BSB: Steve Plater named Series Manager for BMW F 900 R Cup as format is revealed

Steve Plater has been named as the Series Manager for the all-new BMW F 900 R Cup, whilst the format has also been revealed for the Bennetts British Superbike Championship support class.

The new series replaces the Ducati Tri-Options Cup, with Plater overseeing a range of responsibilities; from advising on technical enquires to being the primary point of contact for riders and Race Direction.

Entries are now open for the riders who registered interest in the series earlier this year, with 72 places up for grabs in two grids which will be determined in a US Supercross-style format:

• The top 16 in the opening two Heat Races of each round will directly qualify for the Main Event Final.
• Riders finished 17^th onwards in each Heat Race will head into a Last Chance Qualifier Race.
• The top four finishes in the Last Chance Qualifier Race will qualify the points scoring Main Event Final.

“I’m really looking forward to the start of this brand-new championship,” Plater said. “The F 900 R Cup provides the opportunity for young riders to compete within the British Superbike series and showcase their talents to the world. As the race bikes are identical, there is sure to be some spectacularly close racing.”

The 105BHP F 900 R roadster is available to purchase from any BMW Motorrad UK retailer, and each will be offered with a standardised package of race-focused enhancements:

• K-Tech fork internals.
• K-Tech rear shock.
• Arrow Exhaust System.
• Rearsets.
• Quickshifter.
• Race bodywork.

“A series such as the BMW F 900 R Cup is long overdue and will be unrivalled in terms of value and spectacle for the participants,” BSB Series Director, Stuart Higgs added. “The event format will keep competitors and spectators engaged with the Main Event being a feature element of each main race day.”

Pirelli will be the tyre supplier for the class, with riders limited to two sets of tyres over a race weekend. Teams will have the option of

Teams have the option of purchasing a bike and having the race kit fitted by their preferred Motorrad retailer, by approved partner Fortis Racing, or by their own support team. Fortis Racing will be present at each round, offering on-site race support and spares for all of the riders.

Riders wanting to participate in the series must hold a minimum ACU Clubman-grade licence, and should contact Claire Fennell at MSVR on +44 (1332) 819522 or email BSB@msvracing.co.uk to register their entry.

BMW F 900 R Cup Calendar

1 – Silverstone National (Apr 7-9)

2 – Oulton Park (Apr 29 – May 1)

3 – Donington Park (Jun 30 – Jul 2)

4 – Snetterton (Jul 7-9)

5 – Brands Hatch GP (Jul 21-23)

6 – Thruxton (Aug 11-13)

7 – Cadwell Park (Aug 26-28)

8 – Donington Park (Sep 29 – Oct 1)

9 – Brands Hatch GP (Oct 13-15)