MNZ Road Race Commissioner shares that ASBK could be on future NZ radar

The Superstock 1000 class was re-introduced as a support class for the 2016 NZSBK Championship this was to gauge interest given the diminishing numbers at the 2015 NZSBK Championship in the Superbike class and the calls from riders to reduce the cost to build a NZ Superbike.

Coincidentally, Motorcycling Australia have introduced a much closer to OEM engine specifications for their Superbike and have expressed interest in closer trans-Tasman competition.

With this in mind, for 2017 our intent is to leave NZ Superbike regulations unchanged for another year and to align Superstock 1000 with that of Australian Superbike. Then in 2018 align our Superbike specification with that of the Australians and work toward holding a round of ASBK in NZ and a round of NZSBK in Australia.

In 2017 NZ Superstock 1000 bikes would be eligible for Australian Superbikes and vice versa if riders want to come to NZ for pre-2018 testing and set up.

The Trans-Tasman competition should generate media and spectator interest in both countries and may be combined with FIM Oceania competition.

Motorcycling NZ and Motorcycling Australia are in discussions and will release further media statements as they eventuate.

Greg Percival
MNZ Road Race Commissioner