From a press release issued by MCRCB: Super future for British Superbikes MotorSport Vision takes over British Superbike Championship The World’s premier domestic motorcycle racing championship is in safe hands with the news that Jonathan Palmer’s MotorSport Vision Company has signed a ten year agreement with the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board to be responsible for the organisation and promotion of the British Superbike Championship with immediate effect. The championship has, since its re-launch in its current form in 1996, not only revitalised motorcycle racing in the UK with innovative promotions and television coverage but it has also played a key role in the career paths of riders, among them Troy Bayliss, Neil Hodgson and James Toseland, who subsequently graduated to World Champions, while others such as Shane Byrne moved into MotoGP. The growth in stature and spectator appeal of the British Superbike championship is such that all of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha enter factory supported teams into the series that as well as providing action for top British riders also attracts strong International entries. Given the strength and quality of the racing, the championship currently enjoys the biggest level of support of any motor sport activity in the UK with the hosting circuits reporting year on year growth of attendance figures. This year’s title will be decided over twelve double race rounds, half of which will be contested on circuits owned by the Motor Sport Vision group and their Chief Executive, Jonathan Palmer, is delighted to have taken a controlling interest in the vibrant series. “The British Superbike Championship is Britain’s most popular motor sport attracting big crowds at the circuits and large audiences on television. On purchasing the circuits in 2004, as soon as I saw my first BSB race I was completely hooked the racing is incredibly close and full of drama. The top riders really are heroes,” reflected the man who as a competitor raced in the elite Formula 1 Grand Prix Motor Racing World Championship. Since taking over the circuits, including their flagship Brands Hatch, MSV has won wide praise for its caring attitude towards both competitors and spectators, investing wisely to make all round improvements on and off the race tracks. MSV will take over the commercial rights from Dorna UK, a division of the Spanish based MotoGP World Championship rights holders. Palmer continued: “We are very appreciative of the investment Dorna has put into BSB over the last four years and look forward to continuing to expand the championship in the future.” BSB will now be run by MSVR, MotorSport Vision’s racing division, from its Brands Hatch base. Stuart Higgs, who will continue to be the Series Director commented; “Jonathan Palmer and MotorSport Vision have already contributed greatly since the start of their involvement in 2004 in both the development and the direction of the championship.” “This migration into the position of rights holder combines their high standards of operation, presentation and forward thinking together with the strengths and the potential that the entire British Superbike championship platform clearly has. I am tremendously excited about the new structure and the opportunities that lie ahead.” The new season begins on the famous Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit on Sunday 6 April. MotorSport Vision (MSV) MotorSport Vision, the company owned by ex F1 driver Jonathan Palmer, is Britain’s biggest circuit operator. In 2004 MSV acquired Brands Hatch, Snetterton, Cadwell Park and Oulton Park and since then has completely transformed the facilities at the circuits. MSV also runs the corporate driving experience venue, PalmerSport at Bedford Autodrome and the one-make series, the Formula Palmer Audi Championship. The British Superbike Championship (BSB) which has factory backed teams from six of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers, features top riders, both domestic and international, in a 12 round series decided over the UK’s leading circuits. In 2007 over 11 million viewers watched extensive terrestrial and digital/satellite television coverage and over 300,000 spectators attended the events. The series has now grown into the biggest motorsport series in the UK and is also widely acclaimed as the most prestigious motorcycle racing championship behind the MotoGP and Superbike World Championships. More, from a press release issued by Dorna: DORNA TRANSFER BRITISH SUPERBIKES COMMERCIAL RIGHTS TO MSV Dorna today announced that, following discussions with Jonathan Palmer and the MSV organisation, the British Superbikes commercial rights will be transferred to MSV from the 2008 season. Since 2004 Dorna UK, part of the Dorna Sports organisation, has been the commercial rightsholder for the British Superbike Championship. In that time Dorna has underwritten the television coverage of the championship and successfully elevated awareness of the series by securing live coverage on the ITV1 terrestrial channel. This coverage was complemented by further programming on SKY Sports and Men and Motors. As a result the championship has benefited from unprecedented sustained commercial interest and sponsorship support. Tony Partis, Dorna UK’s managing director, explained, “In 2004 the championship owners, MCRCB, approached Dorna and asked us to step into British Superbikes as commercial rightsholder. Since that time Dorna has invested significant sums in the series in an effort to raise its profile amongst bike fans and beyond. In 2007 the series enjoyed it’s highest ever visibility and is firmly established in the consiousness of armchair fans, the general media and marketing brands. “It is deeply satisfying that the series has never been healthier commercially, however with MSV hosting half the 2008 championship rounds, Jonathan and his team are now better positioned to promote the commercial rights. We wish Jonathan and the MSV organisation every success for the future and look forward to the continuing growth of the series.” Dorna UK is part of the Dorna Sports organisation an international sports management and marketing company based in Madrid, with offices also in Barcelona, London and Tokyo. Dorna Sports has held the exclusive commercial and television rights to the World MotoGP Championship since 1992. Dorna UK became responsible for the commercial and television rights for the British Superbike Championship in 2004. The British Superbike Championship, which has factory backed teams from six of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers, features top riders, both domestic and international, in a 12 round series decided over the UK’s leading circuits. In 2007 it enjoyed ‘live’ network terrestrial television on ITV1 complemented by highlight coverage on SKY Sports and repeat coverage on Men and Motors. The series has now grown into the biggest motorsport series in the UK . More, from a press release issued by Mallory Park: Mallory Park positive about BSB changes NEWS that Motor Sport Vision has taken over the organisation and promotion of the British Superbike Championship has been welcomed by Mallory Park. The Friendly Circuit will host the sixth round of the British Superbike Championship on June 29th and is ready to assist the new organisers in anyway possible to make the event and Championship – a success. Jonathan Palmer, the man behind MSV and former F1 racer, has a successful track record in Motorsport and there is great expectation on the benefits he will bring to the British Superbike Championship. John Ward, General Manager of Mallory Park said: “I’m thrilled that Jonathan is on board and managing the promotion and organisation of one of the most exciting motorsport Championships in the world. He has a very professional approach and will no doubt ring in the changes for the good of the sport. I am also pleased that Stuart Higgs and the MCRCB Events team will continue the superb job of running the actual race meetings.” The British Superbike Championship has been increasing in popularity season by season and with MSV signed up for the next 10-years it looks like that is set to continue. For further information or to purchase tickets to the sixth round please visit www.mallorypark.co.uk.