Yamaha's factory team features Kevin Curtain, Pat Medcalf and Rick Olson for 2010.

Yamaha Motor Finance has announced its status as naming rights sponsor of the first two rounds of the Australian Formula Xtreme Championship.

YMF is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Australia, the company intending to highlight the quick and convenient loans offered and in particular the current super low 5.99% rate available on selected models.

“The Formula Xtreme road race series draws a big crowd of enthusiasts many of whom would be ideally placed to take advantage of our low finance rates on supersports motorcycles such as YZF-R1 and R6,” explained YMA director/general manager Steven Cotterell.

“Plus with the Yamaha Racing Team competing in this history making all new Australian Championship series and generous free-to-air TV coverage at all rounds, it makes great sense for YMF to be involved.

“The organisers have made a big effort with the series this year and attracted some very competitive teams and riders. We’re sure that the combination of talented riders and exciting race formats on much loved tracks easily reached from major state capitals is sure to attract big crowds and strong grids.”

Yamaha Motor Finance has enjoyed a successful relationship with the Formula Xtreme road race series in the past with various levels of involvement including the supply of a safety air fence – a move very popular with competitors. The Yamaha safety air fence will once again feature in all AFXC rounds.

“We are pleased to welcome Yamaha Motor Finance back on board as a naming rights sponsor,” said AXFC race promoter Terry O’Neill. “Formula Xtreme racing over the last decade and a half has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Yamaha and we look forward to continuing and growing this in 2010.

“History will show that when Yamaha and Formula Xtreme originally started working together from the mid 1990s road racing actually grew substantially in this country, because the racing was first and foremost exciting and fun while still being affordable and providing a level playing field for the majority of competitors.

“Our aims and goals have not changed or swayed from this path and having Yamaha and YMF Loan on board will assist us in achieving the important goal of growing the sport in Australia.”

The opening two rounds will take place at Wakefield Park and Winton Motor Raceway, commencing on 27-28 March.