The top men of Australian Superbike racing will be broadcast live on Channel 7 alongside the V8s for the final two rounds.

The action from the final two rounds of the 2010 Viking Group Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) will be telecast live to over 1.3 million motorsport fans on Channel 7.

Partnering with the V8 Supercars Championship Series for Phillip Island in September and Symmons Plains in November will provide the country’s best riders a chance to showcase world-class skills to a new audience.

In 2009 over 700,000 viewers tuned in to the two-day L&H 500 Phillip Island telecast, the first of two endurance events for the world’s most popular touring car class.

The first-run ASBK races attracted plenty of interest from spectators, drivers and teams alike, all eager to witness the 1000cc machines in full flight at the sweeping Grand Prix circuit.

Last year’s Tasmanian telecast was also popular with V8 Supercar viewers – over 670,000 tuned in.

Yarrive Konsky, managing director of International Entertainment Group and ASBK promoter, said the live broadcast was a considerable step forward in raising the profile of the championship and its world-class riders.

“The revival of the ‘two+four’ format proved popular at Phillip Island last year and featuring the ASBK as part of the V8 Supercar telecast was a significant decision,” explained Konsky.

“Showcasing the premier Superbike class to a new and enthusiastic audience creates myriad opportunities, the entertainment value of our leading riders dicing at speeds over 300km/h is second-to-none and we’re certain that viewers will be hooked after just one race.

“The telecast will provide a boost for our valuable series sponsors as well as introducing prospective partners to our two-wheel world and is an awesome addition to our exceptional series coverage on Fox Sports.”

Current championship points leader, Cougar Bourbon Honda Racing’s Bryan Staring predicted the hard-fought final rounds of the ASBK would make for entertaining viewing.

“It’s certainly a big opportunity for the ASBK to be broadcast live alongside V8 Supercars. Phillip Island and Symmon’s Plains bring out the best in our bikes and we’re hoping to win over a few four-wheel fans,” said Staring.

“The additional exposure is positive from everyone’s perspective – it’s great for riders, teams, sponsors and fans who might not yet have seen what the series has to offer.”

Races one and two of round six of the Viking Group ASBK (Phillip Island) will be telecast on Saturday, 11 September and Sunday, 12 September respectively.

Races one and two of the final round at Symmons Plains will follow on Saturday, 13 November and Sunday, 14 November.

The live broadcast will complement the Fox Sports package which will also feature all of the action from the final two rounds of the Insure My Ride Australian Supersport Championship.