Shell Advance Australian Championship classes announced 2004

The structure of the 2004 Shell Australian Superbike Championship has been announced, with four new classes set to join the fray for the first time.

In a move designed to incorporate the “best” classes from the 2003 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship and Formula Xtreme TT Series respectively, NakedBike and FX Pro-Twins have been confirmed as two of the newcomers, joining the established Australian championship classes: Superbike, Supersport, 125 GP, and Sidecar F1 & F2.

In addition, 600cc Superstock for C and D-grade has been retained on the 2004 Shell Advance Superbike program, but still with non-championship status, where it will be joined by another two new entries on the same level: StreetFighter (ie Nakedbike Lites) and Xtreme Ultra-Lites (for 400cc four-stroke and 250cc two-stroke production-based machines).

In addition, consideration is being given to run two support events at each of the rounds: a 1000cc C and D-grade Superstock class, and a Supermotard class for machines up to 450cc.

Meanwhile, 250 GP will retain Australian championship status in 2004, although riders will only compete at one of the rounds.

The rules for each of the national classes are yet to be finalized, although it is envisaged that they will remain largely unchanged from the 2003 versions.

2004 is shaping up as a momentous year for road racing at a national level, following the signing of a landmark commercial agreement between Motorcycling Australia and Formula Xtreme Promotions. The joint venture will be formally known under The Australian SuperBike Company (AUSCO) moniker, and will be managed by Xtreme principal, Terry O’Neill.

“All in all, 2004 is shaping up as a watershed year for road racing in Australia, said O’Neill. “It will be a year in which fans, competitors, distributors and sponsors alike can look forward to with a great deal of anticipation and excitement.”

The 2004 Shell Advance Australian Superbike Championship will be held over seven rounds, kicking off in mid-March before concluding in September. Final touches are still being made on the calendar, with an announcement imminent.

A stand-alone Formula Xtreme TT Championship will also be held in 2004, following the conclusion of the Shell Advance Superbike Championship.