2018

YMF Cement ASBK Partnership for Fourth Consecutive Year

Motorcycling Australia (MA) are thrilled that long-term partner Yamaha Motor Finance (YMF) will continue as the official naming rights partner of the Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli (ASBK) for a fourth consecutive year. The partnership doesn’t stop there, with Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance (YMI) once again being the naming rights sponsor for the YMI Superbike class and YMF again stepping up to brand the YMF R3 Cup.

YMF’s partnership with the ASBK Championship is a massive boost for the season ahead, and shows the Yamaha marque has confidence in the direction ASBK is heading. This collaboration, that incorporates one of the most respected manufacturers in the Australian motorcycle industry, just adds to the most anticipated season to date, with pulsating TV coverage, live streaming, near capacity grids and fierce competition.

2018 will be a huge year in ASBK for Yamaha Australia as its Factory Racing Team has expanded to three riders including; Wayne Maxwell and Daniel Falzon (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R1M) in the YMI Superbike Class. Yamaha will also be debuting its brand new YZF-R6 in the hands of Cru Halliday (Yamaha Racing Team, YZF-R6) who will be gunning for the Supersport title on the brand new bike’s debut year!

YMF Group General Manager Financial Services, Brad Ryan commented; “Our level of involvement with ASBK is very enjoyable and rewarding. What we have found over the years with our sponsorship is that year upon year the championship has continued to be philosophically focused on the same things that we are, and that is primarily the growth of the industry and development of the sport. It is our view that if we invest in the sport, everyone will benefit.

“We have believed for a long time, that as the only specialist finance and insurance company in the industry, we have to participate in motorcycle racing at a level quite different from everyone else, and that means putting in a greater level of support.

“The growth of ASBK has been absolutely fantastic for everyone, including YMF and YMI. I think the job the ASBK Team have done is extraordinary and the championship has gone from strength to strength. It has continuously improved with the results now plain to see.

“ASBK is part of an overall strategy for us at YMF and YMI and we are excited to continue our support of not just at the highest level (ASBK), but also down to the grass roots level as well,” Ryan finished.

MA CEO, Peter Doyle shared his excitement for YMF and YMI’s commitment adding; “MA is thrilled to welcome back Yamaha Motor Finance to the ASBK for a fourth consecutive year. Both brands have enjoyed a positive and collaborative relationship, that has put the necessary steps in place for ASBK to thrive.

“In 2017, we saw unprecedented levels of growth, not only of rider and team involvement, but fan and spectator involvement too. It is with YMF that 2018 is set to be one of the most incredible years of racing on record,” Doyle finished.

ASBK will kick off at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on February 22-25, alongside the Yamaha Finance WorldSBK Australian Round.

2018 ASBK Calendar
Round 1- WSBK, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit VIC February 22 – 25
Round 2- Wakefield Park Raceway, Goulburn NSW March 16 – 18
Round 3- The Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend, SA April 19 – 22
Round 4- Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin NT June 28 – 1 July
Round 5- Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick QLD August 17 – 19
Round 6- Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, VIC September 7 – 9
Round 7- Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC October 12 – 14