BSB introduce Evo class
Added on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
BSB introduce Evo class
The British Superbike Championship will have a new class in 2010 with the introduction of a new BSB “Evolution” class.
A new BSB Evo class was proposed by series promoters MSVR and backed by the BSB manufacturer and team liaison groups and will replace the current Privateers Cup from 2010. The new class will be open to anyone in the series, from manufacturer-backed teams to privateers and will allow homologated machines with full superbike racing rolling chassis but with superstock specification engines.
The Evo bikes will also be required to run a control ECU package that eliminates any form of traction control, launch control and anti-wheelie electronics.
It is believed that whilst the new specification motorcycles will be trialled alongside existing FIM-spec superbikes, the standards could be adopted into the regulations for all BSB bikes from 2011.
Organisers believe that the new class will encourage new rider, team and manufacturer participation with teams benefitting from an annual budget relief in the region of up to £200,000 per team in tuning, engine rebuilds and complex electronic packages
“This is a significant development for BSB,” claimed BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs said. ”With the support of the manufacturers and teams we have safeguarded the future of the series by opening up opportunities that were being obstructed simply by the prohibitive costs. The objective is that the BSB Evo class will compliment the current full FIM WSB specification bikes and provide our audiences with a full grid of the best teams and riders on as many different eligible makes of motorcycle as possible.
“By radically grasping the issue of electronics we will eliminate a significant cost and regain some of the spectacle that fans and riders are clearly missing. There will be a minimal performance difference between the two specifications, however the overall situation of more teams, riders and manufacturers and above all significant cost savings will fully vindicate the introduction of the BSB Evo class.
As a preview to this new era of Superbike racing, the newly crowned National Superstock 1000 Champion Alastair Seeley will make his BSB debut at Silverstone this weekend riding a Relentless TAS Suzuki built to BSB Evo standards.
