Just a Quick Note - ASBK Entry Deadline Extended

The Australian Superbike Championship deadline for entries into the first race weekend at Phillip Island has been extended. You now have until 15 February 2010 to get your entry information into IEG and Motorcycling Australia. For all of the detailed information, please click the link below.

http://tinyurl.com/ydyykfm

Friday Afternoon Moto News - ASBK x2 & WSBK

The Australian Superbike Championship has signed on a new naming rights sponsor - Viking Group, an Australian transport, logistics and related services company. Everyone seems happy with the deal, including the organizer of the events, International Entertainment Group.

http://tinyurl.com/yjupp8t

From Alex Gobert comes an article stating that current Australian Supersport Champion Bryan Staring could make a dramatic return to Honda for 2010. It is a rather confusing string of events which have led to this revelation, but it does have to do with Yamaha leaving ASBK to compete in the FX series. Well worth a read...

http://tinyurl.com/ygsc5fs

There are four Australians who will be competing in the World Superbike Championship, and the season starts in only a few weeks. Troy Corser, Chris Vermeulen, Andrew Pitt and Broc Parkes. It is odd to hear such news, though, as I would expect a much larger contingent from Down Under. But, there are Australians in motorcycle racing series all over the planet - maybe that's enough for them...it certainly would be for nations much larger than Australia.

http://tinyurl.com/ykrfog2

Even More Morning News - Andrew Stroud & Aussie Superstock

Andrew Stroud, riding on a Suzuki GSX-R1000, wants to win the New Zealand Superbike Championship and take the trophy which 2009 champion Robbie Bugden now has at his home. Given his results so far - his performance last weekend, specifically - he could be a real threat. This coming weekend is the second round, to be held at Teretonga, so we will see how far he can take his lead.

http://tinyurl.com/ylpdr34

International Entertainment Group (IEG), who are the Australian Superbike promoter, along with Motorcycling Australia, has changed the format for the Superstock series. Superstock A and B riders will compete within the Australian Superbike class, but their points will be decided separately. Superstock groups C and D will ride together in their own class and be scored together. This all came from listening to the competitors involved. How unlikely to hear a motorcycle race series listening to the participants...

http://tinyurl.com/yhrn9kt

Thursday Afternoon Moto News - ASBK, Yamaha and a Bar

Well, it seems that Motorcycling Australia has axed the Superstock B race from the 27 - 29 February 2010 Phillip Island round of the Australian Superbike Championship. Originally, apparently, organizer International Entertainment Group had said that B riders could compete in the Superbike class (for their own separate podium) as the A riders will, but no more. It seems that B, C and D riders will compete together for the remainder of the 2010 season.

http://tinyurl.com/yefj7yt

Now we head off to my (wish it weren't true) hometown metro area, Portland, Oregon. Kelly's Olympian Bar & Diner has been in business wince 1902 (as the Olympian Saloon way back, which was named for Washington's Olympia Brewing Company) and is full of some of the coolest motorcycle-related decor you can imagine. If you are in the area and a motorcycling fan, this is a place for you!

http://tinyurl.com/ybsrrqu

On to a classic machine which may bring back memories from your own riding past. The Yamaha TT500 was made from 1976 until 1981 (at least that was the last year it was imported to the US) and was an impressive machine. It is still considered a lightweight and fun ride and has legions of fans worldwide. It is indeed a very cool looking bike, so go and learn more about it.

http://tinyurl.com/ydmbzc9

A beautiful 1953 Laverda 75 Sport is up next. It was photographed by renowned Australian photographer Phil Aynsley. This bike was made just five years after Francesco Laverda decided to build this machine. It is an impressive piece of work and would look best in my garage!

http://tinyurl.com/yd7dysn

Australian Superbike Championship Keeps Title Sponsor

The ASBK Championship has again signed up with Insure My Ride (IMR) to be the title sponsor for the 2010 season. This is the second year of their association and it is going quite well. International Entertainment Group (IEG), who run the series, are pleased to have them aboard for another season of motorcycle racing!

http://tinyurl.com/y8pnxj6