Image: Keith Muir.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has confirmed that Yamaha Motor Finance (YMF) will continue as the Australian Superbike Championship’s (ASBK) naming-rights partner for the next two seasons through 2018.

YMF came on-board with the ASBK in 2015 and has now extended into the 2017 and 2018 seasons, solidifying the partnership between the brands and enabling MA to move forward with innovative plans under increased stability.

“We have always shared MA’s vision for the development of the ASBK,” explained YMF Group general manager of financial servies, Brad Ryan. “The successful partnership between Yamaha Motor Finance and the ASBK is a great venture. We are extremely pleased with the outcomes over the past two years.

“YMF isn’t just a finance company, it’s an industry participant. Through our finance and insurance arm, Yamaha Motorcycle Insurance, we’re involved in all types of two-wheel racing. Securing a multi-year agreement with the ASBK championship as the naming-rights sponsor is just another way we can invest in the sport and we’re delighted to be able to do so.

“By cementing our partnership with the ASBK, we continue to raise the profile of both our insurance and finance brands. Together with MA, YMF is maintaining our ethos by supporting motorcycling sport in the country at all levels.”

MA CEO Peter Doyle commented: “Motorcycling Australia is delighted in welcoming Yamaha Motor Finance to the ASBK once again. Both parties have enjoyed a positive and collaborative relationship, helping to develop and grow the Australian Superbike Championship into the success that it is now.

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

The seven-round 2017 YMF Australian Superbike Championship series will get underway alongside the Yamaha Finance round of the Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Phillip Island on 24-26 February.