End of the World (as we know it)?

[ÜberDoober]

At Daytona, the big announcement was AMA Pro Racing was sold of to Roger Edmondson of the newly formed DMG.

Now it turns out, proposed rules for next season have the manufacturers pissed and me, as a fan, pissed.

Do away with 1000cc superbikes as the premier class and make 600's the new "premier" class? You've got to be frakkin' kidding? Spec tires & spec fuel? OMG, what is the world coming to? It was bad enough when the 200 went to 600's but to now dump the big boy class entirely? C'YA American road racing. It's been nice knowin' ya.

As an AMA member for close to 20 years and with all the sweeping changes and firings of late, I'm beginning to think the whole thing is going to end up dead and in hell.

I see what's happening right now as the beginning of the end. It will be sad to see it go because some great names have come out of American road racing - Lawson, Rainey, Spencer, Schwantz, Roberts and on and on.

There's more in depth information breaking light all over the web today and it isn't pretty. Methinks we've all been shafted up the arse by the AMA's sellout.

Don't forget, Roger Edmondson sued the AMA and won $2 milliion in a lawsuit. I think this latest bullsh*t is a backhanded way to turn the screw in tighter. Grrr!

[Gary]

I think the '3 Moto ST classes and 600cc superbike format' idea will probably die an abrupt death at the hands of the manufacturers - after speaking only to Suzuki it's sounds as though their next meeting was in a modified format (Yamaha).

I have no problem with a twins class but we have no need for 3.

I had hope for the Edmondson/France DMG partnership but I think idiots remain at the helm in AMA. Same as it ever was...

By the way, I think Edmondson's previous lawsuit against the AMA was totally justified, through CCS he invented and ran the supersport classes and the AMA cheerfully stole them. I don't think this is related, DMG spent a good chunk to buy the rights to the series - I think they want NASBIKE.

[ÜberDoober]

Well, at least we know more now. So does this mean Mladin & Spies are going to ride in the "Daytona Superbike" class now or will they race in the LiterBike class? Frak me. :ack2:


The latest, courtesy of Dean Adams/SuperbikePlanet (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/newind.htm/)

Daytona Motorsports Group Debuts New Class Structures
by dean adams
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Roger Edmondson and the Daytona Motorsports Group debuted their current plans for the US Superbike series this afternoon at a meeting with many of the teams at Barber Motorsports Park.

Essentially, their plans are as follows: 600 Supersport and Superstock are "thanked for their service" and go the way of the dodo bird. The premier class becomes "Daytona Superbikes" which will include a very wide array of machinery from different manufacturers, from a BMW 1200 to a Japanese four-cylinder 600. Daytona Superbike will be horsepower limited and power to weight ratio limited--with the bikes being weighed with rider. Daytona Superbike will be regulated to improve parity and competition, including regular ECU exchanges.

The 2009 Superbike class, which many OEMs were concerned about being disbanded, returns with a new name--LiterBike--and essentially the 2009 Superbike rules that the teams worked on this year to formulate will apply. With a single tire rule and spec fuel as well. Each manufacturer will have to enter four riders in the class to be eligible.
Read the rest of the story here: http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Apr/080417a.htm

And I'll go on to agree about the AMA v. Edmondson lawsuit.

I guess what pisses me off about the whole thing is why in the hell couldn't AMA Pro Racing could never get their sh*t together enough in the first place? I'm a 20 year member and guess I'm not well educated enough on the subject as to why the whole Daytona Motorsports Group even still remains connected to the AMA? It seems to me that the promotor, not the sanctioning body is making the rulebook so what exactly is the AMA's role in all of this anyway?

And the whole MotoST thing? I really don't want to watch 3 hour endurance races condensed into an hour - I want to see full bore charging sprints to the death. If I want strategy, I'll watch F1.

[HeadDoober]

SuperbikePlanet.com (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/newind.htm/) is saying that the mood in the paddock is either "the Greatest Thing Ever, or Racing Armageddon".

[Gary]

The AMA is still the sanctioning body and DMG is effectively leasing the championship series from them. By all appearances the series has changed from people who really don't understand motorcycle racing to people who, uh, don't seem to understand motorcycle racing. I expected more from Edmondson, I didn't think he was going to shove MotoST in our faces as a national championship series (though it's his baby so I should have known he'd think it's a stroke of genius) nor did I think they would try to shove 600s out to us as the premier class.

One of the AMA's biggest problems has been that they don't recognize that manufacturers prefer to develop bikes that will be effective in multiple nation's championships, or WSB spec - but noooooooo, let's have a series where the bikes won't be useful anywhere else in the world, just like the current AMA superbikes.


The series will be led by idiots, so it's more of the same from the AMA - clueless since I first started following it in 1980. I am thoroughly unimpressed.

[ÜberDoober]

I couldn't agree more with every point you've made. I'm almost embarrassed to be a member of the AMA, at this point. As this all gets out in Europe & Australia, I'm sure our little hometown series will look even more pathetic by comparison. I'm heading off the check the Brit press now for comments.

I'm almost prefering the original incompetence of the AMA to these unprecedented revisions. Superbike, supersport, superstock, etc. probably has confused the casual fan more than necessary but now, it seems everything will be getting a name change so it's start over from zero.

