Glen Richards thinks technical rules for the new British Superbike 'Evolution' class, which will replace the Privateers Cup from next season, should be introduced throughout the BSB grid.

Using a format not dissimilar to the new Moto2 class in grand prix racing, BSB Evo will feature machines with a full Superbike racing chassis, but powered by a standard engine and a series-specified control ECU.

For its 2010 debut, the Evo class will run alongside the existing full FIM world championship specification Superbikes - the kind Richards raced for HM Plant Honda during 2009 - but the Australian wants to see the full grid on Evo machines as soon as possible.

“To me they should have just made it across the board,” Richards told Crash.net. “They shouldn't be having two classes next year.

“I know certain teams - Nick Morgan [MSS], Colin Wright [GSE] and Jack Valentine [Crescent] - didn't want the Evo rules across the board. I even know that some of the privateers didn't want it, because they've already bought their bikes for next year.”

By using a control ECU the BSB organisers have been able to ban 'any form of traction control, launch control and anti-wheelie devices' from the Evolution class. That will almost certainly improve the show for fans and, according to Richards, massively reduce the cost of racing.

“In the economic climate I think having standard engines and a kit ECU [in the full BSB class] would be great for the teams - and great for the fans as well, because it'd make the racing closer,” said the 2007 British Superstock champion and 2008 British Supersport champion.

“You won't have people with hundreds of thousands of pounds of electronics. The electronics package on the HM Plant bike is worth around £1000. It's a kit ECU,” he revealed. “And then you're lining up on the grid against someone with £100,000 worth of electronics on their bike. It's good if you can afford it!

“But for me it makes sense to have the racing cheaper and closer. If the racing is cheaper there will be more bikes on the grid and if it's closer the fans will get to watch a better race - and that's what we should be striving for. Some of the Superstock races have been the best races of the day this year.