International Entertainment Group, promoter of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), has welcomed Daniel Hutchinson as its general manager as it looks towards another exciting year of growth and innovation in 2011.

Hutchinson has extensive experience in the motorcycling field and ran the Australian Superbike Championship in the first three years of his tenure with Motorcycling Australia (MA).

When a new promoter took over the championship he maintained an active involvement as MA’s event representative, working closely with the promoter, officials and competitors.

His role at MA also saw him work closely with the Australian MotoGP and World Superbike event organisers and the World body for motorcycle sport the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

Hutchinson said he shared IEG’s vision for the ASBK and looked forward to contributing to its development and expansion.

“The profile of the Australian Superbike Championship has grown steadily in the past two seasons with greater spectator numbers and an exciting television package,” said Hutchinson.

“IEG has implemented a number of new ideas during their time as promoter and I look forward to building on these while working with riders, teams, officials and sponsors to increase general awareness of the championship.

“We’re aiming to create a championship that showcases the skill and talent of Australian riders and teams to a larger and broader audience.”

Yarrive Konsky, IEG managing director, said Hutchinson’s previous experience with the championship and commitment to motorcycling would be an asset to the ASBK during a period of strong growth.

“Daniel was our first choice as the new general manager and I am delighted that he has agreed to join us at IEG,” explained Konsky.

“His wealth of knowledge and experience will prove invaluable as we continue to grow the sport and I am certain everyone involved will welcome him warmly.”

Konsky also thanked Ben Williams for his tenacious desire to succeed in the position of ASBK event manager.

“Ben had been with my company for four years and his passion for the sport and the betterment of the sport was equal to mine; I admire how he has grown personally and professionally,” he said.

“He has chosen to move on from his position and enter into project management in fields he was previously qualified in, while continuing to work with Honda SMART and Stroke magazine.

“We have known each other for 14 years and both he and his family have been close to me for a great deal of time. His diverse talents and open-minded initiatives have led him to where he is today.

“We at IEG wish him well and are proud to have been a part of his personal and professional growth.”