Image: Russell Colvin.

The 2017 Yamaha Motor Finance (YMF) Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) will be televised live on SBS from Wakefield Park’s second round in March, in a major free-to-air deal for the sport.

SBS will feature a two-hour live broadcast of ASBK events, in addition to an extended six-hour livestreaming package that will also be available on demand. A delayed telecast has also been announced for Fox Sports.

In partnering with AVE for the upcoming season, it’s a major milestone in the ongoing resurgence of the ASBK series.

“We are thrilled to be part of the evolution of the YMF ASBK and provide live viewing opportunities to our audience of a very exciting sport,” SBS head of sport Ken Shipp stated. “The ASBK has come along in leaps and bounds and live TV was the obvious and necessary step for the sport to continue its forward momentum – SBS is proud to be part of this important milestone.

“SBS has long been a great supporter of motorsports both domestically and internationally. SBS has worked with AVE in the past and we can’t wait to assist in the growth of the ASBK by providing an accessible platform.”

Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle commented: “The Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship has gone from strength to strength in the past couple of years as the popularity of the ASBK now shows. Over a long period, we have all worked hard together to shape the ASBK into what we all envisaged it could be.

“We have seen encouraging sponsorship commitments, incredible factory and team support, as well as overwhelming volunteer support for the ASBK. The opportunity to showcase our strong talent pool by televising the ASBK via livestream and free-to-air has come from the outcry of fans everywhere. This is just another indicator of how much interest there is domestically and internationally in the ASBK.”

Phillip Island’s opening round on 23-26 February, hosted as part of the Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) event, will be aired via a delayed telecast on SBS and Fox Sports.