AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX CONFIRMS SUPPORT CATEGORIES FOR 2017

Valentino Rossi racing at Phillip Island MotoGP – Photo: LAT

The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix have confirmed their support categories for the MotoGP at Phillip Island in October.

In addition to the international MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 classes, the event will feature Australian Superbikes and the first appearance of the Australian Supersport 300 on the Grand Prix schedule.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation General Manager of Motorsport, Entertainment and Industry, Craig Fletcher, is pleased to confirm the two exciting categories.

“With both support categories secured, fans will be able to experience fantastic on-track action at the event,” Fletcher said.

“The Supersport 300 provides young riders the opportunity to compete on the world-stage,” he said.

The Australian Superbikes are a fan favourite, with up to 40 Superbike machines starting on the grid.

The Superbike races again will form the final round of the Phillip Island Championship.

Three-time Superbike World Champion, Troy Bayliss, is excited to watch his 13-year-old son Oli Bayliss compete in the Supersport 300 class at Phillip Island at the same event as the MotoGP elite.

“The shift in classes has seen the boom of the Supersport 300, where young riders and future talent have a chance to gain professional experience,” Bayliss said.

“It will be great to see Oli race at the international Michelin® Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2017 for the first time,” he said.

Motorcycling Australia CEO, Peter Doyle, is looking forward to bringing to fruition the new direction of having the Supersport 300 class as a support category at the event.

“We want to attract up and coming riders to the class and we certainly encourage them to apply for the opportunity to race at an international event,” he said.

“With a jam-packed on-track schedule, we are excited about another thrilling and successful Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix showcasing world-class racing.”

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