The BMW F900R Cup, new as a support series to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship for 2023, has had its format revealed with a supercross style schedule including two ‘heat’ races, a last chance qualifier and a main event race for 72 competitors.
Announced back in June, the all-new BMW F900R Cup replaces the out-going Ducati Tri-Options Championship, and after a matter of weeks of the German manufacturer telling potential riders about the new series, they were inundated with enquiries from potential riders. 72 places are up for grabs for riders who registered their interest, and they must hold a minimum ACU Clubman-grade license.
But with the size of grid predicted, there will be plenty of track action. The top 16 in the opening two Heat races of each round will directly qualify for the Main Event final, while riders finishing from position 17 onwards in each race will head into a “Last Chance Qualifier” race. The top four finishers from the LCQ race will then make the main, point scoring final.
The series will be managed by former racer, and Isle of Man TT winner, Steve Plater. Plater is no stranger to managing a large of group of riders, looking after the Tri-Options rider for the last three seasons.
The Lincolnshire man has a wealth of experience that can passed on others, and will no doubt improve the rookie racers that could be a part of the F900R Cup for 2023.
“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 be some spectacularly close racing.”
Bennetts BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs added: “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. The event format will keep competitors and spectators engaged with the Main Event being a feature element of each main race day.”
Riders can purchase the machines for this cost-effective series from any BMW Motorrad UK retailer, and each machine will be offered with a ‘standardised package of race -focused enhancements. These include K-Tech fork internals, K-Tech rear shock, full Arrow exhaust system, rearsets, quickshifter and race bodywork.
The series will run over nine rounds, with the opening race taking place at round one of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Silverstone National, ending at the traditional season ender at Brands Hatch in October.
For a full breakdown of the 2023 BSB Dates, support races, riders and teams, go to our 2023 BSB Calendar.
BMW F900R Cup Series Bike - What's it like?
Back in September at a Bennetts Track Day, BMW Motorrad UK let our very own Michael Mann have a 20-minute session. And he came back to the pits beaming. He had this to say, “Wow, considering there are only minimal changes to the street version, this race bike is a different beast. It’s a whole lot of fun – the dynamics of the chassis, suspension, and tyres work really well together to make the bike handle, there’s lots of feedback and the engine can be worked hard too. You can brake late, and there’s plenty of time to plot your lines. As a one-make series, with plenty of pros and excitable up-and-comers mixed together and banging fairings this might end up being the highlight of a race weekend for the racers and spectators!”
