The countdown to Tasmania’s first round of the YMF Loan Australian Superbike Championship since the turn of the century has begun, with excitement amongst southern motorsport fans and the country’s best motorcycle racers alike rising as preparations are finalised for the September 8-10 round.

The premier national road race series will make its way to the iconic Symmons Plains circuit in just under a month’s time where Australia’s top two-wheeled talents will battle it out around the deceivingly simple 2.4km track, which is characterised by a tight hairpin leading onto a blindingly fast back straight.

Round five is shaping up to be one of the most hotly-contested of the calendar, with the lead for the championship now well and truly up for grabs as Honda’s Russell Holland closes in on Yamaha’s Jamie Stauffer.

Motorsport fans of all disciplines are invited trackside to witness the epic clash take place, and are now able to enjoy the improved circuit facilities and upgrades to the Symmons Plains circuit which make it one of the best venues to experience racing in the country.

Dick Caplice, General Manager of Motorsports Tasmania, said the Symmons Plains upgrades would ensure a fantastic experience for riders, teams and fans alike attending the event.

“Symmons Plains Raceway has seen a $5million upgrade over the past two years and Tasmanians are eagerly looking forward to the return of the Australian Superbike Series after a seven year break from the state and a twelve year break from Symmons Plains Raceway.”

“Incorporated in these works were a number of items specifically required by Motorcycling Australia to enable the raceway to be licenced for motorcycling events, including a new chicane after turn 2 to eliminate a problem corner, realignment of the gravel run-off area at the hairpin corner, including the placement of an airfence and realignment of armco and construction of a ploughed run-off area at the start/finish line.”

“Coupled with the new pit garages and administration buildings Symmons Plains Raceway is the equal of any Raceway in the country for facilities and safety.”

“Competitors will find a completely resurfaced racing circuit with good grip levels so times are expected to be sensationally quick, with some observers noting likely speeds of around 300kph at the end of the long sweeping straight.”

The realisation of a goal to return the Superbikes to Tasmania has been achieved through the combined efforts of ASC Promoter AUSCO led by Terry O’Neill, and Events Tasmania.

The government department has lent valuable support to the staging of the round and this major contribution will continue over the weeks leading up to one of Tasmania’s most anticipated sporting events in 2006.

“Events Tasmania has been fantastic in supporting our bid to return racing to Symmons Plains, firming the ASC’s position as a true national motor racing series,” said O’Neill.

“Along with the extensive improvements to the track, we’re expecting this to be the biggest round yet and are anticipating a large Tasmanian crowd. If the racing at Queensland is anything to go by, fans are in for a real treat with championship battles emerging right throughout the fields of all our competitive classes.”

As well as lending its support to the event, Events Tasmania, in conjunction with AUSCO, has been able to offer a generous travel rebate for privateer riders to assist them in their campaign to race at the round from September 8-10.

AUSCO invites privateer riders who do not currently receive significant sponsorship support to apply for the rebate. In addition to this, there are a number of other travel options which have been provided for competitors, utilising the Spirit of Tasmania or Toll’s shipping transport.

The series’ premier riders will also be involved in a number of media promotions and school visits leading up to the round, spreading the word of the ASC’s return to the ‘Apple Isle’.

In particular, Joe Rocket Honda and the Yamaha Racing Team will take some timeout from their hectic testing schedules in the coming weeks to speak with students of all ages from a number of Tasmanian schools. They will discuss all aspects of the professional sport, from dedication and goal setting to healthy eating and exercise.

Series promoter AUSCO has developed a flexible range of ticketing options which can bring fans within metres of the unprecedented action for a fraction of the cost of any high-end national motorsport event, including the V8 Supercar series.

While there a number of ticket types starting at just $10, the Family Value Pass offers fans the greatest value, with massive savings to be made. For just $50, 2 adults and up to 5 children can get full weekend access to the event, a price unheard of in other motorsport circles.

Fans can rest assured though, the exceptionally inexpensive entry price does not mean they can expect any less of a show, with 7 categories of varying two-wheel competition battling it out in around 16 sessions of practice, qualifying and racing per day.

One of the most well-received initiatives of the promoting body AUSCO has been the introduction of free pit precinct entry including access and great viewing from the pit roof with general admission tickets, allowing fans to explore and experience the fast-paced position of professional riders and team personnel alike.

On Sunday, fans can also partake in the lunchtime autograph session featuring the series’ best racers signing free posters, and will get the exclusive chance to experience the race machinery close-up in the pit walk session

While tickets are available at the gate, Tasmanian ticketing agency Centertainment and its affiliate outlets are providing events tickets for sale now, and fans are encouraged to get in early to ensure they are fully-prepared for the year’s biggest weekend of motorsport so far.

See, hear and breathe the tense showdown between the big name rival manufacturers, including Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki as they rub shoulders in what is sure to be a championship defining round in not only the headline Superbike field but the support classes also.

The Tasmanian round of the 2006 YMF Loan Australian Superbike Championship is supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania.

Symmons Plains is located on the Midland Highway, and is around 30km from central Launceston.

Tickets for round five of the 2006 YMF Loan Australian Superbike Championship are available at the gate, through Centertainment and online and cost:

Saturday: Adult $20
Two Day Pass/Sunday: Adult $35
Two Day Pass/Sunday: Pensioner $20
Two Day Pass/Sunday: Family (2 adults and up to 5 children): $50
Two Day Pass/Sunday: Children (6-15): $10
Children under 6: Free
Event Program: $5

Centertainment
53 Elizabeth Mall, Hobart
Phone 6234 5998

Princess Theatre
57 Brisbane Street, Launceston
Phone 6323 3666

Silverdome
Prospect, Launceston
Phone 6344 9988

Burnie Civic Centre
Wilmot Street, Burnie
Phone 6430 5850

Devonport Entertainment & Convention Centre
145-151 Rooke Street, Devonport
Phone 6420 2900

Internet tickets are sold through TicketsTas.com, phone 6234 2199.

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