P1racenews AI automatic summary:
WorldSBK announced earlier this week that a new entry class will be implemented to replace the current World SSP300 junior series from the 2026 season. The FIM Supersport 300 championship has been the junior category since 2017 and has achieved its objective of providing a lower barrier to entry opportunity for riders to start their […]
The FIM Supersport 300 championship has been the junior category since 2017, aiming to offer a lower barrier to entry for riders starting their careers on two wheels. Dorna plans to enhance the sporting and commercial relevance of this entry category, ensuring a smooth transition for riders into the WorldSSP intermediate class in the Superbike series by narrowing the performance gap between classes with new regulations. The upcoming changes include more powerful engines, with details to be announced gradually by the SBK Commission. These modifications are expected to attract more manufacturers to participate in the junior series, with the transition scheduled to start in 2026 to allow ample time for preparation. Wider manufacturer entry is crucial for showcasing machinery that aligns with a growing market segment, as highlighted in the SBK’s press release. Jeffrey Buis serves as a prominent example of the challenging leap between junior and intermediate classes, as despite his success in WorldSSP300, his transition to WorldSSP did not yield any points in the season and resulted in being replaced by Tom Booth-Amos.
