The Bend will host the Australian round of the FIM Superbike World Championship from 2028 in another blow to Phillip Island
South Australia will add another major international event to its motorsport portfolio, with confirmation that Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend will host an annual round of the FIM Superbike World Championship from 2028 under a multi-year agreement.
The event will arrive in the championship’s 41st season and gives South Australia a long-term place on the WorldSBK calendar, with The Bend set to become the new home of the Australian round.
Dr Sam Shahin, Managing Director of Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, said the announcement was a landmark moment for both the venue and the state.
“Securing WorldSBK is a significant achievement for The Bend and today’s announcement marks a historic day for motorsport and for South Australia. From the outset, our vision has been to create a proud facility capable of attracting the world’s leading motorsport categories and hosting the highest levels of international competition. A decade on, we celebrate a major milestone; WorldSBK is coming. This championship is set to bring the top motorcycle manufacturers, teams and riders to South Australia, creating a powerful platform that will showcase our venue, our passionate motorsport community and our state to a global audience,” he said.
The inaugural WorldSBK event at The Bend is expected to attract thousands of interstate and international visitors, with the state government backing the event as both a sporting and tourism asset.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the deal strengthens the state’s claim as Australia’s motorsport capital.
“Securing WorldSBK further strengthens South Australia’s position as Australia’s motorsport capital and will deliver significant economic, tourism and profile benefits across the state, and in particular our regions.
“South Australia has built one of the strongest motorsport portfolios in the country.
“From the world-class facilities at The Bend to the Adelaide street circuit, we are attracting premier events, passionate fans and global attention.
“With WorldSBK joining MotoGP, the Adelaide 500 and the AirTouch 500 Enduro, this announcement reinforces our commitment to motorsport and reflects our determination to ensure South Australia remains the home of motorsport in this country.
“It also provides a pathway for the next generation of riders, engineers, officials, volunteers and motorsport enthusiasts to engage with world-class competition right here at home,” said Premier Malinauskas.
WorldSBK sits alongside MotoGP as one of the two top levels of world championship motorcycle racing under the FIM banner, with both sanctioned locally by Motorcycling Australia. While MotoGP is contested by purpose-built prototype machines, WorldSBK is based on heavily modified production motorcycles from brands including Yamaha, Ducati, Honda, BMW and Kawasaki.
Those superbikes can reach speeds approaching 340km/h, making them faster than an Australian Supercar and not far off Formula 1 pace in outright top speed.
The Bend’s elevation to the WorldSBK calendar is another major step for a circuit that has steadily built its reputation since opening in 2018. The venue has positioned itself as one of the most advanced and versatile motorsport facilities in the world, combining multiple circuit layouts with high-end accommodation and corporate infrastructure suited to major international events.
WorldSBK Sporting Director Gregorio Lavilla said the championship sees strong potential in the South Australian venue.
“We are delighted to announce The Bend as the future home of the Australian Round of the FIM Superbike World Championship.
“Australia has always held a special place within WorldSBK, and it remains an important market for our championship, manufacturers, teams and fans.
“The Bend is an impressive venue with exceptional facilities and a strong commitment to motorsport. We believe it provides an outstanding platform for WorldSBK and we are excited to begin this journey together from 2028,” said Mr Lavilla.
The Bend will now join a list of high-profile international circuits on the WorldSBK schedule, with the championship continuing to draw substantial global audiences through track attendance, television coverage, digital channels and social media.
Dr Shahin said the venue is looking forward to welcoming that fanbase to South Australia.
“WorldSBK has an incredibly passionate global fanbase and we look forward to welcoming them to The Bend and delivering an event experience that reflects the significance of this championship and its place on the international calendar,” said Dr Shahin.
Further details on the 2028 event are expected in the coming months, with fans encouraged to register their interest via The Bend.
