor, saw Zane able to quickly apply his skills to the role. Handy with a camera and with video production skills, readers were soon enjoying Zane’s fresh approach to motorcycle reviews. It runs in the family, as not only is Chris Dobie a skilled bike editor, Zane’s Mum Mary is a gun photographer.

Zane measures up at 183cm, the flat foot-pegs sit further back to a conventional cruiser due to the Boxer engine.

We will miss Zane’s unique and highly informative contributions and hard working, reliable nature, along with his passion for all things two wheels. We wish Zane, a fantastic all-round rider and skilled writer, all the best in his future. Zane has been a youthful and refreshing representative for the new generation of riders and readers in our industry.

Yamaha Continues Massive AORC Support For 2024

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PB
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The 2024 Australian Off-Road Championships (AORC) will again see a massive Yamaha presence, with Yamaha Motor Australia continuing its long and successful naming rights of the championship as well as supporting a host of riders and teams for the 2024 season. Press Release: Yamaha Aus.

The 2024 Australian Off-Road Championships (AORC) will again see a massive Yamaha presence, with Yamaha Motor Australia continuing its long and successful naming rights of the championship.
The 2024 Australian Off-Road Championships (AORC) will again see a massive Yamaha presence, with Yamaha Motor Australia continuing its long and successful naming rights of the championship.

For over 20 years, Yamaha Australia has been a major player in the Australian Off Road Championship and that will continue for 2024 as again the bLU cRU have taken up the naming rights of the long standing championship. Another 12 rounds over six weekends are scheduled and taking in some of the best riding terrain in the country with the nations’ best off-road pilots.

ShopYamaha Off-Road
Spearing Yamaha’s presence at the AORC will be the ShopYamaha off Road Team of Kyron Bacon and Wil Dennett. The two young guns of Australian enduro racing will be out to make their presence felt with Bacon contesting the E1 division (250cc) while Dennett steps up to handle the E2 duties (450cc).

Bacon won the E1 class (250cc) for both rounds and was a very impressive top five outright on each occasion and matching times with the bigger bikes in many of the tests.
Tasmanian based sensation, Kyron Bacon is fit, fast and motivated to get his AORC number 1 plate back.

Tasmanian based sensation, Kyron Bacon is fit, fast and motivated to get his AORC number 1 plate back after an injury interrupted 2023 season. Bacon took the E1 and outright honours in 2022, but a broken leg mid-way through the 2023 season halted any chance of retaining the crown, but to his credit, he still managed to charge his way back to a podium position by seasons end and finish the year on a strong note. 

“Last year had some challenges but it also had a lot of positive things I can take from it and I’m fired up and ready to get racing in 2024,” Bacon begins. “I’m well and truly over my injury and riding well and have already spent a few days with the team testing and preparing for the new season.”

It was Bacon’s time to shine, as he screamed across the Final Moto with a total time of 15:14.491.
Bacon is under no illusion of what lays ahead of him with the return of Daniel Milner to Australian racing and the improvement in riders like Jonte Reynders and Wil Dennett, but Bacon is ready to get to work.

“I missed a couple of rounds last year and even though Josh Green has retired, the depth of this years’ championship looks even better. Having Daniel back will be great for the championship and his profile can only add to the AORC and I look forward to racing not just him, but all the other riders in this years’ championship and doing my best to keep the number one plate on Yamaha for another year,” Bacon said.     

Alongside Bacon will be Wil Dennett who steps into the E2 division after the retirement of long-time racer, Josh Green. But make no mistake, Dennett earned his way onto the premier team with some sensational performances in the Under 19 class in 2023, that included plenty of Outright podiums and top five results.   

Wil Dennett has stepped things up in 2023 and has been one to watch and the weekend proved his round one success was no fluke with another dual class win and taking top seven Outright results on both days.
Alongside Bacon will be Wil Dennett who steps into the E2 division after the retirement of long-time racer, Josh Green.

