The Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) is set to have an even greater presence in the 2010 V8 Supercars championship as the country’s premier two and four wheel categories join forces to compete at the upcoming races at Phillip Island and in Tasmania.

It will be the second consecutive year the bikes and the V8 Supercars will be at the L&H 500 Phillip Island and the Falken Tasmania Challenge in a move that’s sure to grab both bike and car racing enthusiasts.

In 2009 the ASBK joined the V8 Supercars at Phillip Island, and V8 Supercars Australia CEO Martin Whitaker said the combination was a benefit to both categories and would be expanded on this year, with the final ASBK round set to be staged at the Falken Tasmania Challenge.

“The L&H 500 Phillip Island is becoming an extremely popular event,” Whitaker said.

“Aside from the fact that the event leads up to the iconic Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, the fast and flowing nature of the Phillip Island circuit always guarantees spectacular racing for our fans.

“Last year the bikes were an ideal addition to the event, so it made sense to ensure they were contributing to the action again this year.

“Last year the Superbike Championship came down to the final round so we are hoping that bike fans will come out in force, not only at the L&H 500 Phillip Island event, but also at the Falken Tasmania Challenge where their Champion will be crowned.”

For the Australian Superbike fraternity, it provides a chance to race in front of a wider audience at V8 Supercar rounds.

“Our riders are really excited about the L&H 500 Phillip Island, it’s always a great atmosphere when we race at a V8 Supercar event,” said ASBK Events Manager Ben Williams.

“Teaming the V8 Supercars with the Superbikes provides a different dynamic for both sets of fans. Last year when the bikes were on track at Phillip Island pit wall was lined with spectators from the V8 Supercar teams, including all the drivers who were really keen to get a piece of bike action.

“Our riders can’t get enough of Phillip Island, it’s fast and flowing and a great location for spectators to come and watch some of the best motorsport in the country.

“We are really looking forward to an exciting weekend of racing not only at the L&H 500 Phillip Island event but also to crown our Champion at the Falken Tasmania Challenge,” he said.

The L&H 500 Phillip Island will be held on September 10-12 with the Falken Tasmania Challenge on November 12-14.