Suzuki Australia will be the major sponsor of this year’s seven-round Australian Superbike Championship that begins next month in New South Wales. The new arrangement sees Suzuki offer financial support to the nation’s premier national road racing championship, covering the series and visiting all six states of Australia. Said Glyn Griffiths, National Marketing Manager – Motorcycles, Suzuki Australia: “Team Suzuki has achieved major success in Superbike racing both in Australia and around the world. “With Australian riders, Suzuki has the reigning World Superbike Champion, the current AMA Superbike title and we have won four of the last six Australian Superbike Championships. “Suzuki’s new role as a major sponsor of the Australian Superbike Championship befits our position as a major, dominant force in Superbike racing on the domestic and world stages. This relationship with series promoter, AUSCO, is a natural extension of our commitment to racing both locally and globally. “Becoming a major series sponsor for the Aussie Superbikes is just one area in which Suzuki is stepping up its racing activities for 2006 and we are extremely excited and confident about our new race program,” he added. AUSCO General Manager, Terry O’Neill is delighted about the new partnership with Suzuki Australia. He said: “This is a significant agreement we have reached with Suzuki Australia as support from the motorcycle manufacturers is vital for the wellbeing of Australian road racing. “Suzuki’s sponsorship of the Australian Superbike Championship is a major contribution to the longevity of the sport in our country.” Three-time Australian Superbike Champion, Shawn Giles and his Team Suzuki team mate, Robbie Bugden will take to Eastern Creek Raceway in New South Wales for round one of the Suzuki sponsored Australian Superbike Championship on April 7-9th.