British Superbike bosses have killed off the controversial Showdown format for 2023 and replaced it with a final-round points bonanza.
The Showdown was introduced in 2010 after Leon Camier ran away with the series the previous season, but it has always courted criticism from fans and some riders, particularly six-time champion and now Eurosport pundit Shane Byrne.
Across the Main Season comprising twenty four races points will be awarded to the top 15 on the scale: 18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1.
For the Showdown events when the series returns to Oulton Park and Donington Park, the points value per race will increase to: 25-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1.
The points value per race will increase again for the traditional season finale on the Brands Hatch GP Circuit to: 35-30-27-24-22-20-18-16-14-12-10-8-6-4-2.
The rider with the most points accumulated across the season will be crowned Bennetts BSB Champion. A Teams Championship will run concurrently with the same principle of an increasing points value as the championship comes to a climax.
“This represents only the third time in the series’ long history that we have adapted the Championship format, following consultation with teams and riders,” said series director Stuart Higgs.
“The Showdown format from 2010-2022 has served the championship well and provided some historic and edge of the seat outcomes but we feel it’s right to evolve the format.
“The new format will recognise season long performance and ideally create the opportunity for more teams and riders to remain in mathematical title contention and maintain the crescendo of competition that is seen many other sports disciplines.”
