BSB plans six triple-header events; No Showdown, maybe spectators
The 2020 British Superbike Championship will be contested over six triple-header events beginning in August with the traditional Title Showdown format put on pause for this season.
The 2020 BSB season, like most other motorsport series’, was suspended prior to the opening round due to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.
Now series organisers MSVR have revealed its provisional plans to complete 18 races across six events between August and October in a condensed six-event schedule.
The season will kick off at Donington Park on August 7/8/9 before moving onto Snetterton on August 21/22/23, followed by Silverstone on September 4/5/6.
The final three rounds will then take place Oulton Park on 18/19/20 September, Donington Park again on 2/3/4 October and conclude as planned on 16/17/18 October.
With the season reduced from 27 to 18 races, the Title Showdown format – which sees the top six riders battle it out for championship glory over the concluding three rounds – won’t be enforced for 2020. All supporting series’ will also feature.
As it stands, MSVR is hoping it will be in a position to welcome back some fans to the events depending on government advice for social distancing at the time.
“This has been an incredibly challenging period, but the enthusiasm, commitment and passion from everyone involved in the championship has been outstanding,” BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs said .
“To reach the position of announcing a provisional calendar is a big step forward. Naturally we are very disappointed that several of the traditional circuits have had to be omitted, which has been as a result of very detailed assessments of the operational, logistical and economic consequences pertinent to all circuits arising out of the COVID 19 pandemic. The firm message though is that we look forward to a full array of circuits returning in 2021.
“We are optimistic that we will be able to welcome fans to BSB this season, enjoying these large outdoor circuit venues with plenty of room to socially distance.
“We are working with the circuits to agree protocols that meet all relevant guidance and will continue to do so as the guidance evolves over the coming weeks, with further announcements on this to follow.”
“For now though, the focus is continuing to prepare the various protocols and operational detail to ensure the safety of everyone in the BSB community.”
As Higgs references, the condensed calendar means some much-loved circuits won’t feature on the schedule for 2020, including Thruxton and Cadwell Park.