I guess I haven't got a lot of confidence that this is going to work out, but it might. If it means motorcycle racing becomes the new NASCAR, I'm going to start having to learn a lot more about WERA, etc?

Bring on the rolling billboards! Boogity Boogity Boogity - Let's go racin', boys!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/Article_81FR.jpg

[DooberRoni]

I was just doing some Googling and can't even find a website for the DMG, yet. Somewhat surprised at that.

From following the action over the weekend and keeping up with the chatter at Soup and a few other hangouts, it seems the reactions are certainly mixed on this whole deal. I missed the opinion Freddie Spencer gave during the Superbike broadcast, but from what I can tell, he is taking some heat for towing the company line about what a good thing this is.

Some of the things Mladin was reported as saying this weekend came off kind of prickish to me. He was "bored" after Spies crashed out and when asked about the new program said something to the effect that if anybody thought different pistons and cranks would slow him and Ben down, they were dreaming.

I'm not saying spec type racing can't be good to watch. The battle between Bostrum and Josh Herrin in the Supersport race was epic.

Oh well, it's off to roval at Fontana next week and we'll see who puts their mouth where the money is? I wish they still ran here locally. I haven't been to a national for a long time. :blush:

[ÜberDoober]

A day late and a dollar (that's all?) short but I just read a few more interesting details of the planned DMG series. They clearly want to do away with 1000's and the 4-rider minimum per manufacturer is certainly going to piss the factories off.

And they want radios and rolling starts? WTF? It really is going to turn into NA$CAR. :vomit:


More on DMG's Plans for AMA Roadracing
One major difference between Daytona Superbike and LiterBike is Daytona Superbike will have a large purse--significantly larger than the current typical Superbike purse, according to Fraser--while LiterBike will not have any purse.

In addition to homologation requirements (a manufacturer must produce a yet-to-be-announced number of streetbike versions of a motorcycle for sale in North America in order for that model to be eligible to race) LiterBike will have addition requirements. “A manufacturer has to commit to providing a certain number of bikes (in the LiterBike races). For most of the manufacturers we anticipate that number will be four,” said Fraser. “The deal is we want a variety of machines in that class. We don’t want just one or two brands participating. So we’re looking at a minimum of four and a maximum of six. And we’re not talking about four full-blown factory bikes. That means a commitment that four decent motorcycles will be on the track. And obviously, satellite-type teams who are looking for deals are going to maybe look beyond whoever is winning at the end of this season. There might be better opportunities with manufacturers that maybe have more to prove or a different philosophy about how to make that four and six number work.”

Daytona Superbike and LiterBike, like MOTO-ST, will use rolling starts and a safety car, and radios will be mandatory. Specifically, Crew Chiefs will be required to monitor an open channel used by Race Control to communicate with all teams at once. Two-way radio communication between teams and their riders will be strongly encouraged, according to Fraser.

DMG will also institute tiered licensing, which will be used to keep unqualified riders out of the premier classes and to keep factory riders out of feeder classes. Riders in Daytona Superbike and LiterBike will be required to hold a Class I license. Class I and II license holders will be allowed to race in MOTO-ST Super Sport Twins. Grand Sport Twins competitors can hold a Class II or III license. Class III license holders will be eligible to race in Grand Sport Twins, Sport Twins and the specialty classes, like the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup.
Full Article Link: http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=32140

[ÜberDoober]

Did anybody happen to catch Roger Edmondson on WindTunnel the other night? He's so been drinking the France family kool-aid and I know I should give everything a chance but the whole DMG thing is not going to go over very well in this neck of DooberVille, methinks?

Edmondson goes on and on about how he has talked to the manufacturers and how it's all good but Dave didn't buy it and blasted back that the buzz on the Internet says the manufacturers are less than happy with the whole deal and specifically mentioned Suzuki and Honda. He asked a hard question contrary to the bullshit Edmondson was spewing and I was actually surprised he had the balls to put it to him so bluntly. Good on him.

Edmondson tries to come off as the savior of the sport, how riders will all get big salaries and how safety will be improved, blah, blah, blah and how the sport needs a complete home makeover in order for it to grow and prosper. I think he means dumbed down to the point that the average NASCAR fan will get it. (no knocks there, I watches me some NASCAR)

Granted, the AMA has never managed to capitalize on, properly promote or do a heck of a lot to bring the series into the limelight but at this point, I'd be happy with that. At least it would be the same ol' roadracing national championship I grew up with and my fear is that I won't recognize the things to come.

And while I've got a few minutes to kill before I step down from my soapbox, what the hell good is the AMA for anymore any way? (20+ yr member) The dirt track thing, which is fantastically exciting to watch has all gone to hell, they frakked up the road racing so bad they had to beg a former enemy and litigant to come take it off their hands and without any loyalties, wiped the slate clean off long time key staffers.

Here's something I don't know or remember right off the top of my head...who are the Supercross promoter guys? Back when, the AMA did a similar deal and the farmed SX out to another company. That endeavor has been relatively successful but let me ask this: did these other guys start out by throwing away the AMA Rulebook? I think not.

Edmondson's I'm-a-big-executive-in-a-$3-suit-businessman irked me as well. He certainly didn't come off as a fan, just a suit concerned with making money. Damned the torpedoes, damned the people that do know the sport, full speed ahead. I only hope not into oblivion.

