The ASBK Supersport ECU story explained
by Anthony Marinello
The evolving story of ECU regulations in ASBK’s Supersport class, particularly in relation to the Mectronik ECU, highlights the complex balance between technological advancement and maintaining competitive fairness.
Anthony Marinello provides an overview of the issue, drawing on historical context and recent developments.
Historical background
Back in 2017, Motorcycling Australia (MA) authorized the use of the Mectronik YMER6WSS model ECU, a version of the Mectronik MKE7 with specific firmware adapting it to the current World Supersport (WSS) rules, which prohibit the devices Advanced driver assistance such as Traction Control and Launch Control. This model is permitted in an effort to maintain compliance with international competition standards and ensure that local riders and teams can compete or transition on the global stage without big adjustment.
Changes in 2018
To simplify regulations and address concerns about cost and complexity, MA has limited the ECUs allowed for use in 2018 to Yamaha YEC specifications and made ECUs available for new bikes, and only allows Mectronik ECU on existing 2017 models. Although MA Information Bulletin No. 1844 appears to contradict the 2018 decision to allow Mectronik ECUs for 2018 bicycles, the decision reflects a broader desire within the chain to keep all groups available. can access and manage technology, regardless of their budget.
Recent developments
In 2021, as WSS rules evolved to allow for more complex electronic aids, Mectronik updated their ECU to include these advanced features, significantly enhancing the capabilities of the model. images that go beyond what was originally allowed in the ASBK.
Stop and Seal / Toparis Situation
The recent decision to allow Toparis to use the Mectronik ECU, presumably on a 2017 chassis, has raised concerns about the technology gap. With updated Mectronik ECU capabilities, there is a risk this could lead to a significant performance gap between teams that can afford and manage such technology and those that cannot.
Future meaning
Motorcycling Australia now faces important decisions about how to proceed. They could continue to allow advanced Mectronik ECUs, potentially causing an arms race of technological innovation in this area, or they could decide to return to more restrictive ECU rules to maintain Maintain competitive balance and control costs. This decision will significantly impact the dynamics and fairness of the competition going forward.
The challenge for Motorcycling Australia will be to navigate these technological advances while ensuring that competition remains as fair and equitable as possible. Making the series accessible to teams with different resources is important for the growth of the sport and for nurturing upcoming talent within the motor racing community.
