The issue with 500s at that time was that manufacturer teams were investing large amounts of funding to develop their machines and riders to a level of sophistication that was far removed from what was commercially available to the public.

Australia's flagship road race in 1980 through to 1986 was called the 'Australian Superbike Series', that featured large capacity production motorcycles which at the time, were some of the most competitive in the world 'out of the box'.

Winning bikes were mostly Japanese manufactured inline four cylinder powered machines readily available for public purchase in Australia.

Over the following years, the ASBK has seen unprecedented growth and an increased talent pool, with the Championship forming the perfect springboard for riders and teams to avail themselves of opportunities abroad and on international podiums.

The MA Championship has laid the foundations for riders to not only showcase their talents, but to provide opportunities for the continuing development of their race craft and a clearly defined pathway for progression from junior programs through to the elite Superbike class.