The long summer wait for the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) is almost over for riders and fans alike, with the 2012 ASBK set to get underway in less than a month.

The first round of the Series will burst into life on 24-26 February at the iconic Phillip Island Circuit, taking to the track alongside the opening round of the World Superbike Championship (WSBK).

Spectators will be able to well and truly quench their summer Superbike thirst at the Island, with five Aussie riders booked on the World Supers stage and a complete program of ASBK action set down for the weekend.

In addition to the traditional array of ASBK classes, spectators will also be treated to the first showing of the new national Championship 250 Production class.

Introduced to foster new talent and provide a pathway for riders looking to get into Road Racing, this new class is sure to add an exciting new dimension to the Aussie Road Race calendar.

The 250 Production class is open to riders aged 14 and over, and provides a choice of five eligible bikes: Kawasaki Ninja 250R (released 2008); Honda CBR250R (released 2011); Hyosung GT250R (released 2008); Megelli 250R and 250SE; Daelim VJF250 (released 2009).

The class is generating strong competitor interest ahead of its debut, with riders of all ages signing on to tackle the 2012 Championship.

Enthusiasm for the class is being echoed around the nation, with Western Australia running a 250 Production class alongside the F2 class, and the inclusion of an aligned 250 Production class in the 2012 Victorian Road Racing Championships.