Yamaha pledges its support to ASBK

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has announced that the 2015 Australian Superbike Championship will now be known as the ‘2015 Yamaha Motor Finance ASBK Championship’.

The announcement comes as Yamaha Motor Fiannce (YMF) pledged its support as the naming rights sponsor of the series, while the Superbike class of competition will now be referred to as the Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance (YMI) Superbike Class.

With both brands being owned by Yamaha Motor Australia, the announcement is a clear indication of the support and belief that the major manufacturer has in the re-launched series.

The news comes not long after Motul and Pirelli joined forces with the ASBK as presenting partner of the series, adding to the growing support in the motorcycling industry.

Speaking after the announcement, MA CEO Dale Gilson said that he was delighted to welcome Yamaha on board, and will work with all stakeholders to continue to grow the prestige of the championship.

“It’s a wonderful announcement to be able to make when you consider what we are trying to achieve in the ASBK Championship in 2015 and beyond,” Gilson said.

“We are laying the foundations and adding new blocks as we continue to build this series back up to where it belongs, and having the backing of an industry powerhouse like Yamaha proves that we are on the right path.

“We are aware that this new era of ASBK is going to take some time, but the announcement highlights that both Motorcycling Australia and Yamaha – through YMF and YMI are prepared to work together support continued growth in the championship.”

Speaking about the announcement, YMF and YMI General Manager Brad Ryan said that he was pleased for both brands to be aligned to the premier road race series in the country.

“We share MA’s vision for the ASBK race series and envisage a successful partnership with YMF and YMI – Yamaha Motor Financeas the Championship Sponsor, and Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance as the Superbike Class Sponsor,” he said.

“By partnering with the premier national road race series in Australia we will raise the profile of our insurance and finance companies, and by partnering with Motorcycling Australia we’re supporting motorcycling at all levels.”

“We are also pleased to be in a position to assist the sport in a time of change, and to offer a platform from which road racing can rise to the level we think it should be at.”