In yet another body blow for the beleaguered Australian Superbike Championship (ASC), Yamaha has officially severed ties with the national title to join the rival Formula Xtreme series in 2010.
The Yamaha Racing Team (YRT) had previously loosened ties with the ASC by pulling out of superbike in 2010, but now its withdrawal is wholesale. The company is citing a "need to be cost effective and to promote the growth of grass roots racing by competing with machines that (are) close to showroom spec".
The decision by Yamaha leaves Suzuki as the only factory-supported Japanese team in this year's ASC, where it will compete alongside European brands Aprilia, KTM and Ducati in the premier superbike class.
"Yamaha wants to promote growth in road racing in Australia, both in participation and spectator numbers. In order to achieve this, we believe a move toward the grass roots and in particular superstock machines is necessary," said YMA Director and General Manager Steven Cotterell.
"Racing bikes that are close to showroom-spec makes for close dicing action, it decreases the gaps between privateers and factory race teams which should offer a more level playing field. And it should also encourage customers to head to the showrooms to buy similar bikes.
"The Formula Xtreme Series offers the classes, the infrastructure and the most suitable venues to achieve the goal of re-energising road racing in Australia. Because the FX series is a two-part championship that takes place in summer and winter 2010, it offers both a high level of flexibility and cost effectiveness. And the extra events will allow increased exposure for competing race teams.
"Yamaha remains dedicated to road racing in a cost effective environment that will continue to promote the sport and foster home-grown riding talent."
The 2010 Australian Formula Xtreme Championship will be held over five rounds between March and October, and is being sanctioned outside the auspices of the national controlling body, Motorcycling Australia.
The Formula Xtreme organisation, owned by Terry O'Neill, was the ASC promoter until the end of 2008 before it was sacked by MA in favour of the Melbourne-based International Entertainment Group.
Reigning Australian supersport champion Bryan Staring will compete in the FX1000 and FX600 classes at Formula Xtreme, while Pat Medcalf and Rock Olson will be FX1000 and FX600 campaigners.
All three riders will also make a cameo in the opening round of the ASC at Phillip Island from February 26-28, on the support class program for the local round of the Superbike World Championship. The trio will ride in the supersport class.
Yamaha is the naming rights sponsor for the world superbike round.
The 2010 Formula Xtreme calendar is as follows:
Wakefield Park (NSW) -- March 27-28
Winton (Vic) -- June 5-6
Eastern Creek (NSW) -- July 3-4
Wakefield -- September 11-12
Eastern Creek -- October 30-31
Published : Friday, 5 February 2010