Arabic version: فقدت جزيرة فيليب بطولة السوبر بايك لصالح جنوب أستراليا
Victoria will host the FIM Superbike World Championships at Phillip Island for the last time in 2027, as the event moves to The Bend in South Australia starting in 2028. This shift marks the second international motorsport event that Victoria has lost to South Australia in just six months.
According to ABC News, the Bass Coast mayor, Brett Tessari, expressed disappointment over the decision, highlighting the financial impact on Phillip Island’s economy. He stated that losing another major event is a significant setback for the community.
Phillip Island has been a prominent venue for superbikes since 1990, and the loss of this event follows the earlier announcement that the MotoGP would also relocate to South Australia in 2027. The MotoGP was estimated to contribute around $29 million to Victoria’s economy and support 284 full-time jobs.
Despite the setbacks, Victorian Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulous reassured that the state government is in “advanced discussions to secure a new world-class event for Phillip Island,” although no formal plans have been communicated yet. Meanwhile, WorldSBK executive director Gregorio Lavilla praised The Bend for its excellent facilities and commitment to motorsport, indicating that Australia remains a vital market for the championship.
The community of Phillip Island now faces uncertainty as it grapples with the loss of these significant motorsport events, with local leaders urging for proactive measures to mitigate the economic fallout.
