F900 R CUP DETAILS ANNOUNCED

BMW has announced a new one-make support race series, running at nine BSB rounds in 2023. The F900 R Cup will, unsurprisingly, use the firm’s F900 R naked twin as the base for a cheap, easy-access race series. The bikes are modded for track use with K-Tech fork internals, K-Tech rear shock, full Arrow exhaust, rearsets, quickshifter, and race bodywork. Tyres are, of course, by series tyre sponsor Pirelli, with riders limited to two sets of tyres over a race weekend, using the Diablo Supercorsa SC and Diablo Rains, depending on conditions.

Teams will have the option of purchasing a bike and having the race kit fitted by their preferred BMW 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 riders within the series.

The series has caught the imagination of many riders, from wizened old hacks looking at the prize money to young guns wanting to show their worth and catch the eye of a ‘proper’ race team. Entries are now open, with 72 places up for grabs in two grids, filled in a US Supercross-style format. The top 16 in the opening two heats 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 manager is our old mate Steve Plater, who told us: “I’m really looking forward to the start of this brand-new championship. The F900 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.”

2023 BMW F900 R CUP CALENDAR

April 7-9 – Silverstone National

April 29-May 1 – Oulton Park

June 30- July 2 – Donington Park July 7-9 – Snetterton 300

July 21-23 – Brands Hatch GP

August 11-13 – Thruxton

August 26-28 – Cadwell Park

September 29 – 1 October – Donington Park October 13-15 – Brands Hatch GP