Sponsor named for Superbike titles

Press, 24 August 1988, Page 36

Sponsor named for Superbike titles

By

JOHN HAWKINS

Rothmans New Zealand has been named as the sponsor of the final round of the World Superbike champion-

ship, which will be raced at Manfeiid on October 2. More than 30 of the pro-duction-based superbikes are expected to contest the final round, which will be run over two heats, including riders from the United 'States, Belgium, France and Australia. In announcing Rothman’s involvement, the company’s managing director, Mr Ray Weekes, said that the sponsorship of the superbike final reinforced Rothmans involvement with high profile New Zealand motorsport

The world superbike championship consists of nine rounds in nine different countries, with the fifth round due to be run at the Sugo circuit in Japan this week-end, followed by the French round on September 4, Portugal on September 11, and penultimately, the Australian round at Oran Park on September 25. The points situation after the fourth round in Austria is: D. Tardozzi (Italy, Bimota), 51.5pts; M. Lucchinelli (Italy, Ducati), and F. Pirovano (Italy, Yamaha), 41; F. Merkel (USA, Honda),

36.5; J. Dunlop (Ireland, Honda), 36.5; A. Vieira (France, Honda), 29. Most of the top international riders are expected to contest the Manfeiid meeting where they will be joined by the Australians Rob Phillis and Mai Campbell as well as the top New Zealanders, Robert Holden, Aaron Slight and Andrew Stroud. Supporting races on the programme will include races for Senior and 256 production, Formula 2 and Classic machines.