I thought it was supposed to be that the sanctioning body was the keeper of the rules and that it was the promoter's job to promote and put on the races in accordance with the rules, not to completely re-write them.

So what exactly is the AMA's role in all this by being the "sanctioning body"? Does that just mean DMG can do whatever the hell they want, make up whatever they feel like and alienate a crapload of fans but everything's cool because they get to use the AMA logo?

Before hitting submit, I read the previous posts again and see that I've just said the whole thing over and that some of my questions have already been answered. I've just put the whole thing out of my mind, I guess, and for some reason today, I started thinking about it again. I'm sure when I get my renewal notice from the AMA in a few months, I'll think also about it again. Sorry for rambling.

[DooberRoni]

I was looking for an address over at Soup in a news story but couldn't find it.

I did come across an article dated 24 April and read it again today. After getting over the initial shock of the whole DMG thing and having a month or two for it to soak in, I read this story again back from when the bombshell was dropped and I went Wow!

If you haven't read this, it's worth a look:


Interview: American Honda's Ray Blank
by dean adams & susan haas
Thursday, April 24, 2008

excerpt:

Q Sunday afternoon at Barber, a 20-year veteran crew chief of a factory Superbike team confided to me that he felt very hard done by the AMA in all this. And he seemed to be taking it very personally. That after all the years, all the support, all the money, all the flights, all the sacrifice, in the end they "really got screwed by the AMA, and are being cast into a corner". He was clearly very bitter. Can you empathize?
"The AMA abandoned some of the strongest supporters that they had, those being the OEMs."

A Well, sure. You've been coming to the table and your seat for many years. Buying your seat. Supporting the organization. Not only through the contribution that you make financially as a corporate member, but also the time spent. I think that there was a point in time where I was spending some 45 to 50 working days per year at AMA business, when I was on both Pro Racing Board and on the AMA Board. Doing an awful lot of work that Honda paid for. That's not cheap. And there were other companies sitting there doing that. To put on the support, coming to that table and paying for that seat, paying for the opportunity to contribute, and then walking into the room the next day and finding out that not only was your chair gone, but the door was locked. Nobody was very interested in even letting you know why this had happened. And then the next thing, hearing that "here's how the world is going to be".

The full article can be found on Superbikeplanet.com HERE (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Apr/080424-0912sa.htm).

[ÜberDoober]

Josh Hayes talks about his DQ at Daytona, the DMG crap and pulls no punches.


MOTORCYCLE CIRCUIT CHANGING DIRECTION
Gulfport's Josh Hayes sees major mods as racing arm changes ownership
By STEVE WILSON

..."The days of going to a track and seeing a 200-horspower, fire-breathing superbike will be over," Hayes said. "Right now our series is about to do a 180. Right now none of our sponsors are from outside the industry. But DMG is not into selling motorcycles. They're into entertainment. One of my goals was to get a factory superbike ride and with all of the changes, that isn't going to exist."...

..."It's absolutely crazy," Hayes said. "Next year, racing in the U.S. is going to be completely different. They want it to be a better show, like NASCAR, where 10 guys at any race can win. They're hoping that gets some of the NASCAR crowd to watch. But motorcycle racing draws a different crowd, techie geeks who argue about it on message boards. They're hardcore."


Full Story: SunHerald.com (LINK (http://www.sunherald.com/sports/story/550670.html))

[Gary]

I hope some of serious AMA boys start looking abroad. SBK has had too few US riders, and BSB is a good learning ground too. Time to expand horizons and leave the AMA behind. Leave Mladin here to win by 45 seconds in a bore-fest and then promote a new series into the national championship.

Do I sound bitter?

[ÜberDoober]

Do I sound bitter?

I think everyone that has followed this sport, knows the history of it and has been a fan feels shafted by this sellout.

Not that racing in the US has any cred anyway, save the aforementioned Lawson, Rainey, Schwantz, Spencer, Roberts, Hayden, et al, this deal pretty much seals the fate of there being no future ahead for American racers on the world scene.

If the DMG is right and the new series (this ain't my AMA roadracing) attracts a lot of new (NASCAR) fans ignorant of the sport, there better be a hella lot of them to make up for the regulars that just give up.

I'm not saying that the DMG plan won't produce some good races, close battles and interesting finishes, but the horsepower limited, restrictor plated, rolling started radio communicated NASCAR wannabe formula makes me wanna
:vomit:

[Gary]

The one thing I did find encouraging was that riders like Hayes are starting to look at Europe with renewed interest - the US series will still suck but maybe a few Americans will spread their wings.

The one pro racer that I talk to occasionally (online) is an Aussie who was looking to race here next year. He said seats seem to be drying up fast but it's hard to say whether it's because of this DMG debacle or our souring economy.

[ÜberDoober]

The one thing I did find encouraging was that riders like Hayes are starting to look at Europe with renewed interest - the US series will still suck but maybe a few Americans will spread their wings...

Well, that's a good thing and I wish them the best of luck but it sure doesn't do much for us.

As much as I complain, you can bet that I will be glued to the television when this new series starts, if for nothing else, to bitch about how frakked up it is.:)

As I typed that last sentence and realized I'd called it a "new series", it almost brought a tear...

