ARRC 2024 New Rules: Ninja ZX-25R, YZF-R3 Join AP250

The 2024 season of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) kicks off next week at the Chang (also known as Elephant) racetrack in Thailand. The ARRC’s 2024 calendar consists of six rounds:

1. **Round 1:** March 15-17, Thailand – Chang
2. **Round 2:** April 19-21, Zhuhai, China
3. **Round 3:** June 7-9, Motegi, Japan
4. **Round 4:** July 26-28, Mandalika, Indonesia
5. **Round 5:** September 13-15, Sepang, Malaysia
6. **Round 6:** December 6-8, Chang, Thailand

According to the 2024 race regulations released by TWMR (the organizer/promoter), notable changes include:

1. In ASB1000 class, minimum and maximum weights are 173 kg and 182 kg respectively for vehicles (inclusive of fuel). The combined weight (total weight with rider and gear) must be at least 245 kg; no additional penalty if the combined weight is below 245 kg but the bike exceeds 182 kg.

2. In SS600 category, minimum and maximum weights are 166 kg and 175 kg, with a combined weight minimum of 244 kg. Similar rule applies for weight penalties.

3. AP250 category gains three new entries: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R/RR and Yamaha YZF-R3 join Honda CBR250RR, CBR300R, Kawasaki Ninja 250, KTM RC 390, TVS Apache RR 310, and Yamaha YZF-R25, making a total of eight approved models for the season.

4. AP250 class weight limits per model:
* Honda CBR250RR: 140 kg (bike), 205 kg (combined)
* Honda CBR300R: 125 kg (bike), 190 kg (combined)
* … (and more listed previously)

5. If a bike’s combined weight remains below the set limit after a 5 kg increase over the minimum weight, there will be no further weight-related penalties.

6. All AP250 vehicles use the aRacer Super X ECU.

7. Base maximum engine RPMs:
* Honda CBR250RR: 13,500 rpm
* Honda CBR300R: No limit
* … (and more listed previously)

8. A balance measure is introduced: if the top five riders lead by 25 points or more, their bikes’ max revs are reduced by 200 rpm, with further adjustments if the gap widens.

These images show the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25RR and Yamaha YZF-R3 from the ARRC post-season tests in December at Chang circuit (December 2023).

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