Steve Plater announced as BMW F 900 R Cup Series Manager and calendar released

Steve Plater announced as BMW F 900 R Cup Series Manager and calendar released

18 November 2022

BMW Motorrad has announced Steve Plater as Series Manager for the new F 900 R Cup, a highly competitive and cost-effective class for riders at National level which is set to run alongside the Bennetts British Superbike Championship from 2023.  

With a wealth of experience in the British Superbike paddock, Steve Plater will take on a range of responsibilities, from advising on technical enquiries to being a primary point of contact for riders and liaison with the Race Direction.  Plater has also been a key figure in developing the BMW Motorrad race motorcycle that will be used by all participants, riding close to 2,000 track miles on the F 900 R Cup development bike.

Entries are now open for riders who had registered initial interest in the series, with 72 places up for grabs in two grids filled in a US Supercross-style format. The top 16 in the opening two Heat races of each round will directly qualify for the Main Event final, while riders finishing from position 17 onwards in each race will head into a “Last Chance Qualifier” race. The top four finishers from the LCQ race will then make the main, point scoring final.

Riders who wish to participate in the series must hold a minimum ACU Clubman-grade licence, and should contact Claire Fennell at MSVR on +44(1332) 819522 or email [email protected] to register their entry.

New Series Manager Steve Plater said: “I’m really looking forward to the start of this brand-new championship. The F 900 R Cup provides the opportunity for young riders to compete within the British Superbike series and showcase their talents to the world. As the race bikes are identical, there is sure be some spectacularly close racing.” 

Bennetts BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs concluded: “A series such as the BMW F 900 R Cup is long overdue and will be unrivalled in terms of value and spectacle for the participants.  The event format will keep competitors and spectators engaged with the Main Event being a feature element of each main race day.”  

Producing 105hp as standard, the dynamic BMW F 900 R roadster is available to purchase from any BMW Motorrad UK retailer, and each will be offered with a standardised package of race-focused enhancements, including K-Tech fork internals, K-Tech rear shock, full Arrow exhaust, rearsets, quickshifter, and race bodywork. 

Pirelli have been the sole tyre supplier for the British Superbike series since 2008 and will support the BMW F 900 R Cup. Riders will be limited to two sets of tyres over a race weekend, using the latest generation Diablo Supercorsa SC and Diablo Rain tyres, depending on conditions. 

Teams will have the option of purchasing a bike and having the race kit fitted by their preferred BMW Motorrad retailer, by approved partner Fortis Racing, or by their own support team. Fortis Racing will continue to be present at each round, offering on-site race support and spares for all riders within the series. 

2023 BMW F 900 R Cup calendar

DATE

CIRCUIT

7-9 April

Silverstone National

29 April – 1 May  

Oulton Park

30 June – 2 July

Donington Park

7-9 July

Snetterton 300

21-23 July

Brands Hatch 

11-13 August

Thruxton

26-28 August

Cadwell Park

29 September – 1 October

Donington Park

13-15 October

Brands Hatch

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