Racing with bLU cRU support in 2023, Dennett was comfortably the most improved rider in last years’ championship and the steep learning curve looks set to stay with his progression to the ShopYamaha team and under the guidance of AJ Roberts.

“I have been a Yamaha rider for a long time and it’s awesome that I have been able to work my way up through the ranks with their support and make it to the premier team,” Dennett says with enthusiasm. “Last year was awesome for me, and it was topped off when AJ called at the end of the season and offered me a ride. I’m not sure who was more stoked, me or my dad.

“I have to keep working hard and I have big shoes to fill with Josh retiring but I’m looking forward to it. The extra support from the team gives me more time to ride and train, my bikes will be better prepared, and I have worked hard over the off season to improve my riding and fitness, so I will be ready for the opening rounds.”

With just one round remaining in the Women’s World Enduro Championship, Jess Gardiner sits in a sensational second place after another double podium blitz in Sweden on the weekend.
Jess Gardiner and her team are back for another season and looking to keep the momentum going from a successful 2024 season that saw her and Danielle McDonald win their respective championships

Yamaha Ballard’s Off-Road Racing
Jess Gardiner and her team are back for another season and looking to keep the momentum going from a successful 2024 season that saw her and Danielle McDonald win their respective championships as well as finish on the podium in the worlds team championships (ISDE) in Argentina.

Continuing with a three-rider outfit that will now see McDonald join Gardiner in the senior women’s class after dominates the junior girls while Jeremy Carpentier will fly the flag in the E1 class on the WR450F.

McDonald races with aggression and attacks the course without fear and the improvement in her riding over the last 12 months has been significant.
Gardiner has been a mentor for McDonald over the past few seasons, but this year, they go head-to-head over 12 rounds.

Gardiner will be gunning for eighth AORC championship, but it is highly likely, her main opposition will be parked right beside her in the JGR tent. Gardiner has been a mentor for McDonald over the past few seasons, but this year, they go head-to-head over 12 rounds. Will it be the gritty determination of the veteran in Gardiner that climbs the mountain again, or the young, fast and stylish McDonald that brings the gardiner train to a halt?

For Carpentier, the all new WR450F has been like a breath of fresh air and he has gelled with the bike the moment he threw a leg over it. The light, agile and exciting new model that was built for Australian conditions has Carpentier charged up for the new season and ready to create some damage in the E2 class.

After an injury interrupted start to the 2023 season, Jeremy Carpentier is finally back to full fitness and again contesting for top 10 out right results.
For Carpentier, the all new WR450F has been like a breath of fresh air and he has gelled with the bike instantly.

Yamaha bLU cRU Support
A new layer of support was introduced by Yamaha for the 2023 and the success was instant. The three-rider team of Cooper Sheidow, Wil Dennett and Jett Yarnold finished the year with two AORC championships and a third place in an outstanding debut. The support given to Wil Dennett enabled him to move up to the ShopYamaha team while Sheidow and Yarnold return for another season with Yamaha bLU cRU Support.

Sheidow is the current E1 champion after a consistent and impressive start to his time on Yamaha. He was in the heat of the battle right from the opening round, filled in for the inured Bacon with the ShopYamaha team and when the pressure was on at the final round, Sheidow kept his composure and secured the championship for himself and Yamaha.

It was a Yamaha 1-3 in the EJ (Under 18) class with Dennett (Lismore Motorcycles) taking the win with teammate Jett Yarnold in third.
Yarnold stepped out of juniors and made in an immediate impact, taking third in the EJ (under 19 championship), and finishing on the podium at most rounds.

The South Australian rider established himself on the national scene in 2023 and with a season under his belt on Yamaha as well as the continued support of the ShopYamaha team, expect Sheidow to continue his upward trend in the 2024 season.  

Yarnold stepped out of juniors and made in an immediate impact, taking third in the EJ (under 19 championship), and finishing on the podium at most rounds. Yarnold adapted well to the team surroundings and will enter this year’s championships as one of the favourites in the development category.

GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing
Yamaha Junior Racing made the move into off road racing in 2023 with the two-rider line up of Marcus Nowland and Harley Hutton. Both return for 2024 with YJR support and will continue to fly the flag at AORC events.

Harley Hutton rebounded from a tough first weekend of racing at rounds one and two to get back to he belongs in the J2 85cc class.
Yamaha Junior Racing made the move into off road racing in 2023 with the two-rider line up of Nowland and Hutton.

Hutton won multiple rounds in 2023 and showed he is the real deal when it comes to off road despite his young age. He will again contest the J2 (85cc) class for 2024 and will be out to get the number one plate on his YZ85.

For Nowland, he had an up and down year but gained valuable experience in his first year on the bigger capacity bikes. Now settled and comfortable on the 250cc machine, Nowland will be aiming for the top as he embarks on the new season.

The 2024 AORC gets under way in March and will run 12 rounds ending in September. 

Halliday And Jones Spearhead Yamaha ASBK Presence

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PB
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When the lights went out to start the first race Jones won the drag race to turn one to lead the field from Herfoss as Halliday again blew the start for Waters to move into third.

Yamaha Motor Australia continue to be a huge supporter of Australian circuit racing and have again not only backed a number of riders and teams, but also thrown significant support into this year’s championship. Halliday and Jones will return to ride the ASBK Yamaha YZF-R1 machines… Release: Yamaha.

The early running of practice 3 was all blue bikes with Halliday and Jones at the top- in that order.
The Yamaha Racing Team pairing of Cru Halliday and Mike Jones will return to the team for the new season and headline Yamaha Racing’s ASBK program for 2024.

The bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup is back with a grid full of adrenaline filled thrill-seekers ready to do battle it out over six rounds this year and begin their journey in road racing. The category has been a huge winner for both Yamaha and the ASBK championship as it has introduced hundreds of riders into circuit racing and been a successful breeding ground for many riders. The first batch of riders are now entering Australian Supersport classes and others contesting international championship events.

The R3 Cup returns and with three rounds to be contested in this year’s series branded as the ShopYamaha R3 Cup. ShopYamaha is Yamaha’s online market place and can be found via the Yamaha Motor Australia website – ; https://shop.yamaha-motor.com.au/

Starting in Australia nearly a decade ago, the R3 Cup is now a worldwide racing program that sees all riders compete on Yamaha R3 machines and provides them with the opportunity to develop their skills and compete internationally with two Australian riders invited to the R3 Cup Supefinale in Portugal last year. Yamaha also offer the only manufacturer track side support at the ASBK rounds via our YRD program. Need technical advice or a part to get you through the weekend, then head over to see Stewart and Janice Winton at the YRD truck and they will be too happy to help you out.

And, just because you race a Yamaha at the ASBK rounds, Yamaha offer a lucrative bonus program for each round and the championship that has seen Yamaha dish out over $100,000 per season in recent years. Put yourself on the podium and your next stop is the bank. Add to that sponsorship of the ASBK Championship, a race replica, five bike display at each round and the presence of the Yamaha Racing Team and you have the biggest backers of racing in Australia.  

The boys are back for 2024! Despite not winning the 2023 Superbike Championship, the duo of Cru Halliday and Mike Jones put a YRT R1M on the podium at every round last season.
The boys are back for 2024! Despite not winning the 2023 Superbike Championship, the duo of Cru Halliday and Mike Jones put a YRT R1M on the podium at every round last season.

Yamaha Racing Team
The boys are back for 2024! Despite not winning the 2023 Superbike Championship, the duo of Cru Halliday and Mike Jones put a YRT R1M on the podium at every round last season. The final results saw Halliday in third and Jones in fifth but on track shows they were both far more competitive than the results show.

Halliday keeps his long-term relationship going for 2024 and showed there is plenty of fight and motivation in the New South Welshmen with his strong finish to the year. Halliday started the year well, with podiums in the six of the first seven races and then finished the year with a second place at Phillip Island, highlighted with a race win, and a second-place finish at the final round at The Bend. 

