A year after COVID-19 decimated Tasmanian motorsport, the 2021 calendar could hardly be busier.
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Just days out from the prestigious Australian Racing Group double header kicks off at Symmons Plains, the same venue was confirmed to host the return of the Australian Superbikes for the first time since 2015.
With the Supercars returning in May and both Targa Tasmania and the Australian Rally Championships also back on the agenda, revheads have plenty to look forward to.
Motorcycling Australia operations director Martin Port joined former World Supersport 300 rider Tom Bramich at Symmons on Wednesday when Minister for Events Sarah Courtney announced the category's return.
"We are thrilled to be coming back to Tasmania, expanding the national footprint of the championship, providing world class racing to our national and international audiences as well as showcasing what an amazing destination Tasmania is to visit," Port said. "With critical championship points on the line in each class, Tasmanian fans are guaranteed to see scintillating racing action and we can't wait to see them at the track."
It is anticipated that nearly 1000 participants and support crew will travel to Tasmania to take part in races across categories from the Oceania Junior Cup, for riders aged 11 to 16, through to the Australian Superbike category featuring some of the largest capacity motorcycles available on the domestic market.
The Tasmanian government provided $150,000 in funding through Events Tasmania to assist with transport costs for interstate competitors.
The last time a round of the championship was held at Symmons Plains, it attracted more than 4000 fans.
On track action will begin on Thursday, November 4, with a two-day practice program before an action-packed weekend of racing.
The event will include public signing sessions, pitlane walks and a trade alley expo. It will receive extensive exposure for Tasmania by being televised across Australia and Asia.
Local Tasmanian riders who will also be competing in the ASBK Championship, and were in attendance at the launch, included Oliver Skinner (2021 Oceania Junior Cup), Jesse Woods (ASBK YMI Supersport 300), Cody Travers (Kawasaki Superbike) and Jason Spencer (Kawasaki Superbike).