AUSTRALIAN Superbikes have made a bold move by dropping control tyres in and introducing a cap on the number and the price of tyres.
Dunlop had previously been the official and sole tyre supplier, but the decision from the series means that the 2013 ASBK season will see healthy competition between the tyre manufacturers; Pirelli, Michelin and Dunlop have committed to supplying rubber for the teams.
Control tyres have become a popular choice for race series, with Pirelli currently supply the World, British and Italian Superbike championships and Bridgestone in MotoGP.
“The move was made to allow riders a wider choice and will bring the cost of racing down, as well as add another exciting element to the tactics and strategy of racing," said Yarrive Konsky, managing director for ASBK owners International Entertainment Group.
The price cap (converted from $Aus) and number of tyres per class are as follows:
Superbike & Prostock: Under £384 per set / 3 front & 4 rear / 2 compounds may be homologated per brand
Supersport & Superstock: Under £318 per set / 3 front & 3 rear / 2 compounds may be homologated per brand
Superlites: Under £232 per set / 2 front & 2 rear / 2 compounds will be homologated per brand
250 Production: Control tyre by Pirelli / 1 front & 1 rear / 2 compounds may be homologated