Cru Halliday.
Halliday has finished on the championship podium a handful of times over his career, but the championship number 1 still eludes him and that’s the driving force behind his 2024 campaign.

“YRT is my racing home and I’m looking forward to another year of racing with the team,” Halliday begins. “The last couple of years, both Mike and myself at been very competitive at every track and it’s a credit to the guys on the team for the hard work they do and the bikes they build. My motivation is as high as ever and its time I rewarded my family and the team with a championship win so I’m all out to get that done in 2024,”

Mike Jones will bring back his familiar number 46 for the 2024 season as he fights to regain the number 1 plate again. The three-time ASBK champ had a luckless season in 2023 and despite producing some of the closest and most exciting racing ASBK has seen, Jones couldn’t recapture the magic that saw him win the 2022 crown.

Troy Herfoss and Mike Jones were inseparable for the third round in a row.
Mike Jones will bring back his familiar number 46 for the 2024 season as he fights to regain the number 1 plate again.

But there were lessons learnt and improvements made at every circuit on the schedule, so Jones comes into the 2024 season confident that he can produce the kind of riding that has seen him climb the mountain three times before.

“I took a few weeks off after the final round last year and had the chance to reflect on what I did well and what I can improve on this season and I believe that I’m still not at my peak as a rider. Last year I set a number of personal best times at the majority of the tracks and I think myself, the team and the bike can go even faster in 2024. I know the guys haven’t stopped back in the workshop as they prepare for the season and we have a number of riding days and tests scheduled prior to round one to ensure we are in a good place when the championship starts,” Jones comments.

Jones, the defending champion, is now primed for a last-ditch tilt at the title over the final two rounds...
The opening round of the ASBK Championship is ran in conjunction with the first round of the WorldSBK on Feb 23 -25.

The opening round of the ASBK Championship is ran in conjunction with the first round of the FIM Superbike World Championships (WSBK) on February 23 -25.

Editor’s Note: If you are reading this article on any website other than BikeReview.com.au, please report it to BikeReview via our contact page, as it has been stolen or re-published without authority.

BCperformance Racing Team Ready For The 2024 ASBK Season

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PB
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Paris Hardwick will race the Ninja ZX-10RR for his 12th season with BCperformance.

The BCperformance Racing Team and 16-year old Hayden Nelson gear up for an exhilarating 2024 season, introducing a fresh face and embracing new challenges as they proudly unveil the newly homologated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (636) in the competitive Australian Supersport Championship. Release: Kawasaki.

The BCperformance Racing Team and 16-year old Hayden Nelson gear up for an exhilarating 2024 season, introducing a fresh face and embracing new challenges as they proudly unveil the newly homologated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R.
The BCperformance Racing Team and 16-year old Hayden Nelson gear up for an exhilarating 2024 season, introducing a fresh face and embracing new challenges as they proudly unveil the newly homologated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R.

Having showcased remarkable potential during his debut year in the Supersport, Hayden made headlines with an impressive pole position at Morgan Park in the 2023 season. Despite being his first year in the championship, Hayden secured an admirable 8th place overall. Now, with BCperformance making a bold return to the Supersport category after a hiatus since 2018, the anticipation for the upcoming season is palpable.

Hayden Nelson expresses equal enthusiasm for this new chapter, eagerly embracing the challenges that come with riding the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 636. The young rider is poised to make waves in the Australian Supersport Championship, and BCperformance Racing Team is confident that Hayden’s skill and determination will contribute to a thrilling and successful season.

“I’m really excited to join BCperformance for 2024. Although the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 636 has not been raced in ASBK before. Its Australian debut at the Sydney Summer Night Series has shown it to be a competitive bike. I can’t wait to ride the bike and continue the development process with the team. I will be working hard to get up to speed with the bike and tyres as quickly as I can and pushing to be ready to achieve strong results from round 1.”

Paris Hardwick will race the Ninja ZX-10RR for his 12th season with BCperformance.
Paris Hardwick will race the Ninja ZX-10RR for his 12th season with BCperformance.

