Southern Downs Mayor takes on superbike challenge from Wanneroo Mayor

WA’s City of Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts has encouraged Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie to join her in becoming the second Mayor in Australia to ride superbike pillion at this year’s 2016 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship in Warwick.

Round 5 of the superbike championship is set to thrill motorsport fans at Morgan Park Raceway, from August 5 to 7, with Mayor Dobie relishing the challenge by Mayor Roberts and keen to get in on the superbike action.

“I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge or a little healthy competition.

“I believe that Mayor Roberts’ pillion ride speed was an impressive 240 km/h, no mean feat by any stretch of the imagination,” said Mayor Dobie.

Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts shared some thoughts on her 2015 pillion ride, “When you flip the visor down, it can be a bit nerve racking, however sit tight and hang on!”

“As soon as you think, this is pretty good and get comfortable, the warm up is over and the speed cranks up – it was an amazing experience.”

Mayor Dobie said she was also looking forward to the exhilaration of the ride and would keep Mayor Roberts’ advice in mind.

“To get on the back of a superbike with a former Australian or World Champion road racer is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’m feeling the ‘need for speed’,” said an excited Mayor Dobie.

The superbike round is another coup for the Southern Downs region, which has a strong and growing reputation as a horsepower and motorsport mecca.

“Most weekends there’s some sort of motor sporting event being held at Morgan Park.

“Being able to attract major events like the Australian Superbike Championship to our region is fantastic and offers enormous benefits, including national coverage.

“This is ‘gold’ for our community. It’s an opportunity to showcase the Southern Downs region to the visiting teams, riders and race fans.

“Not only does it provide great entertainment for locals, it’s a huge drawcard for visitors who will spend their dollars on accommodation, food and other services while they’re here,” she said.

The Mayor is also looking forward to being the official Round 5 ASBK Grand Marshal and encourages race fans to head along, for what promises to be a thrilling, action-packed weekend.

Fans will also have the chance to ‘Meet and Greet’ with some of the fastest two wheeled riders in Australia, including current Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance Superbike Championship points leader Wayne Maxwell, and strong contender and team mate Glenn Allerton at Rose City Shoppingworld, Palmerin St, Warwick on Thursday, 4 August 2016 from 4:30pm.

For more information on Round 5 of the 2016 Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship, visit: www.asbk.com.au.