I just looked and DMG still doesn't have a website up. You would think that for such market savvy professionals they wouldn't have neglected this. Even in the Hayes interview he mentioned "techie geeks that argue about it on message boards". I find it very curious that they don't at least have some kind of PR site to attract sponsors.

[KingKenny]

Uber & Rooni... I hope old boy is just tossing ideas around and eventually this will settle out totally differently. I haven't heard any factory players indicate they are buying into this yet. Without them, DMG has nothing to start with. Man I was hoping for some changes but... help me here... NO 600cc racing to speak of anymore? Uhhh aren't they about the most popular bike sold in america? Anyway I share your setiments entirely and crossing fingers that this is still just "silly season" crap from DMG.

[ÜberDoober]

Mat blasts 'em at Infineon! You go, boy!

BOOM: Mladin Unloads On DMG & '09 Series
by dean adams
Saturday, May 17, 2008

Six-time Superbike champion Mat Mladin has been simmering about the Daytona Motorsports Group take-over of the series for some time and today, on the podium at Infineon, Mladin anger boiled over.

From the podium, Mladin said into the track PA system that the fans of the series should "speak up now" so they won't have to see a series populated by "piece of crap motorcycles and second-rate riders".

Soup's got the rest of the story:http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/May/080517i7.htm

[Gary]

Have you read any of this? http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=32432

DMG's tech inspectors have been giving riders hell for not having drain plugs installed. They aren't required at Sears, er, Infineon...

Geniuses at work.

[ÜberDoober]

Have you read any of this? http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=32432

DMG's tech inspectors have been giving riders hell for not having drain plugs installed. They aren't required at Sears, er, Infineon...

Geniuses at work.

I swear I replied to this earlier? Oh well. Yeah, I saw it (and posted it #5 in the Infineon thread :):))

Newly posted at Soup, Mladin really let go on the DMG. I am really glad to see him standing up and speaking his mind. Others have been suspiciously quiet.

Mat Mladin - "Today and yesterday I've heard that much stuff over the microphone out there of the propaganda these people are trying to fill all of the fans with. It's almost made me throw up." Full story: Superbikeplanet.com (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/May/080517n.htm)

[ÜberDoober]

And now Roger Edmondson responds. Maybe I've got my eyes closed or head in the sand that this is going to be a good thing but to me with a quick read, it just sounds like more bullshit?

Roger Edmondson Offers More Details of DMG's 2009 US Series
On an upcoming rules package being released:
"I think that after taking the pulse several times we now have the direction we want to go but we want to try and give some more details. This process of putting a rules package together was never really intended to be public at any part. But events got away from us early on when one of the people we were consulting with went public. So we spent the last six or eight weeks or whatever kind of fighting this battle. Behind the scenes and in public."
full interview at Superbikeplanet.com (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/May/080520x9.htm)

[KingKenny]

Good Read! 40-50 "equal" bikes with varied rider ability sounds good to me. Everbody can play. This thing will sort out and we'll all get used to it eventually. One thing for sure there is going to be some serious money in the sport in the very near future!:brick-wall-101:

The All New AMA Pro Series promotes the fastest and closest motorcycle racing series in the history of motorcycle racing. These boys are gonna fly

The new pace car is entirely mobile and can be dropped in anywhere on the track.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSMNn79SI/AAAAAAAAATo/aSj-4ImPoPU/s144/Picture1.jpg
The new machinery is capable of big time wheelies and vertical will be the rule not the exception!
http://lh3.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSMdn79TI/AAAAAAAAATw/OcP77YmaqSo/s144/Picture2.jpg
Speed is so extreme that tire grip isn’t an issue anymore. The phrase “their absolutely flyin out there” becomes a reality.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSMtn79UI/AAAAAAAAAT4/zx6tMnP56ho/s144/Picture3.jpg
Barrel rolls will become common and are just another race strategy. Honda excels and leads all other’s with this technique. Think “speed racer”!
http://lh5.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSM9n79VI/AAAAAAAAAUA/PwHDIDfJtT0/s144/Picture4.jpg
The racing will be real close, maybe too close for rider comfort but, the FANS will LOVE it. Insert Matt flippin Ben the bird here. Oh wait that was Colin.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSNNn79WI/AAAAAAAAAUI/ZK5vA9L-HHo/s144/Picture5.jpg
Riders will explore the “edges” like never before.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSNNn79XI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/kW-PqtrfFrc/s144/Picture6.jpg
Hard braking will be mandatory.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSNdn79YI/AAAAAAAAAUY/EFNJpEgcUFY/s144/Picture7.jpg
FANS will feel like their part of the action.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSNtn79ZI/AAAAAAAAAUg/PaBpjb4a6eI/s144/Picture8.jpg
FANS will receive all the amenities they need to enjoy the race.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSN9n79aI/AAAAAAAAAUo/qAHe9mu2vu0/s144/Picture9.jpg
Did I mention the FANS will feel like their part of the action… really part of the action!
http://lh3.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSOdn79bI/AAAAAAAAAUw/ezsvFwRY6_c/s144/Picture10.jpg
Taking cue from Laguna Seca – Yamaha Raceway … plenty of critters will be added to all venues. Awwww… aren’t they cute?
http://lh4.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSOtn79cI/AAAAAAAAAU4/H5zjdFwiYTA/s144/Picture11.jpg
Some things will remain unchanged. Like riders keeping their eyes on the horizon.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSO9n79dI/AAAAAAAAAVA/09xg_opoKz0/s144/Picture12.jpg

[ÜberDoober]

:uplaugh::uplaugh::uplaugh:

I suppose having some humor about the whole thing is a good idea? Thanks for the light moment, KK.

