Endurance racing is set to return to the Australian motorcycle racing calendar

Endurance racing is set to return to the Australian motorcycle racing calendar. Awarded peak status as the 'Australian Endurance Championship', the inaugural 'Phillip Island 1000' will be held on the weekend of 21-23 February, 2003.

Classes will be provided for Production SuperBike, SuperSport and SuperStock.

Commencing with a Le Mans start at 10:00 on Sunday 23rd February, the race will be declared when the winner crosses the finish line after covering a distance of 1,000 kilometres which equates to 225 laps of the magnificent Phillip Island circuit. If 225 laps have not been completed within seven hours then the race will be declared at the seven hour mark.

Managing Director of the Phillip Island GP Circuit, Mr Fergus Cameron - "It is intended that the Phillip Island 1000 will become a permanent fixture on the Australian calendar. We are also delighted that the importance of this event has been recognised in its first year with the awarding of Australian Championship status."

Chief Executive Officer of Motorcycling Australia, Mr David White - "In line with the rules for endurance racing we have an increase in the grid capacity to a maximum of 57 motorcycles and each entry must have a minimum of two and a maximum of three riders."