The Australian Superbike Championship will be declared alongside the V8 Supercars in 2010.

Just one standalone round of the 2010 Viking Group Australian Superbike Championship remains at Queensland Raceway next month before the series will enter its final pair of rounds for the season, set to run alongside the V8 Supercars Championship Series to round out the year.

Last year the ASBK joined the V8 Supercars at Phillip Island’s L&H 500 in a non-championship ASBK Open event, the combination expanded for this season to include the Island round plus the Falken Tasmania Challenge at Symmons Plains in Tasmania.

Speaking this week, V8 Supercars Australia CEO Martin Whitaker said the two-plus-four events are a benefit to both categories, happy to have the ASBK affair included as title rounds.

“The L&H 500 Phillip Island is becoming an extremely popular event,” Whitaker said. “Aside from the fact that the event leads up to the iconic Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, the fast and flowing nature of the Phillip Island circuit always guarantees spectacular racing for our fans.

“Last year the bikes were an ideal addition to the event, so it made sense to ensure they were contributing to the action again this year.

“Last year the Superbike championship came down to the final round so we are hoping that bike fans will come out in force, not only at the L&H 500 Phillip Island event, but also at the Falken Tasmania Challenge where their champion will be crowned.”

For the Australian Superbike fraternity, it provides a chance to race in front of a wider audience at V8 Supercar rounds.

“Our riders are really excited about the L&H 500 Phillip Island, it’s always a great atmosphere when we race at a V8 Supercar event,” said ASBK events manager Ben Williams.

“Teaming the V8 Supercars with the Superbikes provides a different dynamic for both sets of fans. Last year when the bikes were on track at Phillip Island pit wall was lined with spectators from the V8 Supercar teams, including all the drivers who were really keen to get a piece of bike action.

“Our riders can’t get enough of Phillip Island – it’s fast and flowing and a great location for spectators to come and watch some of the best motorsport in the country. We are really looking forward to an exciting weekend of racing not only at the L&H 500 Phillip Island event but also to crown our champion at the Falken Tasmania Challenge.”

Also in a boost for the bikes, Supersport will join the Superbikes at the two-plus-four events for the first time in the series’ history.

The L&H 500 Phillip Island will be held on 10-12 September with the Falken Tasmania Challenge on 12-14 November.