the OEMs have said that they do not want DMG rules, and in particular, do not like the daytona superbike rules.

DMG wants cheap racing, with non-factory teams having a shot at wins.

in the near future there will be a replacment for the 250 class based around 600cc or so 4 strokes, which have been expressly intended as low cost, in particular in comparison to the current costs to run the 250cc class at the international level.

here's my musing:

if all of the japanese manufacturers and ducati jump on the new 250 replacment class, and if its low cost comes to pass, could we see the class expand to become a major series at the regional/national level?

by that i mean, could we see a compromise where DMG gets its cheap customer bikes and less than litre bike power, but in return gives the manufacturers a class they actually like?

and if not, would we potentially see an OEM series running say red bull cup, supersport, 250 replacements and then superbikes? 4 classes with clear progression, and all with OEM support...

It has been announced that the 250GP class will be replaced by 600 four strokes. But at the GP level will it be low cost? Do the words fat chance ring a bell? Nothing at GP level is cheap. If DMG rules state a production based engine and frame then our riders will be still in the backwoods of racing. I'm pretty sure there will be no comparison between DMG's 600 class and the proposed GP 600 class. DMG needs to take its head out of the sand and get with world rules. Or close to them. Right now DMG's proposed premier class is nothing more than a repalcement class for 250s.

Well I personally like the idear of Supersport Class and current FX becoming the Superbike of AMA. I have always whined about AMA dropping the 250cc class. I think it belongs. So I guess I am in complete agreement with your musings.

It does seem to be forward thinking with international trends over the next 3-5 yrs.

My guess would be that the whole DMG 600 bike will cost less than a set of wheels for the GP bike. 'Inexpensive' for GP, even the 250 class, is a relative thing.

KK, DMG doesn't give a #### about 'international friends'.

the 600 gp bikes will be prototypes. they'll be as different from stock 600s as the 990s were from liter bikes

hi-zoot - 02 July 2008 04:07 PM

the 600 gp bikes will be prototypes. they'll be as different from stock 600s as the 990s were from liter bikes

Prototype chassis... modified stock engines. Thus the fight with FGSport about Dorna infringing on their exclusive rights to "production" motorcycle racing.

Replacement of the 250cc class

For application from 1.1.2011, the Grand Prix Commission accepted the following proposal, taken by the majority of members of MSMA: 4-stroke engines of 600cc maximum and 4 cylinders maximum. A request will be sent to all manufacturers. The candidatures of the manufacturers interested in taking part in the new class must be sent to the FIM and Dorna by July 31, 2008 at the latest. More precise technical specifications will then be discussed and established.


sounds like the stock-ish motors that have been widely speculated have not been neccessarily agreed upon just yet...

LJB-OSB - 02 July 2008 04:19 PM

Replacement of the 250cc class

For application from 1.1.2011, the Grand Prix Commission accepted the following proposal, taken by the majority of members of MSMA: 4-stroke engines of 600cc maximum and 4 cylinders maximum. A request will be sent to all manufacturers. The candidatures of the manufacturers interested in taking part in the new class must be sent to the FIM and Dorna by July 31, 2008 at the latest. More precise technical specifications will then be discussed and established.


sounds like the stock-ish motors that have been widely speculated have not been neccessarily agreed upon just yet...

Obviously, since tech specs haven't yet been established. But, that certainly begs the question "How do 600cc prototype bikes contain costs to make it equitable for teams to maintain viability?"