The Adelaide Motorcycle Festival was the venue for today’s announcement that Mondello Park's flagship Motorcycle Racing Championship, the 'Adelaide Masters Series' will continue into its second year with Motorcycle Insurance Specialists 'Adelaide Insurance' as title sponsor.
The 2012 series was launched by Mondello Park Managing Director John Morris, Adelaide Insurance Services Nichola Pearce and Wilson McKibbin of Bishopscourt, with the assistance of 2011 Superbike Champion Kirk Jamison and 2012 competitors Brian McCormack and Steve Mercer.
The biggest news for the growing series is the addition for the first time of an event outside of Mondello Park. For 2012 the championship will increase to five events with the Superbike and Supersport classes taking in one round at Bishopscourt Co. Down, alongside the four events at Mondello Park in Co. Kildare.
Amongst the announcements was the return to an open tyre formula which will see the 'Cup' class joining the overall championship in allowing riders to use tyres from any manufacturer. TV coverage will also continue on UTV during 2012 with a possible switch to a one-hour weekend afternoon slot.
A very successful début year in 2011 has led to enormous interest amongst riders and teams, with a number already committed to competing this year and many more working on adding the Adelaide Masters Series to their road racing or BSB campaigns. Already committed are 2011 Superbike winner Kirk Jamison, former Irish Superbike Champion Brian McCormack and the JMF Milsport team with new signing Steve Mercer.
Speaking at the launch Mondello Park MD John Morris stated, “we couldn’t have wished for more in our inaugural season and together with Adelaide Insurance Services, we’re delighted to progress the series to the next level with a round in Bishopscourt this year“.
Adelaide Insurance Services' Nichola Pearce said, “We’ve enjoyed working with John Morris and his team over the past year and Adelaide’s investment in this event is helping us raise awareness of our motorcycle insurance service in Ireland - so all good reasons to continue supporting it.”
While Wilson McKibbin of Bishopscourt also commented, “The Directors and Management of Bishopscourt Racing Circuit are delighted to be running a round of the Adelaide Masters and look forward to working with John Morris and Adelaide Insurance.“
The championship kicks off with the first three rounds at Mondello Park on the weekend of April 21st and 22nd and continues through to the big finale on October 6th and 7th.
2012 Adelaide Masters Series Dates
Rounds 1, 2 &3 - Sat/Sun April 21st/22nd (Mondello Park National Track)
Rounds 4, 5 & 6 - Sat/Sun June 23rd/24th (Mondello Park National Track)
Rounds 7 & 8 - Sat August 18th (Bishopscourt)
Rounds 9 & 10 - Sun September 2nd (Mondello Park National Track)
Rounds 11, 12 & 13 - Sat/Sun October 6th/7th (Mondello Park International Track)
For further information on the 2012 Adelaide Masters Series see www.mondellopark.ie.