Following the incredibly successful Night Race in the 2023 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Sydney Motorsport Park, Australia's fastest riders will return to the world-class Sydney venue for more of the same electrifying action in 2024.
Thanks to a renewed partnership with Destination NSW, the NSW Government's tourism and major events agency, round two the 2024 ASBK Championship will be held at the 3.93km grand prix circuit in a two-day event on March 22-23.
Once again making full use of the venue's new world class lighting system, the races will be held under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) creating an exclusive and thrilling atmosphere like no other venue in Australia or on the ASBK calendar.
On-track activity will span across both days, with practice and qualifying during daytime followed by the SMSP's 138 light towers being switched on for the excitement and intensity of the ASBK Night Race after the sun sets. Additionally, a smorgasbord of off-track activities will be sure to delight fans young and old, including the ASBK pit area open to the public allowing spectators to get up close to the machines and riders.
The return of ASBK to Sydney joins a lineup of other major events in the harbour city in 2024, with Destination NSW ensuring the biggest events and fastest motorsport championships are hosted in the tourist capital of Australia. It will be a weekend of sights and thrills, both at the track and across this vibrant city.
The 2023 ASBK Night Race at SMSP, the first under lights in the 37-year history of the iconic ASBK Championship that has produced riders like Mick Doohan and Troy Bayliss, showcased the superstars of Australian Superbike racing who put on brilliant racing in front of fans from across Australia.
Ducati rider Josh Waters etched his name into the record books as the first winner under lights at SMSP in the premier Alpinestars Superbike class, and like all his contemporaries was effusive in his praise for the new ASBK Night Race and the Sydney event.
And the great news: we'll get to see the ASBK gladiators do it all again in 2024!
NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, said the return of night-time racing for the Australian Superbike Championship will bring Sydney Motorsport Park to life from day to night.
"Hosting the Australian Superbikes Championship at our world-class Sydney Motorsport Park is already an exciting sporting event on the calendar," he said. "We're creating unforgettable experiences for our city and this race promises to be a standout event for motorsport lovers, as local and visiting fans can watch as riders show off their skills under the bright night lights."
Glenn Matthews, CEO, Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC), the operator of SMSP:
"We are thrilled to welcome back the Australian Superbike Championship in 2024 after what proved to be an exciting and well-received debut under our stadium lighting earlier this year.
"The ARDC, our partners and the NSW Government continues to actively and strategically invest in Sydney Motorsport Park as a world-class venue for both cars and motorcycles. The fast-paced Gardner Grand Prix circuit, combined with leading technology such as the lights, LED screens and new safety advancements, will make for an exciting round for both the riders and the fans of this top echelon of motorsport."
Peter Doyle, CEO, Motorcycling Australia:
"The return of ASBK to Sydney Motorsport Park earlier this year for the first time since 2019 was cause enough for celebration, but to see it happen under lights was simply magnificent.
"The response from all the ASBK stakeholders was positive across the board, so it goes without saying that we're delighted to be backing up again with the ASBK Night Race in 2024.
"I also thank Destination NSW for all its insight and support into making the event happen, and I'm sure we'll again see visitors from all parts of the country witnessing the riders putting on a show which won't disappoint. This is an event not to be missed."
