Allerton and the ASBK will be back in action at the Island with the V8s

As reported previously by MotoOnline.com.au, confirmation came this morning that the Woodstock Bourbon Australian Superbike Championship will feature a round alongside the L&H 500 V8 Supercar round at Phillip Island on 11-13 September.

The announcement was made during a press conference this morning at this weekend’s Sandown round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series, where Yarrive Konsky, Glenn Allerton and Josh Waters joined V8 Supercar bosses Tony Cochrane and Shane Howard to confirm the news.

A plan has been set in place in an attempt to make the Island weekend a motorsports and entertainment festival, with the Superbikes adding to the motorsport prestige on a circuit renowned for two-wheel action.

It was revealed that the Superbike category will have a pair of ten lap races for the weekend, with the opening race set to take place on Saturday before the event is wrapped up with the final leg on Sunday.

At this stage the deal is for one year in a bid to re-spark the two-plus-four concept for the first time in a decade.

More, from a press release issued by V8 Supercars Australia:

For the first time in the history of the V8 Supercar Championship Series Australia’s premium motorcycle category will race on the undercard during the L&H 500 at the world class Phillip Island Circuit.

Australia’s best superbike riders will join the V8 Supercars at the event from September 11-13 with the Australian Superbike Open to feature two 10-lap races on Saturday and Sunday.

It is a coup for the event to have the spectacular mix on one of the few circuits in the country that caters for both world-class touring car racing and world-class two wheelers.

Adding to the announcement it was also revealed that camping facilities would be offered for the first time at a V8 Supercar event at Phillip Island to allow fans of both sports to stay on site. Camping has a long tradition at Phillip Island for the bike races when thousands visit for the events.

Current Australian Superbike Champion Glenn Allerton and second-place Josh Waters rode an exhibition lap at the Norton 360 Sandown Challenge today to announce the partnership.

“It’s been an idea that we have been working on for many years,” V8 Supercar Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard said of the unique dual format.

“In the past the calendars haven’t matched up which has made it very difficult but now, in 2009, we have the opportunity to host the Superbikes and the Australian stars of the sport.”

Mr Howard said it was the format would be run this year with an option to continue in 2010.

Australian Superbike Championship Promoter Yarrive Konsky said he was thrilled with the opportunity to showcase the best two-wheel talent in the country to a new motoring audience.

“In the past, bikes and cars have raced together on the same bill and the format was very well received. I’m glad we are again able to give fans of both racing disciplines the chance to enjoy a weekend of world-class motor racing.”

Prizemoney is yet to be announced, but it is anticipated that the Australian Superbike Open will be one of the richest national road motorcycle events in the country.

The addition of the Superbikes is part of the plan to re-establish Phillip Island as the critical first event of the endurance season and turn it into a marquee style festival to match its status on the racing calendar.

The camping element is also part of this transformation. An exclusive night with the stars is planned for campers only on the Saturday night with food, bands, V8 Supercar drivers and Superbike riders.

Each year more entertainment will be added to build the event into an annual must attend.

The Phillip Island circuit has hosted some of the best events in the V8 Supercar Championship Series including last year’s dramatic climax to the L&H 500 when Holden duo Garth Tander and Mark Skaife beat TeamVodafone’s Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes on the last lap of the race.

This year for the first time V8 Supercars is offering all grandstand ticket holders a free pit lane walk. This is an experience that money can’t buy and is exclusive only to grandstand ticket holders.

Ticket prices will remain the same as 2008 ticket prices. Kids 12 and under receive free general admission access into the event when accompanied with a paying adult. Paddock access is included in the price of all grandstand tickets.

Tickets are available from Ticketek by phoning 132 849. Simply quote your account number or your 2008 seat allocation over the phone and you will have priority access to 2009 tickets.

Alternatively visit ticketek.com.