[Gary]

I'd truly love to know where they are going to find 40-50 competitive riders. If they put that many on track at once it will cause traffic related problems that I don't even want to think about...

In '83 (I think) an up and coming Canadian rider named Rhys Howard was kicking butt in 250, and at the Laguna Seca National he caught the guy in last place going into the old scary turn 2 on the THIRD lap, who promptly changed lines and ran Howard off the track. Happened right in front of me, I thought he was dead - the doctors said he'd never walk again, I understand he ran a marathon a few years later, but I digress. This is what I expect from their '40-50 bikes' - there simply isn't enough talent, or enough room on the track, for those kinds of numbers. But it does explain their desire for rolling starts! 50 bikes into turn1??

[ÜberDoober]

I'd truly love to know where they are going to find 40-50 competitive riders. If they put that many on track at once it will cause traffic related problems that I don't even want to think about...

You know what they say? "Rubbin' is Racin'!" :ack2:

Oh wait, that's not for bikes. :reddevil: Swear to gawd, if anybody says Boogity, there will be bloodshed!

[KingKenny]

I've been restraining myself from the "b" word but, come to think of it... it may apply to the FANS! :)

Gary remember, NASCAR is premised on FAN enjoyment. Watching crashes over and over on the Large Video Screen at the track while a fleet of PU Trucks cruises around looking important like maybe they are really doing something. Meanwhile the pits are closed so the riders can just stop and do autographs, throw their helmets and gloves to loyal fans, and have a RedBull drink break for that all important exhausting 2 lap sprint race at the end [absent their helmet of course]. Then some rider is the designated "debri dropper" so the race will need to be stopped at least 3-4 times in the last 10 laps. Finally we get to the all important moment::001_tt2:

GREEN - WHITE -CHECKER :cheers2: Then it's Miller Time! Wait maybe that part was prerace! No wonder NASCAR fans are so easy to please. Yahoo.... Family Fun!

btw Gary: Don't worry about Safety... DMG will resolve that with helmet flaps to keep the bikes from flippin, Hans devices that prevent silly things like back injuries resulting in quad jobs, and you do remember the inflatable balloon [air bag] for motorcycles don't you ... I'm sure that will all be mandatory "safety gear" for the next generation of riders. :conehead:

[ÜberDoober]

From the sound of things, fans are revolting against the DMG proposals.

From Superbikeplanet.com (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/May/080521i.htm)
How To Contact Your Local Promoter
by staff
Wednesday, May 21, 2008

We've received an unprecedented number of e-mail requests from fans desiring e-mail contact information for someone at the OEMs, DMG or the AMA in regards to the class structure for the 2009 series.

Requests ramped way up yesterday after we ran Roger Edmondson's comments from Infineon.

My guess is that these unprecedented number of e-mails aren't from people wanting to get in touch with everyone so that they can say how great the DMG is going to be and that they should happy to go along with the new rules package?

I've got to commend Soup for sticking a toe in this one way or another and suggesting that contacting the promoters would have the best result.

Methinks there might be trouble ahead?

[Gary]

I used a few of the links from Soup to contact promoters at tracks I have visited in the past or hoped to in the future - but I noticed every email address on the Laguna Seca website has disappeared. Odd, because I've contacted them via email in the past...

[KingKenny]

I used a few of the links from Soup to contact promoters at tracks I have visited in the past or hoped to in the future - but I noticed every email address on the Laguna Seca website has disappeared. Odd, because I've contacted them via email in the past...
You go Boy! :cool-0014: :yrok1: Keep on keepin on! :brick-wall-101:

I'm sure glad I'm not on Soup's email list. Can you imagine trying to sort through all that! Holy Cow. Sounds like only Honda on the mfg. side even responded. Of course they got a hot shit 600 FX bike so it's in they're interest to get it in the Superbike mix. Zempke & Hayes gotta be cheesin on this development.

[ÜberDoober]

The more I ponder this, I think Dean Adams had some balls to publish the list of promoters and suggest the fans get in touch with them. I'm not sure every promoter or manufacturer that gets deluged with email will be too happy about it and certainly Superbikeplanet doesn't want to screw up its relationship with any of the tracks or management.

I did notice that the byline on the story said "Staff" and not DA but still, it was a strong move on their part.

[Gary]

KK that hot FX bike won't do them any good - the 'Daytona Superbike' class is to be essentially supersport from what has been released. They will not be heavily modified if the reports to date are true.

I'm not sure Dean is really sticking his neck out too far - if there is a HUGE out-pouring the promoters might be glad to hear it. They normally rely on tickets sales and if the crowds aren't going to turn out this would be a major development. DMG might be willing to suffer a couple of weak years before the arrival of the enormous crowds they seem to believe are waiting in the wings, but the promoters might not want to go bankrupt in the interim.