Using Kawasaki machinery for a 12th year, BCperformance will be throwing all their weight behind Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR mounted Paris Hardwick, who rejoins the team for a 2nd term after finishing his debut season as the Superbike Rookie of the Year and is also eager to get back to business…

“2024 will be my second year with BC Performance, I’m feeling really settled in the team and really appreciate Kelvin and the team helping me learn my way around the superbike. I’m looking forward to my second year in ASBK and really want to make the move up to be in the mix of the top ten.”

Team Manager Kelvin Reilly is looking forward to getting things underway… “It’s going to be a busy and challenging year with 2 riders in 2 different classes and I am keen to get started, we are excited to have Hayden onboard and looking forward to seeing what we can do with the new ZX-6R 636. Paris has been working really hard in the off-season and with his rookie season behind him, I feel he will start to show his speed. Thanks to Kawasaki Motors Australia, Landscapesupplies.com.au, Australian United Timbers, Maximair, and New Holland for their continued support”

Tungate Wins The 2024 Australian Speedway Championship

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PB
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The championship top three: Jack Holder, Rohan Tungate and Max Fricke.

Rohan Tungate is the Australian speedway champion for a second time following a gripping conclusion to this year’s series in Gillman (SA). After finishing second overall in the fifth and final round, Tungate was able to overturn a 5pt deficit to win the Championship by 3pts over Max Fricke! Release: MA.

Rohan Tungate is the Australian speedway champion for a second time following a gripping conclusion to the series.
Rohan Tungate is the Australian speedway champion for a second time following a gripping conclusion to the series.

As a dual Australian champion, Tungate, from Kurri Kurri (NSW), now joins a revered group of riders who have won the Duke of Edinburgh trophy on multiple occasions, including Fricke, Chris Holder, Leigh Adams, Jason Crump, Craig Boyce and Bill Sanders.

Despite a disappointing final round, Fricke’s exceptional body of work, particularly in rounds 2-4 – including top-scoring results in Wodonga and Mildura – saw him still finish second in the championship, 6pts ahead of Jack Holder and Jaimon Lidsey.

The championship top three: Jack Holder, Rohan Tungate and Max Fricke.
The championship top three: Jack Holder, Rohan Tungate and Max Fricke.

To bookmark what has been an exceptional championship, Holder then won a run-off against Lidsey to officially finish third overall, with the leading quartet now locked in for the 2024 Speedway GP qualifiers which culminate in the Czech Republic on October 4. The top three riders in that event earn spots in the 2025 Speedway GP series.

“My main goal throughout the championship was to be consistent and try to make as many finals as possible to keep the pressure on,” said Tungate. “I’m proud I was able to do that, but it wasn’t easy in the face of such strong opposition. There were a couple of hiccups along the way, but I remained hungry and determined throughout and I’m delighted to win my second Aussie title. And to wrap it up at Gillman, one of the best speedway tracks in the country, was really satisfying. Thanks to all the riders who competed, and I especially want to acknowledge Max (Fricke) who put on a great show and is always exceptionally hard to beat.”

Brady Kurtz prevailed in the Gillman final, finishing first in the final round of the series...
Brady Kurtz prevailed in the Gillman final, finishing first in the final round of the series…

The Australian Championship was turned on its head early on at Gillman after Fricke only scored 2pts in his opening three rides – an exclusion and two third places – while Tungate was peerless with four wins in succession. Fricke wasn’t done yet, though. A magnificent rearguard action him win his final two races to sneak into the semi-finals – but that was where his gritty fightback ended as he finished last in the opening semi-final behind Tungate, Jack Holder and Chris Holder.

The weight was then lifted from Tungate’s shoulders, as he only had to finish the final to guarantee championship success – and that he did, finishing second behind Brady Kurtz and in front of Lidsey and Jack Holder.

AMX Superstores Renews Partnership With ProMX Until The 2025 Season

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A procession of Yamaha’s battled for the podium placings throughout the moto...

