Aussie Legend Joins Superbike Masters Field at SMP

Spectators at next weekend’s final round of the 2019 Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park will be in for a special treat, with the Superbike Masters category appearing on the support programme and an Aussie Superbike legend joining the field.

The Superbike Masters category also appeared at the Morgan Park ASBK round, and encompasses a range of Period 5 (1976-82) and Period 6 (1983-1990) motorcycles.

With big, heavy road-based motorcycles such as Suzuki GSX1100, Kawasaki Z1000, Yamaha ZFR1000, Ducati TTF1 and even an Irving Vincent, the category showcases the history of Superbike competition in Australia.

While the emphasis is on historic bikes, this weekend’s round will also feature a legendary rider of Australian motorcycle racing history, six-time Australian Champion Robbie Phillis entering the event on a Harris Suzuki XR69.

Superbike Masters competitor and series liaison Darren Lark said one of the main points of interest is the differences between the various motorcycle brands.

“These days, a lot of current-model motorcycles are very similar in their construction, but back in the 1970s and ‘80s there were different design philosophies,” Lark said.

“A lot of people enjoy the nostalgic aspect of looking at the bikes, and remembering their unique features. Some of the bikes were completely naked, whereas others had elaborate fairing designs.”

The Superbike Masters were popular with the crowd when they appeared on the program at the Morgan Park round, and SMP has attracted 27-bike field. Lark said the riders love the opportunity to perform on the national stage.

“From our perspective, it’s like a group of mates playing cricket, and getting invited to play at the MCG during the lunch break at the Boxing Day Test,” he said.

“At the end of the day, we’re just a group of mates who enjoy racing each other on the track and hanging out off the track, and it’s very cool having the opportunity to race at such high-profile events.”

Lark said spectators at SMP are encouraged to wander through the pits, talk to the riders and experience the machines first-hand.

“We make a point of parking our bikes out the front of the garages, and making sure members of the public can see them up close,” he said.

“We’re all passionate about our machines, and we pride ourselves on our engagement with the fans.”

Tickets for next weekend’s ASBK round can be purchased online HERE.