[ÜberDoober]

This just in from the DMG...


Daytona Motorsports Group
Press Release:

Due to the overwhelming popular reaction of Valentino Rossi's custom helmet design for the Mugello GP featuring his face on the front of his helmet, all entrants in the Daytona Superbike and Literbike classes must now display their photographic likeness on the top of their helmets as specified in Rule 10, Subsection A.

[/hahaha]

[ÜberDoober]

Well, we know what Suzuki thinks! :D

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/DaytonaSuperbike.jpg
image by riles & nelson Courtesy of: © superbikeplanet.com (http://www.dooberville.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=1714)

[ÜberDoober]

Found this at Fark and thought it was good for this thread? :)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/EKron/whychange.jpg

[Ned Kelly]

Change can be good. Just depends on how things get changed.

[Gary]

It's hard to believe that things could go downhill from the non-stop AMA bungling, but DMG seems to be pulling it off.

[Ned Kelly]

I agree. When I heard the AMA was getting out of racing, I was stoked. That didn't last long.

[ÜberDoober]

All the dueling press releases today from Edmondson just further illustrate how frakked up things are.

Q: So will the Rider Safety Council be irrelevant in the future?

A: “It’s irrelevant right this minute, as far as I’m concerned,” stated Edmondson.

In closing, I take full responsibility for any confusion created by our wording and commit to working more diligently on future releases to ensure that the only interpretation possible by reasonable people will be the one we intend -Edmondson from Soup

So, in other words we'll just do as we damn well please but we'll be more careful how we put it. I consider myself a "reasonable person" and didn't "mis-interpret" the first press release. The man has just revealed his true colors, that's all. :mad:

[Gary]

Yeah, I can't wait to hear on that 'other' forum that with Bill Syfan involved they are looking out for the riders best interests. You have to admit, this does help to explain why DMG wants slow motorcycles!

[Ned Kelly]

Yeah, I can't wait to hear on that 'other' forum that with Bill Syfan involved they are looking out for the riders best interests. You have to admit, this does help to explain why DMG wants slow motorcycles!


Cuz they have slow employees?

[ÜberDoober]

Ok, I just read the story about Loudon maybe coming back on the schedule that I linked to from Soup. All I can say is this really is getting ugly. :ack2:

Without safety upgrades, Mladin said Suzuki would not force him to race in New Hampshire.

"There's no more conservative group of people than motorcycle racers," said Edmondson when speaking of changes to AMA racing, including adding different venues. "They have a comfort zone the size of a gnat."

Mladin said he would be happy to visit NHMS and offer advice for changes. He continued, "I've been a track safety advocate. I've paid my share of fines and I will continue to advocate for the riders. "We take a lot of risks racing motorcycles ... the fact that a promoter wants to put a racer's life on the line (he paused), I believe Roger Edmondson said it's all about the pay day.

"We'll call the shots," said Edmondson of Mladin's past strong influence on the sport.

read the full story here (http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Top+bikers+poised+to+return+ to+Loudon&articleId=d7c3264a-cb4d-477b-90c2-232e1764a32e)


Edmondson is just coming off as a dick and complete douchenozzle. The rulebook, if you can call it that, is bad enough without him doing everything he can to reinforce his dictatorship and alienate the riders.

[Ned Kelly]

Roger puts the dick in dictatorship.

[ÜberDoober]

Motorcycle Daily chimes in with an interesting take.

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/16june08_edmondson.htm

[Ned Kelly]

You know, reading all the stuff that has come from Rog, you'd swear he had never seen a motorcycle before.

[Gary]

As was stated elsewhere, I agree that the slight retraction that DMG released today was due to it being a press release which was carefully worded rather than that pompous ass Edmondson speaking his thoughts.

[ÜberDoober]

Ok, did anybody read the story at soup about the AMA and the DMG not actually having signed contracts yet? Here's a link (http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Jun/080624d.htm).

From my experience in the racing simulation development field, this does not surprise me one bit, especially when dealing with Edmondson and crew. It took 14 months to secure licensing rights to produce a Grand-Am racing game and over a year for Champ Car. The entire process was complete bullshit with the lawyers wanting this and the lawyers wanting that. It was tedious and every miniscule insignificant point that had little to do with anything went back and forth for an eternity.

I can imagine that with the AMA having existing contracts with other involved 3rd parties, it must be horrendously more complicated. I've dealt with Grand-Am/Edmondson's legal team and they are a bunch of anal bastards that like to throw things in just to make themselves seem important or something?

I don't imagine it's going to make any difference because like Dean said, the DMG is already running the show but trust me, promises and bullet points will be made, broken and tossed out a dozen times before the final paperwork is done. I know - been there, done that.

BTW, in spite of actually securing licensing agreements for producing a Grand-Am and Champ Car racing sim, no funding ever came through for the actual development and both projects died on the vine. One of our Doobers that has never posted :mad: (Petetp) was also part of the dev team that went through this whole ordeal and I doubt he has much good to say about Edmondson's legal team either.

[Ned Kelly]

Takes for ever to get the waders on in order to slog through the bullshit.

