Image: Andrew Gosling.

Yamaha Motor Finance (YMF) will continue as the naming-rights sponsor of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) in 2018, marking the fourth year of the partnership.

Initially announced as a two-year extension last year, the agreement sees YMF continue as title sponsor in addition to its support of the R3 Cup category.

“Our level of involvement with ASBK is very enjoyable and rewarding,” explained YMF Group general manager financial services Brad Ryan. “What we have found over the years with our sponsorship is that year upon year the championship has continued to be philosophically focused on the same things that we are and that is primarily the growth of the industry and development of the sport. It is our view that if we invest in the sport, everyone will benefit.

“We have believed for a long time, that as the only specialist finance and insurance company in the industry, we have to participate in motorcycle racing at a level quite different from everyone else and that means putting in a greater level of support. The growth of ASBK has been absolutely fantastic for everyone, including YMF and YMI.

“I think the job the ASBK team have done is extraordinary and the championship has gone from strength to strength. It has continuously improved with the results now plain to see. ASBK is part of an overall strategy for us at YMF and YMI and we are excited to continue our support of not just at the highest level, but also down to the grass roots level as well.”

While YMF will feature as the championship and R3 Cup’s naming-rights partner, Yamaha Motor Insurance (YMI) will continue as the title sponsor of the premier Superbike class through the 2018 season.

ASBK will commence at the Phillip Island in Victoria on 22-25 February alongside the Yamaha Finance WorldSBK Australian round.