Adrenaline Fuelled Australian WorldSBK Preview: What You Need to Know
The Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round is just days away, firing off three action packed days at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from the 23rd to 25th February 2024! Between World Superbikes, World Supersport, and the ASBK National Support categories of Australian Superbike, Supersport and Supersport 300, spectators are in for an action packed time with 14 races getting underway across the three days.
The highlight of the weekend will of course be the World Superbikes schedule, in what has been called the New Era of WorldSBK. Major grid shake-ups, fresh faces on the grid, new rules, new crew chiefs, and an ever-determined Aussie Remy Gardner looking to secure a podium in front of his home crowd, this will be one of the most highly anticipated season openers in recent history.
The Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round features two main World Superbike races of 22 laps, starting off with Race 1 on Saturday 24th February at 1600. The next WorldSBK race is scheduled for the 10-lap Tissot Superpole Race 1300, and then finishing with the final 22-lap race of the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round at 1600.
World Supersport is also not to be missed, with spectators getting the chance to cheer on two Aussie lads; Oli Bayliss will headline the D34G Racing WorldSSP Team, as well as a wildcard appearance from Australian Supersport rider, Tom Toparis on the Stop & Seal Racing Yamaha YZF-R6.
This year, World Supersport will have a different running schedule from previous years, with their Tissot Superpole Session now being held on Friday at 1455, with this session previously being held on Saturday.
With the change of schedule, this now means their World Supersport’s Race 1 will be held on Saturday at 1430, and Race 2 at 1430; both races being 18-laps each.
But of course, racers can’t take to the grid without first getting Free Practice underway. Spectators and fans alike will get their first taste of the 2024 season as World Supersport take to the 4.445 kilometre circuit for their first Free Practice at 1025 on the Friday, followed by the first WorldSBK Free Practice session at 1120.
And of course, we can’t wait to bring back the PADDOCK SHOW – offering three days of ultimate motorsport bonanza! From Live commentary, chat shows with all your WorldSBK and WorldSSP riders, as well as features with our National Category riders, and a Sunday chat feature with Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship rider Tayla Relph and R3 World Cup rider Cam Swain.
The on stage action doesn’t stop there – The Paddock Show will also host a number of fun activations with spectators, with many prize giving opportunities coming out of Michael Hills fun and interactive quiz shows and spinning wheels.
The Paddock Show is your sure fire way of ensuring you get to meet your WorldSBK & WorldSSP heroes, running from approximately 10am to 7pm from Friday 23rd February right through to the Final WorldSBK race on Sunday.