2017 ASBK Round 4 confirmed for Hidden Valley
Motorcycling Australia has confirmed that round four of the 2017 Australian Superbike Championship will be held at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin on July 6-9.
This exciting development cements a return to the “Top End” for ASBK and also confirms the final piece of the puzzle of the seven round 2017 ASBK calendar.
Darwin will play host to the round at Hidden Valley Raceway which has been made possible with the collaboration of Motorcycling Australia (MA), Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) and Motorcycling Australia Northern Territory (MANT). This partnership with ASBK now brings another major event to the Northern Territory, in a move that sees the ASBK championship return to the highly regarded 2.87km circuit, after a four-year absence.
Northern Territory Major Events General Manager Andrew Hopper shared his excitement on the news, “It’s great to have the ASBK return to the Top End, this partnership brings another significant national event to the Northern Territory.” Mr Hopper said. “High profile events like this provide great tourism opportunities and also generate a boost to the business and hospitality industries. The event will also be welcomed by all motorbike fans, who have long wanted a return of two-wheel racing.”
“It’s expected that the return of the ASBK to Darwin will open up further motorsport opportunities in the Northern Territory. Through demonstrating our ability to stage championships of this calibre, we increase the potential opportunities to host international standard motorcycle events in the future,” Mr Hopper concluded.
President of MANT and local City of Darwin Alderman, Mr Garry Lambert is elated at the news, commenting; “Motorcycling Australia Northern Territory is privileged to be working in partnership with Motorcycling Australia, ASBK, Top End Road Racing Association (TERRA) and the Northern Territory Government to again host a round of the ASBK in Darwin for Territorians.
“Hosting a round of the premier road racing event in Darwin, signals Darwin as a sporting destination of choice and will provide a significant economic stimulus to the region. The selection of Darwin as a round of the ASBK adds significant value to the ground-breaking work MANT and TERRA are doing in promoting Darwin as a sporting destination throughout Asia.
“The ASBK will attract world class talent to Darwin, the event will provide a platform for local riders to test their talent against the best in Australia. Local riders will be included in the program, ensuring an exciting event for spectators”. Mr Lambert concluded.
ASBK round four event dates are set as July 7-9, however arrangements have been made for an Official ASBK Test day on July 6 to allow competitors to either refresh themselves or become acquainted with the exciting track layout.
MA’s CEO, Peter Doyle added “It is great to see the ASBK championship heading back up to Darwin and Hidden Valley, a venue that is very popular with the teams and it is a circuit enjoyed by riders. This is a timely decision for everyone involved in the ASBK in 2017, from riders and spectators and volunteer marshals. We very much look forward to returning north for the highly anticipated July round of the ASBK and once again visiting our friends in the “Top End” he finished.
Revised 2017 Australian Superbike Championship Calendar
- Round 1 Phillip Island GP Circuit, WSBK, VIC / 23-26 February
- Round 2 Wakefield Park Raceway, NSW / 17-19 March
- Round 3 Winton Motor Raceway, VIC / 28-30 April
- Round 4 Hidden Valley Raceway, NT / 7-9 July
- Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, QLD / 25-27 August
- Round 6 SMP Eastern Creek, NSW / 8- 10 September
- Round 7 Phillip Island Circuit, VIC / 6- 8 October