2024 AUSTRALIAN SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP: ROUND 1
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
February 23-25, 2024
The Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit is the most iconic circuit on the ASBK calendar and one of the most popular circuits with both our national and international competitors. And from the very moment you ride the circuit you too will understand why.
A classic and purpose-built motorcycle track that is undulating, fast and flowing suits the rhythm of motorcycling riding perfectly. First opened in 1956 the Island is a pure riders’ circuit.
The Island boasts one of the highest average top speeds for any track around the world, the combination of fast-flowing sweepers, rolling undulations and tight hairpins this is one circuit that balances out the strength and weakness of various machines and riding styles. It means you’re almost always guaranteed close racing.
As popular as the track is with the riders, the Island doesn’t come without with its challenges. The sequence of long sweeping turns and high speeds means that the drive from turn 10 through to 12 onto the front straight at full lean, generates so much heat on the left side of the rear tyre, causing such a massive temperature difference that tyre manufactures have developed a dual compound ‘Island special’ to deal with those differences.
Bike setup is a balance of stability for the high-speed sweepers, rear traction for the all-important drive off the turns and quick turn in character for the tighter Turns Four and 10 without compromising hard braking stability. This is a track you ride white line to white line at full commitment even if you can’t see the exit of the turn.
What makes racing at the Island so exciting, is the race can be won and lost in the run onto the front straight.
The best action for spectators can be seen from Turn 1, 2, 7 and 12.
PHILLIP ISLAND GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT
THE CIRCUIT
Length: 4.448km
Corners: 12
Address: Back Beach Road, Cowes, Vic
Lap records:
- Superbike: Harrison Voight, Ducati Panigale V4R, 1:30.790 (24/02/2024)
- Supersport: Jonathan Nahlous, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:34.682 (24/02/2024)
- Supersport 300: Petr Svoboda, Kawasaki Ninja 400, 1:46.529 (25/02/2024)