1997 MCN British Superbike Championship
Technical regulations
1997 FIM International Superbike Regulations
Summary
Motorcycles for Superbike correspond to motorcycles of current production, available to the public, which have been manufactured and sold for everyday road use. Motorcycles must be approved and homologated by the FIM for competition in FIM Superbike events. Manufacturers are required to produce a minimum number of a specific motorcycle in order for it to be homologated; a factory that produces more than 100,000 units per year must produce 500 for homologation, a factory producing at least 50,000 units per year must produce 250, and all other factories must produce 150. Only modifications specified within the approved homologation documents for each model are permitted. The lower fairing must be designed to accommodate at least half the capacity of the oil and engine coolant used in the motorcycle if the engine is damaged. Only brake discs made of iron are permitted. Number plate colours are white background with black numbers (RAL colour table values: 9005 black and 9010 white).
Engine capacities
601-750cc, four-stroke, 4-cylinder, minimum dry weight 162kg;
601-900cc, four-stroke, 3-cylinder, minimum dry weight 162kg;
751-1000cc, four-stroke, 2-cylinder, minimum dry weight 162kg.
Homologated machines
Bimota SB7; Ducati 888; Ducati 916; Honda RC30; Honda RC45; Honda VTR1000F; Kawasaki ZX-7RR; Kawasaki ZXR750; Suzuki GSX-R750; Yamaha OW01; Yamaha TRX850; Yamaha YZF750.
Championship rulesRider eligibility
Only riders in possession of a British Championship registration with the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board (MCRCB) and registered for the championship are eligible to compete. Overseas riders must also be in possession of an FIM International Licence or a European "A" licence. Each race also incorporates the Privateers Cup, an additional championship for riders who either own, lease, or rent their competition machines, do not receive any substantial or financial assistance from any manufacturer or importer, and whose team is not influenced by any manufacturer or importer. Privateer status is denoted in the results by the letter P alongside each rider's name. Privateers Cup number plate colours are yellow background with black numbers.
Qualifying format
2 official qualifying sessions on the day prior to racing, each rider's fastest lap time from either session is taken as their qualification time. The maximum lap time required to qualify will be equal to 110% of the 3rd fastest time. Grid positions will be allocated to only the fastest 40 riders.
Race format
2 races considered as separate races for the purpose of awarding points and prizes. Riders who fail to finish the first race may start the second race. The starting grid for both races will be based on official qualification times.
Points system
Riders Championship: 1st: 25; 2nd: 20; 3rd: 16; 4th: 13; 5th: 11; 6th: 10; 7th: 9; 8th: 8; 9th: 7; 10th: 6; 11th: 5; 12th: 4; 13th: 3; 14th: 2; 15th: 1.
Manufacturers Championship: Points awarded to the highest placed finisher for each manufacturer, according to the same system as the Riders Championship.
Privateers Cup: Points awarded to the top 15 finishers registered for the Privateers Cup, according to the same system as the Riders Championship.
Sponsors/Teams Championship: Points awarded to the 2 highest placed finishers for each sponsor/team, according to the same system as the Riders Championship.
Prize fund
Payable in British Pounds. 1st: 1,000; 2nd: 600; 3rd: 400; 4th: 200; 5th: 160; 6th: 150; 7th: 140; 8th: 130; 9th: 120; 10th-15th: 100. Privateers Cup: 1st: 150; 2nd: 125; 3rd: 100; 4th: 75; 5th: 50. Fastest qualifying time: 250. Most professionally presented private team: 150.