Yarrive Konsky remains at the helm of the ASBK. Image: Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport.

International Entertainment Group’s (IEG) Yarrive Konsky has moved to dispel speculation that he is “walking away” from the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) promoter’s role.

Questions were raised after an emotive social media post earlier in the week, which Konsky has clarified as a personal update to those within his network, rather than a public announcement about business matters.

Konsky denies distributing this update through email channels, where it has since appeared with a heading suggesting he was suspending his position.

“There is no denying the motorcycle industry, in fact the automotive industry is finding it difficult in a tough economic climate,” Konsky told CycleOnline.com.au. “Ford and Holden are being survived by the federal government.

“As for quitting – never. I will never give up. There is no denying I wear my heart on my sleeve. I jumped off social media this week in an effort to concentrate solely on my group of companies as well as my health and fitness.

“I would prefer to spend less time behind the screen of my computer and more time behind the bars of a motorcycle – that’s it.”

Konsky revealed that the Melbourne-based IEG has recently undergone a restructure, with the appointment of two new staff to focus solely on the ASBK.

“We have two new staff working in IEG in an effort to build on the current success of the Australian Superbike Championship,” he said. “We realised that we needed to employ strategic and financial planners as we prepare to move forward.

“We have short and long term plans and we are fully focused on making progress, including off-track activation to ensure we reach a diverse market.

“We are working with the manufacturers and dealers in an effort to bridge the gap between IEG, their consumers and our respective spectators.”

He identified the Tasmanian round, where the ASBK shared the track with V8 Supercars, as a significant achievement for the sport in relation to viewership.

“If anyone can’t see value in over half a million people watching the sport live on TV I will re-visit the very reason we were given the rights to promote the championship,” he said.

“Tasmania alone was the second biggest event for motorcycle sport in Australia to MotoGP. World Superbikes do not come close to that TV audience in Australia and its value is priceless.”

Konsky added that a series of announcements in the coming weeks will outline further plans for the ASBK and its future success.

“Motorcycling Australia and our sponsors as well as our partners are working vigorously in an effort to build a better program that can reach a much larger audience,” he said. “What we have in store for next year and the years thereafter is something I am very excited and proud about.”

The next round of the Australian Superbike Championship will be held at Queensland Raceway from 14-16 June.

CycleOnline.com.au spoke to Yarrive Konsky in an exclusive two-part Industry Insight feature last month. Click here to read part one, and click here to read part two.