BSB adjust Showdown format for 2014

MCE British Superbike Championships MSVR have announced the first update to their highly successful Showdown format first introduced in 2010, with 2014 now seeing a major change to the value of podium credits awarded.

The system, which takes the top six riders after 9 rounds of 12 and moves them into a separate Showdown with a base score and points awarded based on podium finishes, will change the value of podium finishes from the current 3-2-1. A win will now be worth 5 points, a second 3 points and a third 1.

The changes come after talks with teams, some of whom had expressed discontent that hard fought race wins were only worth three points, meaning no rider was able to pull out an advantage. 2013 champion Alex Lowes was able to lift the crown with a comeback late in the year, winning the series despite trailing runner-up Shakey Byrne by three wins going into the Showdown.

It also means that a race win will remain crucial even after a rider has secured his top six spot, keeping the title fighters racing all through the season.