International Entertainment Group and the Northern Territory Government launched the 2010 Viking Group Australian Superbike Championship series at Hidden Valley in Darwin on Monday, where defending champion Josh Waters was joined by former double champion Jamie Stauffer for the launch.

Waters and Stauffer were joined by IEG director Yarrive Konsky in the Northern Territory, as well as chief minister Paul Henderson, who welcomed the bikes to Hidden Valley.

“I am really looking forward to coming to a new circuit in Hidden Valley this year,” said Waters, who rode a production Suzuki GSX-R1000 at the launch. “The track is very fast with a good fast flowing section in the back of the circuit. It will be great to show the local Territorians what Superbikes is about.”

Stauffer is also looking forward to competing on a circuit new to him, with the series returning to Hidden Valley for the first time in over a decade.

“It’s good to see new circuits coming on board and I am really looking forward to racing here in April,” the Ducati Motologic rider commented. “The circuit will provide some very close racing.”

Konsky was equally excited to be bringing the Superbikes to Hidden Valley, commenting on competitor interest for the 2010 season.

“We have been working with Northern Territory Major Events for the past five months in preparing for the return of Superbikes,” Konsky said. “We will bring over 120 competitors [in five categories] as part of approximately 700 overall associated personnel to Hidden Valley for the inaugural race.”

“IEG have record entry numbers for all categories this year, four new manufacturers on board and a new circuit proving that the series continues to grow from strength to strength.”

Chief Minister Henderson is yet another involved in the project who looks forward to welcoming the ASBK stars up North.

“The NT Government is thrilled to have the return of the Superbikes to Hidden Valley,” Henderson explained. “There will be over 700 associated personnel making their way to Hidden Valley to participate in the biggest motorcycle event in the NT this year, bringing an increase to tourism and the local economy.”

The chief minister also emphasized the importance to local economy and that hosting the Superbikes is likely to bring approximately $2-million into the local community through additional tourism.

The opening round of the 2010 season commences at Phillip Island on 26–28 February before Hidden Valley will host the second round on 8–11 April.