Staying in the fast lane in 2009, outdoor power tool company STIHL GB has re-signed as an Official Sponsor of the 2009 British Superbike Championship. The agreement, which is STIHL’s second year of major sports sponsorship, reflects the STIHL commitment to developing its brand as it connects its high performance power tools with superbikes under the banner of ‘Ultimate Outdoor Power’. Established among builders, foresters and groundsmen for its robust and high quality outdoor power tools, STIHL is fast becoming a household name with its growing range of petrol and electric products for gardeners and home owners. The STIHL commitment to innovation is renowned; its developments range from major advances like its latest low-emission, fuel-efficient engine technologies, to seemingly small design details that make a big difference to users. High performance products and great results – the synergy between STIHL and superbikes is clear. British Superbikes (BSB) is the country’s most popular motor sport, attracting big crowds at circuits and massive television audiences. This season’s races are all being covered live on British Eurosport 2, with highlights packages broadcast on both Eurosport 2 and ITV1/ITV4. As part of its sponsorship, the STIHL brand will be prominent at the twelve BSB meetings taking place around the country this year, with trackside hoardings, the STIHL Giant TV screen and other activities off track. An exciting new interactive initiative, the ‘STIHL Power Award’ is being launched at the season’s first meeting on Easter Monday, giving both Superbike competitors and fans the chance to win a great STIHL prize. Based on the ‘holeshot’ principle of being the first rider to reach the first corner, clearly marked by the STIHL marker board, riders will be entered into a season-long league with the first in each race judged from spectators’ own photographs uploaded to the Championship website : www.britishsuperbike.com. Commenting on the sponsorship, Sean Larter-Conway, Marketing Manager of STIHL GB said: “British Superbikes has a large and very enthusiastic following and the association of STHL under the ‘Ultimate Outdoor Power’ banner is a very positive message for our target audience of professional and domestic power tool users. We look forward to another successful season with British Superbikes and wish all riders, teams and followers a good year.” British Superbike Series Director, Stuart Higgs, welcomed the continuation of STIHL as an official partner: “It’s great that such a powerful brand as STIHL is continuing its association with the Championship and I’m looking forward to seeing the STIHL Power Award get underway at the first meeting this weekend.” The 2009 British Superbike Championship kicks off at Brands Hatch circuit, Kent on Easter Monday, 13th April.