The future of the 2005 British Supermoto Championship has today been secured with the announcement that motorcycle governing bodies the ACU and AMCA have formed a new company as part of an historic partnership to manage the series commencing on April 16 at Lydd International.
It is the first time a British Championship has seen such collaboration
which brings together the two Association's for the first time in more than
60 years. The structure of the new company has been developed in such a way
that it will maximise the respective strengths of the ACU and AMCA who are
committing equipment, personnel and administration support to run the
Series.
With riders, teams and the media all waiting to see what was planned for
Supermoto in 2005 this news represents a real boost to the sport. The
format, venues and promotion having all been developed with a view to moving Supermoto forward in the UK. The six round Championship will have four classes;
Class, Minimum/Maximum;
SM1;
- 250cc two or four stroke single or twin cylinder
- 700cc two or four stroke engine single or twin cylinder
SM2;
- 250cc two or 400cc four stroke single or twin cylinder
- 250cc two or 450cc four stroke single or twin cylinder engine
SM3;
- 125cc two or 250cc four stroke single cylinder engine
- 125cc two or 250cc four stroke single cylinder engine
SM4;
- 85cc two or 150cc four stroke single cylinder engine
- 85cc two or 150cc four stroke single cylinder engine
The prize fund for SM1 and SM2 will start at £350 for the winner of each
race with monies going down to at least tenth. There will also be a strong
focus on the SM4 class with young rider development being a priority.
ACU Chairman Jim Parker said that the partnership was a shot in the arm for Supermoto in the UK.
"There has been some uncertainty and much speculation regarding the future
of Supermoto. The ACU and AMCA got together recently and thrashed out a
strategy to get the season underway. Both parties see this as a long-term
commitment and the challenge now is to build the sport in this country over
the next three to five years."
Chairman of the AMCA Terry King added that it was an important step forward for the AMCA.
"Our Association has been quietly going about its business of running
off-road events across the country for more than 75 years. The timing is
right for us as we have recently embarked on a number of initiatives to
raise our profile within the industry. It represents a win-win situation for all involved."
The 2005 British Championship dates and venues are as follows:
- Round 1, April 16/17 - Lydd International, Ashford
- Round 2, May 28/29 - Sunderland Karting NE, Tyne & Wear
- Round 3, July 30/31 - TBA
- Round 4, August 13/14 - Sunderland Karting NE, Tyne & Wear
- Round 5, September 24/25 - Oliver's Mount, Scarborough
- Round 6, October 15/16 - Rowrah, Cumbria
