The third round of 2018 season, which took place at Suzuka, hosted not just the races of UB150, AP250 and Supersport classes, but also the launch of something new for the next seasons. The historic Japanese track is in fact where ARRC officially announced the birth of the new ASB1000 class, which will debut in 2019 and follow FIM Superstock regulations.
Ron Hogg, Director of Two Wheels Motor Racing (ARRC promoter): “We are extremely gratified that the Asia Road Racing Championship has finally reached a point where the ASB1000 class has actually become a necessity. When the series was first introduced in 1996, our mission was always to promote and develop the sport of motorcycle racing within the region. Over the decades, we have always held firm to that vision. The ASB1000 class, as the highest level of production bike racing in the world, will complete the Asia Road Racing Championship. It will offer a single regional platform where champions graduating from their respective superbike national championships can compete. The class will run largely on the FIM Superstock regulations. The tyres will be supported by Dunlop.”
Sadahiko Matsumura (Dunlop): “Dunlop is fully committed to the ASB1000 class, just as our company had been supportive of the ARRC since 1996. For the ASB1000, Dunlop will be providing 8 sets of tyres per race weekend with 2 option compounds. The plan is to eventually offer more options to meet the needs of the various teams. Should the championship decide to implement the SuperPole, Dunlop will likewise prepare qualifying tyres for the class.”