ASBK 2021 also afflicted by COVID restrictions
The Victorian Premier announced a new state-wide five-day lockdown starting from midnight tonight, Friday February 12, and lasting through until midnight Wednesday, February 17. It had been hoped that this lockdown would have only affected metropolitan Melbourne and thus the ASBK season opener would still have been able to held at Phillip Island. Unfortunately though due to the state-wide nature of the restrictions Motorcycling Australia has been forced to postpone the opening round of the 2021 Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship.
Excerpts from M.A. official statement below
With confirmation of a statewide Victorian lockdown imposed by the Victorian Government limiting travel into and out of the state, the decision to postpone the event was made today to provide certainty to categories, competitors, teams, officials and spectators before the ‘bump-in’ proceedings began.
At this stage, there is no certainty the lockdown will end after the initial 5 day period, and for the event to proceed many attendees will be required to travel into Victoria in the coming days, with many unwilling to do so without a understanding if the event can proceed and on how they may be able to return home once the event concludes.
There is also uncertainty around the level of restrictions once any lockdown ends, making the prospect of hosting this large event a difficult one, given the logistical requirements and uncertainty around gathering numbers and travel between regions.
All spectators who purchased a ticket to this event will be provided with a full refund, and all ticketholders will be contacted in the coming days about this process.
Work will begin shortly to see if an alternative date is possible for this unique event which brings together a spectacular race event of both two and four wheels.
Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle
“Motorcycling Australia and the ASBK Management Team have the responsibility to ensure the safety of our ASBK teams, riders, officials and dedicated fans. Whilst we are very disappointed by the impact of the Victorian Governments decision today with this new COVID-19 lockdown. The safety of our MA members come first, and this means a tough decision needs to be made, and in a timely manner. We thank the ASBK paddock, our championship partners and fans for their understanding at this difficult time, as these circumstances our outside of our control, and are extremely frustrating this close to the inaugural event together with Motorsport Australia. We will work with Motorsport Australia and Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit with the aim to reschedule the Australian All Wheels Race Fest for a new date in 2021. ASBK Championship will now kick off at Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla Victoria for ASBK Round 2 on March 12 -14. We look forward to getting back to the trackside and welcome riders and fans.”
Tickets for round 1 of ASBK Saturday and Sunday, February 20-21, The Australian All Wheels Race Fest are available now via www.asbk.com.au
2021 Australian Superbike Championship Calendar
Round | Circuit | Location | Date |
R1 | Australian All Wheels Race Fest (SBK, SSP, SSP300, R3, OJC) | Phillip Island, VIC | Postponed |
R2 | Winton Motor Raceway (SBK, SSP, SSP300, R3, OJC, Sidecar) | Benalla, VIC | Mar 12-14, 2021 |
R3 | Wakefield Park Raceway (SBK, SSP, SSP300, R3, OJC, Sidecar) | Goulburn, NSW | Apr 16-18, 2021 |
R4 | Hidden Valley Raceway (SBK Only) | Darwin NT | Jun 18-20, 2021 |
R5 | Morgan Park Raceway (SBK, SSP, SSP300, R3, OJC) | Warwick QLD | Aug 20-22, 2021 |
R6 | The Bend Motorsport Park (SBK, SSP, SSP300) | The Bend, SA | Sep 23-26, 2021 |
R7 | Symmons Plains (SBK, SSP, SSP300, R3, OJC) | Tasmania | Nov 4-7, 2021 |