British Supermoto Championship future secured
Supermoto
By britishsupermoto.co.uk
March 7 2005
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 16th April, at Lydd International.
It is the first time a British Championship has seen such collaboration, which brings together the two Associations 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:
Rnd1, 16/17 Apr · Lydd International, Ashford
Rnd2, 28/29 May · Sunderland Karting NE, Tyne & Wear
Rnd3, 30/31 Jul · TBA
Rnd4, 13/14 Aug · Sunderland Karting NE, Tyne & Wear
Rnd5, 24/25 Sep · Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough
Rnd6, 15/16 Oct · Rowrah, Cumbria
Entry forms will be available from the 9th March, 2005, on the ACU website www.acu.org.uk and AMCA website www.amca.uk.com. Announcements regarding sponsors, television and other commercial activities are expected in the coming weeks.
The British Supermoto Championship is to be headed up by Ken Winstanley from the AMCA, and Eddie Nelson from the ACU. For any further enquiries please contact Eddie on 01788 566431 or Ken on 01543 466282.