The no-holds barred full length follow up to 2011’s runaway success ‘I Superbiker’ will be released in over 100 cinemas across the UK on February 21st with additional screenings on March 1st.
The 21st February premiere event will be beamed live into over 100 cinemas across the UK and Ireland. Omniverse Vision will stage the live satellite broadcast, which will include a 30 minute Q&A with British Superbike Champion and star of the film, Tommy Hill, together with fellow showdown riders Shane Byrne and Michael Laverty. Joining them onstage will be British Superbikes series director Stuart Higgs and film director; Mark Sloper. The host for the evening will be ex-champion and TV commentator James Whitham
Following on from 2011’s ground-breaking ‘I Superbiker’ – the original in a succession of motorbike movies that year which included ’TT3D’ and ‘Fastest’ - the film is being distributed by Omniverse Vision, in association with MCE Insurance sponsored British Superbike Championship (BSB) and Motorcycle News (MCN). ‘I Superbiker – The Showdown’ is the high octane, all action, nail-biting wheel to wheel story of the 2011 British Superbike season which saw the most exciting final race in its history – arguably the most exciting motorcycle race of all time.
A new electrifying format for 2011, which left only 6 riders competing for the title in a series of dramatic showdowns:
- Japanese Ryuichi Kiyonari reigning champion, - beset with personal problems as he attempts to defend his crown.
- Bad boy Australian Josh Brookes - runner up in 2010 and determined to battle his way to the top, no matter what.
- Ex BSB champ, Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne - fans’ favourite and all round good guy, desperate to regain the crown for prides sake.
- Michael Laverty - the Irish Flyer aiming to put his stamp on the title for his country.
- Ex Moto GP star John Hopper Hopkins - back to racing after overcoming his personal demons and substance abuse problems, is the first American with a realistic chance of winning the title.
- British hero Tommy Hill - who so spectacularly lost the title in 2010 by one small error, and absolutely determined to prove himself the British Superbike champion.
As well as capturing stunning on-track action, ‘I SUPERBIKER – THE SHOWDOWN’ goes behind the scenes to follow the unfolding drama among wives, girlfriends, teammates and managers. Everyone wants their rider to win and passions are aroused when things go wrong. The film’s writer, producer and director Mark Sloper of 400 TV commented: “I wanted to capture the emotion and passion of motorcycle racing and the drama of the new showdown format – a classic motorcycle racing film that might be set in the 2011 season but with a classic story that can still be fresh in years to come”. He added, "I also wanted it to appeal to people outside of the motorcycle industry and fan-base. And I wanted to try and change outsiders’ perceptions of motorcycling”.
BSB champion Tommy Hill commented, "British Superbikes is motorcycle racing at its very best and this film shows that brilliantly. It's amazing to see BSB on the cinema screen. It's a massive sport with a great following - now hopefully people who don't know it that well can see what an incredible event it is”.
"We are very excited to bring this soon to be biking classic to cinema screens in the UK and internationally. After our success with Fastest, it is clear that there is a significant audience for motor-sport features in many countries and and we look forward to building on the initial success that Mark (Sloper) and his team, created with the I Superbiker last year," Grant Calton, Omniverse Vision CEO.
Presented in stunning 2k digital cinema, with an original film score by David Vanian of the Damned and music by Phil Collen of Def Leppard and Manraze. ‘I, Superbiker – The Showdown’ will be shown in cinemas nationwide on February 21st (with live Q&A via satellite) and March 1st 2012. Tickets are due to go on sale shortly.
Full details of the nationwide screenings can be found at www.ISuperbiker.com
‘All the drama and emotion of the unforgettable last race is there.’ Cara Sloman - The Mail on Sunday
'The race of the decade brought to life in a an epic heart-pounding drama' – Marc Potter, MCN
"A day of sport they'll talk about for a hundred years explodes on the screen - truly spectacular" – Matt Kelly, The Mirror
Watch the trailer
For tickets visit www.isuperbiker.com