[Ned Kelly]

Looks like we still don't know what American roadracing will look like next year...


http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=12504

[ÜberDoober]

Veddy, veddy interesting article. Thanks for the link. :)

It seems like every day the picture seems even more bleak, if that's possible? I would truely hope that if Honda and Suzuki don't come out to play that Kawasaki and Yamaha stay home too.

I'll say it again...for all the supposed marketing and sponsorship savvy that the DMG is bringing to the table in a revolutionary new way that will bring the big bucks into the sport, they've already dropped the ball by not having a web presence. Hell, up until a week ago, they didn't even have an official press spokesman and that changed only because Edmondson kept sticking his foot in his mouth.

If you remember a few years ago, the OEM's were clamboring for consistent rules and they got 'em through 2009. That's one reason that Yamaha returned to superbike. For DMG to now break that agreement is pretty much crap.

As far as setting up an alternate series, I'd be for anything that runs "global" superbike rules.

[Ned Kelly]

I have an "industry insider" buddy that was at the Laguna Seca test on Monday. He told me there is talk of an alternative series. The OEM's are discussing it at the upcoming Motorcycle Industry Council meeting. Rumor he heard, and it's just a rumor, is that the series will be manged by and use WERA infrastructure... financed by the OEM's. I don't know if that puts the fox in charge of the hen house or not, but at least there's a glimmer of hope that real race bikes will be run in the U.S. and not just the hillbilly "Daytona Superbike" concept.

[Gary]

Might only be a glimmer of hope but it's the best one I've heard - DMG can take their game else where. WERA runs (or ran at least) good events and seem to have a clue.

[Cornbread Red]

BTW, in spite of actually securing licensing agreements for producing a Grand-Am and Champ Car racing sim, no funding ever came through for the actual development and both projects died on the vine.


I have Newman/Haas Racing for the Playstation 1, did you facilitate that?

Chip

[ÜberDoober]

I have Newman/Haas Racing for the Playstation 1, did you facilitate that?
Chip

Naw, all our stuff was for the PC. I'll make a post about this whole experience some day and maybe even convince Pete to get on and toss in his 2¢
.

If the manufacturers did align themselves with WERA, that wouldn't be a bad thing. They're the 2nd best known organization around. The only issue that I have, and not that I don't have the same concern with the DMG, is the history.

AMA Superbike champion has always meant something but regardless of what happens now, it's pretty much going to be a worthless title.

[Ned Kelly]

The wheels are turning...

http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=12515

[ÜberDoober]

Whew! Just caught up with all the posts "over there". Thanks for taking the time, Ned Kelly (DooberVille's offical bushranger) to keep this thread up to date too. You scooped everyone with the info from your buddy that was at the Laguna test. Nice work!

There seems to be a positively overwhelming response to the idea of the MIC running their own show and I would much prefer this type of arrangement over the plans of the DMG, even if I don't know what it is.

It is getting kind of late though, for everyone. At this point, I think the AMA/DMG thing is in heap big trouble because with the world apparently against the plans and the rulebook and with threats of losing manufacturer's support, it wouldn't suprise me if maybe some cold feet are involved somewhere? Roger has not gotten any favorable press and certainly his financial backers must be aware of and if those contracts truely don't have all the t's crossed and the i's dotted and all the right signatures in place, the deal still could fall through. I've been in this last minute situations with everybody promising everything to everyone else and having it fall apart so it could happen.



ps
Darby, when might you be gracing us with your first post? :)

[Gary]

It was reported earlier this week that the AMA/DMG deal has yet to be finalized - it makes me wonder if the AMA is the one that might be left holding an empty bag, assuming the WERA/OEM deal comes together.

I really hope this happens.

[Ned Kelly]

If the OEM/MIC/WERA thing happens, They could quickly adopt the rule set thay already had in place and be in business. That was the direction they were taking before DMG derailed things. I'd love to see the race weekend run with practice sessions on Friday, support races and qualifying Saturday, two SBK race split by Supersport race on Sunday.

[Gary]

An interesting take - seems DMG is waffling a bit:

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=33044

[Ned Kelly]

If DMG had come into this with a more even handed approach, gaining the trust of the fans, the riders and the Factory Teams... They could have had a the US racing fraternity eating out of their hand. Instead they came in swinging a bat and may have broken this thing forever. Even if concessions are made on both sides, at this point, there is no trust. It will always be an adversarial relationship. Edmondson just plain old blew it.

[Cornbread Red]

Bring back the days when Mile, Half-Mile, and TT were also mixed with Roadrace skills...

[ÜberDoober]

Bring back the days when Mile, Half-Mile, and TT were also mixed with Roadrace skills...

Boy, I remember that. Dick Mann was my idol of the era along with Gary Nixon et. al.

This whole AMA/DMG story will just not simmer down. With another spate of stories in the press earlier in the week at RRW and a late entry at Soup plus the continuing buzz on other boards, I'm curious to see what really happens.

On Windtunnel Sunday night, Despain's opinion that the talk of the MIC starting their own series was just to improve their bargaining position but I'm getting the feeling that whatever happens, 2009 is going to be a lame ass season.

[ÜberDoober]

Breaking Rumors!

Wow! Looks like maybe somebody listened? "Factory Superbike" sounds very interesting.

Read it here!

