Suzuki sign up for motorcycle race series for another two years

Suzuki Series orgainser Allan Willacy and company general manager Simon Meade celebrate another two years ahead.

The future of the country's biggest motorcycle racing extravaganza is set to continue for at least another two years.

Suzuki New Zealand has signed up as naming sponsor of the three-meeting Suzuki Series that culminates with the world famous Cemetery Circuit street races in Whanganui on Boxing Day.

The meeting is the final round of the Suzuki Series that begins in Taupo on December 8 this year with the second round scheduled for Manfield on December 15.

Suzuki New Zealand general manager motorcycles and ATV marketing, Simon Meade said the company was happy to sign on for another two years for an event that had grown to become the largest motor racing series in the country.

The series began in 2008 and now even surpasses the national championship in both rider and spectator numbers by a big margin. It also surpasses all car racing events on the New Zealand motorsport calendar.

Series organiser Allan "Flea" Willacy said without Suzuki on board motorcycle racing in New Zealand would be the poorer for it.

"It's difficult to quantify in dollar terms because it changes each year, but Suzuki puts up a substantial amount. Suzuki's commitment includes things like helping big name international riders compete by loaning the latest bikes that make them competitive and these race bikes are not cheap," Willacy said.

Meade confirmed the series was by far the largest commitment Suzuki had in place for motorsport in New Zealand.