New superbike format

The AMA has ditched its superstock support class at AMA Superbike nationals and says it plans to incorporate some of the regulations from the production-based class into superbike – without actually detailing what the changes are.

The new class structure for the AMA Superbike Championship comes into force in 2009 with a new class structure featuring AMA Superbike, AMA Supersport and AMA Formula Xtreme.

AMA Superbike will remain the series’ leading class and continue to be based primarily on 1000cc equipment but will ‘pull from existing Superbike and Superstock rules’ resulting in an all-new premier class. 

Supersport and Formula Xtreme will remain similar to their existing structure but will also be refined.

New AMA President, Rob Dingman, said: “We’re seeing unprecedented gains in the levels of performance by modern motorcycles.

“Also, as motorcycle sales have remained robust, the manufacturers have sought to accelerate their competitive advantages, not to mention market share, by improving key products even more.

 “We considered the class structure and rules packages of other leading sanctioning bodies worldwide as part of this process.

“Ultimately, we need to do what is in the best interest of the riders, teams, manufacturers and sponsors competing in the United States but, at the same time, this cannot be done in a vacuum.”

The AMA looked at WSB, BSB as well as superbike series in Germany and Australia but say that technical rules remain under development and will be finalized in the near future. 

Additionally, AMA Racing is evaluating several options for developmental / support classes with the object of  creating an improved process for the growth of younger riders and their ability to compete at the national level.