The final round of the 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at The Shell V-Power Motorsport Park from November 8-10 will now enjoy a thrilling international flavour thanks to the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU Asia-Pacific Championship.
The R3 Asia-Pacific Championship was introduced in 2024 to foster emerging talent in the Asia-Pacific region, drawing 21 riders from across six nations – including Oceania young guns Ryan Larkin from Australia and Haydn Fordyce from New Zealand – who are taking the next step in their careers via the intensive Yamaha training, mentoring and development program.
The R3 championship adds another international element to The Bend’s 2024 calendar joining Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia and FIA Formula 4 Australia in bringing international teams and drivers to the South Australian capital.
The championship, which utilises identical race-prepped Yamaha YZF-R3s, will be held over six rounds in 2024 across circuits in Thailand, Japan and Australia.
Round one was held at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand on April 5-7, with the top five in both races separated by just half a second.
Larkin's second and fourth places in round one has him sitting fourth in the championship, behind Japan’s Kakeru Okunuki in first place.Further rounds will be held in May, July, August and September before the massive finale in South Australia.
There will be a smorgasbord of on-track action at The Bend, with the young stars of the Asia-Pacific to share the circuit with six ASBK classes: Superbike, Supersport, Supersport 300, R3 Cup, Oceania Junior Cup and Superbike Masters.
Larkin is also a competitor in the Australian Supersport 300 Championship, so the 17-year-old from Gonn Crossing in Victoria will likely be on double duties at The Bend – a superb 18-turn layout which will provide the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU Asia-Pacific Championship riders with myriad passing opportunities.
Alistair MacDonald, CEO, Shell V-Power Motorsport Park:
“The Grand finale of the Australian Superbike Championship is one of the biggest events on our calendar. To add another grid of 21 drivers from 6 nations is fantastic for South Australia and our surrounding region.
We cannot wait to welcome the next generation of two-wheel stars and the entire Australian Superbike Championship to The Bend in November.”
Peter Doyle, CEO, Motorcycling Australia:
“The Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) and Motorcycling Australia is delighted to be hosting the final round of the 2024 R3 bLU cRU Asia-Pacific Championship at the world-class The Bend circuit in South Australia.
“We already know the Yamaha R3 Championship racing will be fiercely competitive as the emerging stars of the Asia-Pacific region race hard and push their machines to the limit. The races will be great to watch!
“The Bend provides a great circuit for the riders to display their full abilities and skills, and we look forward to including these international competitors into the final round of our ASBK Championship.”