IEG has confirmed it’s proposed to promote the ASBK series once again in 2014. Image: Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport.

International Entertainment Group (IEG) managing director Yarrive Konsky has confirmed the Melbourne-based company is eager to retain the rights to promote the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) in 2014 and beyond.

A potential merger of sorts with the rival FX-Superbike (AFX-SBK) series was on the cards until Wednesday this week, when AFX-SBK promoter Australian Road & Track Rider Promotions (ARTRP) confirmed that it would in fact continue as a separate series after Motorcycling Australia (MA) ceased negotiations.

Click here for more information on the potential merger before negotiations broke down.

Click here for ARTRP’s announcement that the AFX-SBK will remain separate to the ASBK.

While MA is yet to make a formal decision on the series structure in 2014 according to CEO David White when contacted by CycleOnline.com.au on Thursday and today, Konsky is adamant that it’s in IEG’s best interests to continue hosting the series for a sixth consecutive season and beyond.

“We have always maintained our interest in running ASBK,” Konsky said. “We integrated the original merger. We wanted one championship and if this couldn’t occur we wanted to maintain running the championship.

“We are still in discussion with regards to the contract. It will be based on many variables all in which will be measured.”

And if IEG does secure to promotional rights for next year and the future in a contract extension, Konsky has promised a more efficient and stable platform for competitors to base their plans and racing careers upon.

“The changes we make will ensure the competitors will be better catered for,” he added. “The past five years have been difficult particularly the inconsistency of the market. It has been hard to implement the changes we wanted when the market was unstable.”

Next season will see the return of a single 1000cc category in the ASBK under IEG’s management if it retains the rights, the decision on specifications to be made in coordination with those intending on competing in the series.

“I can state there will be one single Superbike class for 1000cc motorcycles and the competitors will be asked to submit their preference on rules so a neutral majority ruling can determine the class regulations,” Konsky continued.

“This will be handled through Motorcycling Australia, IEG and the commission and the results will be made public so there are no conspiracies. All other areas of change will be released in due time. One area competitors should know is MA has their best interests at heart and that’s been evident throughout the process.”

An announcement is anticipated to come via Motorcycling Australia next week, potentially as soon as Monday, according to White.