In a massive show of ongoing support for Australia’s premier motocross series, motorcycle accessory giant AMX Superstores has recommitted to the ProMX Championship until the end of 2025. The 2024 season is already looking to be a spectacular one with some of the biggest names in Australia competing. Press Release: ProMX.

In Pirelli MX2, HRC Honda Racing Australia’s Wilson Todd comes into the Round regaining full command of the Championship after a dominating performance at Gillman.
In a massive show of ongoing support for Australia’s premier motocross series, motorcycle accessory giant AMX Superstores has recommitted to the ProMX Championship until the end of 2025.

AMX Superstores will not only remain as a ‘presented by’ partner for ProMX over the next two seasons, but the retailer will also continue to sponsor the cut-throat MX1 Superpole session – the frenetic battle for final gate positions between Australia’s best riders. The 2024 Penrite ProMX Championship presented by AMX Superstores will begin in Wonthaggi (Vic) on Sunday, March 17.

AMX Superstores, which currently has 31 stores across Vic, NSW, Qld, SA and the ACT, as well as a massive online presence, holds a special place in the ProMX family as a foundation industry partner when the newly branded championship first began in 2021. Furthermore, AMX Superstores was a major player in the motocross scene for well over a decade before ProMX was inaugurated.

AMX Superstores – which began with a store in suburban Melbourne in 2008 – has continued on a massive growth curve.
AMX Superstores – which began with a store in Melbourne in 2008 – has continued on a massive growth curve.

Over the last few years, AMX Superstores – which began with a store in suburban Melbourne in 2008 – has continued on a massive growth curve, with plans to service even more parts of Australia with leading brands across the motocross, off-road, adventure and road segments.

AMX Superstores Business Manager, Rob Farrimond, is delighted to be continuing its support of ProMX.

Aaron Tanti has won the 2022 ProMX MX1 Championship at the eighth and final round of the series that concluded last weekend at the Coolum Pines circuit on the Sunshine Coast.
AMX Superstores will not only remain as a ‘presented by’ partner for ProMX over the next two seasons, but the retailer will also continue to sponsor the cut-throat MX1 Superpole session!

“Being a foundation sponsor, it’s fantastic for AMX Superstores to have the opportunity to extend our future investment and partnership with ProMX,” he said. “The last three years have shown that motocross racing in Australia is on the way up, and we love being amongst it to make the series bigger and better for all fans.”

2024 Penrite ProMX Championship presented by AMX Superstores calendar:

  •   Rd1: March 17, Wonthaggi, Vic 
  •   Rd2: April 7, Horsham, Vic
  •   Rd3: May 5, Gillman, SA
  •   Rd4: May 26, Maitland, NSW
  •   Rd5: June 23, Murray Bridge, SA
  •   Rd6: July 21, Toowoomba, Qld
  •   Rd7: August 11, MX Farm Queensland, Gympie, Qld
  •   Rd8: August 17-18, Queensland Moto Park, Coulson, Qld

2024 Women’s World Circuit Racing Championship Calendar

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PB
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Jerez will play host to the finale of the inaugural 2024 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, with an adjustment to the initially stated dates. The Prometeon Spanish Round is now scheduled to unfold on 18th-20th October at the famed Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto! Release: FIM.

Jerez will play host to the finale of the inaugural 2024 FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship.
Jerez will play host to the finale of the inaugural 2024 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship.

Responding to the dynamic demands of the local events calendar and the request of the township of Jerez de la Frontera, the FIM and Dorna WorldSBK have agreed to delay this year’s curtain closing event by one week.

In a bold step towards inclusivity and diversity in motorsport, the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR) debuts in 2024, reflecting a broader vision and commitment to fostering the growth of women in circuit racing.

2024 Women’s World Circuit Racing World Championship Calendar

The WorldWCR is a groundbreaking initiative designed to maximise the opportunities and potential of young female riders, providing them with a global platform to showcase their skills, as emerging international talent will have the chance to compete under the same conditions as the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, with six rounds running alongside WorldSBK events.

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