WATCH Round 1 of the 2022 Australian Superbike Championship LIVE, FREE and in HD on SBS and via SBS On Demand from 1pm (AEDT) Sunday, February 27.
The Championship will run across eight rounds this year - with the first round set to showcase the brightest talents in Australia from the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, as the riders prepare for their first competition after undertaking official pre-season test laps on the same track in the past week.
And judging by the pre-season test, all eyes will be on three-time champion Wayne Maxwell as he sets his sights on securing a historic fourth title, and third in a row, in the midst of an incredible run of form for the 39-year-old, who holds the current record lap on the Phillip Island circuit.
Maxwell dominated last year's final round at the Bend in South Australia to claim back-to-back titles by a huge 43 points, with many speculating the race would be his last in an illustrious career, but the veteran will return once again with the chance to cement his legacy in the sport.
But it won't be an easy feat, as the 'Wayne Train' faces stiff competition from five other former champions including Troy Herfoss, Brian Staring, Glenn Allerton, Mike Jones and Josh Waters, who will all no doubt have their focus firmly on the winner's podium at season's end.
Outside the field of former champions are a host of regular participants looking to take that first crown in their careers - with Lachlan Epis, Ant West, Arthur Sissis, Cru Halliday, Jed Metcher, Daniel Falzon, Aiden Wagner and Matt Walters all possessing the potential to set the season alight.
Rookie riders Brock Pearson and Max Stauffer round out a field with talent and skill across the board that promises an incredible weekend of intense racing - culminating in Sunday's race - that will set the stage for a memorable Superbike season.
Sunday, February 27
Motorsport: Australian Superbike Championships - Round 1, Phillip Island Victoria
1:00pm - 4:00pm (AEDT)
LIVE on SBS and SBS On Demand
