MMP extends Superbike deal

TOOELE — Establishing a foothold in the American sports market has been a primary goal for the Hannspree FIM Superbike World Championship ever since it originally worked out a two-year agreement with Miller Motorsports Park to host a round in its yearly series.

Miller Motorsports Park did its part to keep that goal alive on Saturday by signing a three-year contract extension with Infront Motor Sports — the Italian-based company that owns and operates the series — that will keep it as a World Superbike and World Supersport series circuit through 2013.

"With a five-year agreement, we're demonstrating our commitment to the World Superbike series is very substantial," said Dan Davis, president and CEO of Miller Motorsports Park. "Now we can really put our attention to making (this event) better and, for us, get more spectators here for what I consider to be breathtaking racing."

Infront Motor Sports needed little convincing to return to Utah annually over the next three years. Teams and riders in the series enjoyed their initial experience at Miller enough to vote it as the circuit of the year following the 2008 season.

The World Superbike series sees expansion into the U.S. as a crucial step in its future growth. Extending its hosting agreement with Miller Motorsports Park signals that the series is here to stay.

"Our commitment is to the U.S. market," said Paolo Ciabatti, the SBK director for Infront Motor Sports. "We'll try to do our best to bring more young American riders into the series on a permanent basis — both in superbike and supersport."

WEST CLAIMS TOP SPOT: Cory West emerged victorious from the only final race contested Saturday. West claimed the GTU class crown in the Larry H. Miller Superbike Challenge. The Arkansas native finished the 12-lap race in 25:35.112 to beat out Taylor Knapp, who finished 4.613 seconds later for second after edging Robertino Pietri by 0.081.

HOLDEN TAKES THE POLE: Washington's Jake Holden claimed the pole position in the GTO class qualifier in the Larry H. Miller Superbike Challenge. He finished in 1:51.309 — 1.087 seconds better than Knapp.

It was Holden's first pole position since the AMA Superstock race in Tooele a year ago. Holden claimed pole on the 3.05 mile outer course after racing on the full 4.5-mile course last year.

E-MAIL: jcoon@desnews.com