Image: Andrew Gosling.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has confirmed that the 2014 Australian Superbike Championship will be reduced to three rounds, as reported on CycleOnline.com.au last week.

Click here for CycleOnline.com.au’s news on the updated calendar.

MA, together with series promoter IEG, has released a detailed outline of the updated series structure, which features a number of major revisions after a number of leading teams and competitors revealed their defection to the rival Australasian Superbike Championship (ASC) series.

Major developments have seen entry fees across the board waived altogether – bar associated MA, medical and timing levies of $99, plus garaging – and the control Pirelli control tyre agreement has been scrapped just one month after it was announced.

“We feel given the circumstances a concentrated three round championship is a better option” International Entertainment Group (IEG) managing director Yarrive Konsky explained.

“IEG recognises improvements need to be made to the championship based on social and economic pressures. We feel that this three round championship will make it more affordable and accessible for all participants.”

MA president Stephen Foody said it was necessary to make changes based on unforeseen circumstances. However, those circumstances weren’t detailed in the announcement.

“We did not endeavour to make changes so late in the championship, but feel that it is the only way to regain momentum and strength,” Foody said.

“The more concentrated effort of fewer rounds is integral for the future of the sport and the longevity of participation. MA appreciate the initiatives of IEG for focusing on stimulating greater participation.”

Queensland Raceway’s first round on 5-6 April will feature the Superbike, Supersport, Superlites, Production (including 250, 300, 400 and 500cc capacities), EVO (unlimited), Senior Competition (all bikes 600cc and above), Junior National Cup and Supermoto categories.

Women’s championships will be scored within the Superbike, Supersport and Production ranks at rounds one and three.

Hidden Valley’s lone 2+4 event alongside the V8 Supercars will feature the Superbike and Supersport classes on 20-22 June, before Phillip Island’s final round on 19-20 July will host the same classes as round one, however Sidecars will replace the juniors and Supermoto.

Prize money per round, to be paid by Motorcycling Australia seven days following each round, will be as follows:

Superbikes
1st $1000
2nd $700
3rd $500
4th $400
5th $250

Supersport
1st $750
2nd $500
3rd $400
4th $300
5th $200

EVO
1st $500
2nd $300
3rd $200

Superlites
1st $500
2nd $300
3rd $200

Production
1st $300 (Up to 500)
1st $300 (300)
1st $300 (250)

The Superbike and Supersport champions will take home $5000 each.

IEG will transport privateer bikes to Darwin free of charge from QLD, NSW, VIC, WA and SA. Tasmanian riders will be required to get their bikes to VIC. IEG has promised it will provide each team that takes three or more riders a minimum of $3000. All other requests will need to be put in writing.

The original $500 per rider if they choose to travel themselves will still apply. For rounds one and two, riders travelling from WA and NZ will be given $500 travel allowance in addition to the above if they enter the entire championship.

At a minimum, rounds one and three will have live streaming of the entire event, however plans for television coverage remain unconfirmed. Round two alongside the V8s will be televised live.

The entire championship will have an open tyre rule policy, but the number of sets per class will be restricted. Price per set will be capped and only tyre companies who agree to homologate will be included.

IEG has stated it will release the entry forms and supplementary regulations tomorrow.