Yamaha Racing Team's Kevin Curtain will be back to defend his FX-Superbike crown in 2011.

The YMF Loan Yamaha Australian FX-Superbike Championship will commence at Eastern Creek in New South Wales this weekend, with Yamaha Racing Team veteran Kevin Curtain returning to defend his title claimed last season.

Curtain will go head-to-head with YRT teammates Rick Olson and Pat Medcalf in the FX-Superbike category, with Olson’s confidence sky-high after edging Curtain out for the FX600 title in 2010.

Yamaha’s factory effort will be challenged by NSW-based brothers Glenn and Jason Cullen, 2009 champion Craig McMartin, plus the likes of Zac Davies, Cru Halliday, Aaron Morris, Dustin Goldsmith, Jeremy Crowe, Chas Hern, Brayden Carr and Daniel Stauffer.

“It’s going to be a good season ahead in FX,” Curtain commented. “I’m sure young Rick will be fast and there are a lot of other guys in the series who have shown they can ride pretty good as well.”

Curtain will also contest the FX600 category once again this season, joined by Reece Bancell Scholarship winner Mike Jones as well as fellow young guns Glenn Scott and Josh Hook.

Other categories competing alongside the FX-Superbike and FX600 classes will be the Pro-Thunder/Nakedbikes, Formula Oz and FX125GP/FX400s.

With over 147 riders spread throughout the five classes entered for round one, there is thirty action-packed races for motorsport spectators to enjoy across the weekend (fifteen races per day), with the first race scheduled to start at around 10.20am each day.

Both Saturday and Sunday will include a short lunch break and pit walk for spectators to check out the FX-Superbikes, plus an Umbrella Girl Competition.

General Adult admission for any round of the 2011 YMF Loan Yamaha Australian FX-Superbike Championship is $20 on Saturday with a two-day or Sunday-only pass priced at $30. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult are free.

Admission to the circuit to witness first hand the AFX-SBK’s action is through Gate 7 on Braham Drive.

For any further details contact Australian Road and Track Rider Promotions on 02 48 235 711 in business hours prior to 12:00pm Thursday or by email on [email protected].