Australian Superbikes ditch control tyres to lower costs

21/08/2012

Suzuki's Josh Waters in ASBK action

By Mick Dundee
Image by Suzuki Racing

Australian Superbike bosses have bucked a popular racing trend and ditched control tyres in favour of a numbers and price cap policy for 2013 in order to bring down costs.

Dunlop had been the official tyre supplier - in the same way that Pirelli is in BSB and WSBK, and Bridgestone in MotoGP - but other manufacturers including Michelin are now being allowed back into the series.

“The move was made to allow riders a wider choice and will bring the cost of racing down, as well as add another exciting element to the tactics and strategy of racing. IEG thanks Pirelli and Michelin for their interest in being involved once more and Dunlop for their continued support," said Yarrive Konsky, boss of right holders IEG.

The price cap (converted from Aussie dollars) and number of tyres per class are as follows:

Superbike & Prostock: Under £386 per set / 3 front & 4 rear / 2 compounds may be homologated per brand

Supersport & Superstock: Under £320 per set / 3 front & 3 rear / 2 compounds may be homologated per brand

Superlites: Under £233 per set / 2 front & 2 rear / 2 compounds will be homologated per brand