The East Coast-based American Superbike Racing Association series is set to introduce a new class aimed at more cost-effective racing.
Dubbed Heavyweight Production, the new class will be dedicated to cost-controlled racing for middleweight and twin-cylinder sportbikes, as well as previous-generation modified superbikes.
ASRA says eligible bikes include Yamaha’s YZF-R9, Triumph’s Street Triple 765, Ducati’s Panigale V2, Suzuki’s GSX-R750, and twin-cylinder bikes such as the Yamaha YZF-R7 and Aprilia RS660.
The rules for Heavyweight Production specify that no internal engine modifications will be allowed, although a full exhaust system and ECU flash are permitted. Chassis modifications such as replacing suspension internals, brake pads, lines, discs and master cylinders will be allowed, and the series will be open to any tire manufacturer, although there is no information yet on whether the number of tires per round will be limited.
In a press release, ASRA stated that “the addition of balancing packages and complex electronic systems that can more than double the cost of a motorcycle is simply out of control. When the price of being competitive requires investments like this, it puts the sport further out of reach for the very racers who keep it alive.
“Motorcycle racing has always been about the rider, the machine and the competition—not about mandating the most advanced electronics package. ASRA believes there should be a place for riders to compete on the current generation of sportbikes without the need for expensive add-on electronics and balancing packages.” CN
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