GSX-R Show N Shine at ASBK
To celebrate the release of the all-new 2017 GSX-R1000 and the dominant performance by Josh Waters and Team Suzuki at Round 4 of the Yamaha Motor Fianance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK). Suzuki will be hosting GSX-R Show ‘N’ Shine events at both Round 5 from Morgan Park, 27th August and Round 6 from Eastern Creek, 10th September! Suzuki’s Marketing Manager Lewis Croft was on hand to talk about the exciting GSX-R Show N Shine and Suzuki’s year so far.
Where did the idea for the GSX-R Show n Shine originate?
“The original concept was developed, as I thought about how could I integrate Motorcycling Australia (MA) and our loyal group of followers,” said Croft. “The result was, since we were releasing the new GSX-R, why don’t we celebrate and have our loyal followers and race fans bring their own bikes, give them a polish and enter them in the Show N Shine.”
Fan Engagement is all the rage this days, is the GSX-R Show N Shine a great way to get fans involved?
“Absolutely, we really want fans of the ASBK to get involved and feel like they are a part of a motorcycling community” according to Croft. “Queensland and Sydney have a large following of GSX-R fans, so I believe this will be a great opportunity to provide those riders and race fans with an opportunity, not only watch the race, but feel involved as well.”
How is the GSX-R Show n Shine Divided?
“Prizes will be awarded for the following categories: Best Pre 2017, Best Pre 2000, Best Pre 1990 and Best in Show, Croft stated. “There are so many great GSX-R’s from many different eras and the rewards for different categories allow bikes from all different eras to have their time in the spotlight!”
What are the Rewards?
“We’re giving away plenty of Suzuki products on offer and we thought not only would it be cool to hand out trophies but to also give them the opportunity to win great products to use for their motorcycles,” said Croft.
Suzuki has really invested heavily into its racing program this year?
“Everything fell into place,” According to Croft. “Credit to Motorcycling Australia and everyone involved, they’ve got all the manufacturers racing again. The series is strong and the competition is fierce. Its not a one sided affair and with several bikes being debuted, it just marks a great time to get involved with ASBK again.
“Our company slogan is to ‘Own the Racetrack’ so we better back that up and compete! The coverage with the Live Streaming and Television is buoyant and we believe the ASBK is the best way to display the new bike. As a point of promotion it’s so strong.
“This has been a development year somewhat, we are very excited about next year and we’ve had a lot of interest from several teams that are looking to race the new GSX-R for next year,” Croft said.
With Josh Waters taking two commanding wins at Darwin, what’s the atmosphere in the Suzuki camp like lately?
“There has definitely been a buzz in the Suzuki office lately!” according to Croft. “Considering we only had access to the bike a few days before the start of the ASBK season, the progression has been impressive. It has been a steep development curve but finally everything has clicked. The bike was fantastic at Darwin, and everyone is ecstatic, after we achieved mixed results in the opening rounds. Josh (Waters) had been running around on a different bike in terms of suspension, but then we reverted to the Showa balance free fork, balance free rear cushion shock absorber and the upper stack suspension, it paid dividends immediately. It also takes a lot of time and money to get your electronics set up and we’ve finally got that dialled in.”
Is there optimism that the results shown at Darwin can be maintained or was Josh (Waters) simply on fire?
“I believe we can really finish the season on a high, with Morgan Park (QLD), Eastern Creek (NSW) and Phillip Island (VIC) still on the calendar, said Croft. “Although Morgan Park will be a new circuit for us, I have no doubt that Josh (Waters) can be very quick there, with his head in the right frame of mind and the bike in strong form, we can absolutely compete at the front. Our rival teams may have more experience than us at the remaining circuits, but we wont write ourselves off at all. It’s all about qualifying high up on the grid and delivering in the race,” Croft finished.
For more information visit suzukimotorcycles.com.au
2017 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship Presented by Motul Pirelli Calendar:
Round 5 Morgan Park Raceway, QLD 25-27 August
Round 6 SMSP Eastern Creek, NSW 8-10 September
Round 7 Spokes.com.au presents Phillip Island Circuit, VIC 6-8 October
Follow the ASBK to stay up to date with all the latest news and updates by liking ASBK on Facebook, following the @asbk on Instagram and checking out the ASBK website here.
Can’t make it to the track? Then make sure you watch the ASBK, Sunday on channel SBS or Live Stream on asbk.com.au.