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=33116

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Jul/080703z.htm

[ÜberDoober]

:beatdeadhorse5:

Did y'all catch the story on Soup yesterday that WSBK rules weren't exactly what they were looking for?

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Jul/080707ah.htm

Could it be that since they don't actually a factory team in World Superbike, they're not too fond of the idea? Weeners!

[ÜberDoober]

In case you haven't seen it already, here's the press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AMA PRO RACING OFFERS THREE SUPERBIKE CLASSES FOR 2009

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA (JULY 19, 2008) - Today DMG released their plan for the 2009 AMA Superbike Series. Last week the contract with AMA and DMG was unanimously approved by the AMA Board of Trustees. In the future, DMG will do business as AMA Pro Racing and further releases will be under that trade name.

After four months of meetings and discussions, listening to suggestions, comments, and ideas from the broad spectrum of interested parties, AMA Pro Racing is presenting a program designed to provide exciting competition that will appeal to fans and participants alike. "The program we are releasing today represents the best combination of our vision and the vision shared with us by the manufacturers, promoters, fans, and independent teams" said Roger Edmondson of AMA Pro Racing.

The primary classes are Factory Superbike, American Superbike, and Daytona Superbike. Each of the classes has their own regulations and character. Secondary programs include the Red Bull AMA US Rookies Cup and Sun Trust Moto-ST, which will be added at select events.

Time will be built into each race weekend format to allow for local special activities, fan-walks on pit road, extended pre-race rider introductions, and post-race podium celebrations, complete with public rider interviews for fans and private briefings for the press.

Factory Superbike is a new program, free from the constraints of attempts to balance the resources of the factory teams to those of private entries. Featured are liter class sport bikes, operating at the highest level of technology and performance. Plans call for full implementation of FIM World Superbike rules by 2011, but to ease the transition from current equipment, in 2009 Factory Superbikes will be prepared to the specifications agreed to in 2007 by the AMA Rules Committee and manufacturers. Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha, have all requested use of those rules for 2009. The required Factory Pro license will only be issued to riders with a proven record of experience and performance at the top level of the sport. Other features of this new competition include single-bike qualifying, open tire selection, and unlimited testing.

Factory Superbike will be the final race on most event weekends. "Works bikes, salaried star riders, rules written by and requested by the manufacturers, special tires, no-holds barred superbike racing by the strongest teams in America.....what more could a racing fan ask for?" said Edmondson. "It will be a shooting war among the big guns and the meek need not apply."

American Superbike is for the same big-bore machines as Factory Superbike, but at a lower level of modification and performance. As in FIM World Superbike, there will be a single tire supplier. All approved machines and after-market parts will be homologated, and must be available to all competitors. Testing will be limited to reduce costs to the teams and sponsors. "SuperPole" qualifying for the ten fastest riders in timed practice will set the front of the grid. Riders in American Superbike must have a Factory Pro or Superbike Pro license. Motorcycles entered in American Superbike may not be entered in Factory Superbike.

Daytona Superbike departs from the traditional displacement and weight regulations and introduces power-to-weight and dynamometer controls to limit horsepower. This class is expected to be contested mostly by 600cc four-cylinder motorcycles, however the rules will provide for close competition with 675cc triples and up to 1200cc twins. All approved machines and after-market parts will be homologated, and must be available to all competitors. Daytona Superbike will feature Superpole qualifying, limited testing, single tire and fuel suppliers, and may be contested by all Superbike licensed riders (Factory Pro, Superbike Pro, and Limited Pro).

Homologation of motorcycles and approved after-market accessories and parts will begin August 1st. Provisional rules are attached to this release. The Official Rule Book will be published in September.

[Ned Kelly]

Soooo, really nothing has changed. In essence FX and Supersport are rolled into one class. Depending on what modifications 600 four cylinder bikes are allowed to be competitive with the 1200cc twins, the Supersport guys will be forced to spend money on hop ups.

One step forward, three steps back. Are we sure the AMA is no longer involved?

[ÜberDoober]

I haven't had a chance to go through any of this yet but I compiled the supposed rules for Factory Superbike, American Superbike and Daytona Superbike into one handy PDF.

I wish to hell they would have come up with better names.

[Ned Kelly]

A bit of news from my "source"...

The exodus has begun.

Looks like Jason DiSalvo has already begun the quest to get a WSBK ride for next year. He has a war chest and is believed to have already had talks with several teams.

Who will be next.

[ÜberDoober]

Who will be next.

How about, umm I dunno, everybody? With the proposed "Factory Superbike" class not going to happen, I'm doubting we'll see anybody but the privateers competing in "American Superbike" and the same with "Daytona Superbike"

I fully expect the 2009 season to be a write off. :(

[Ned Kelly]

I've spoken with a couple of the younger guys running in the Supersport class. Even they want to race elsewhere. The dad of one of the kids said that to run a 600 with the "Daytona Superbike" formula in place, will more expensive than what they run now. He said it would be more cost efficient to run in the "American (Japanese bikes?) Superbike" class. He's trying to get his son a ride with a British Supersport (600) team for next year.

[Gary]

Defecting to BSB would be a wise move imo. If the factories pull out of AMA racing I think there's a fair chance they will studiously ignore it.

I'm still hoping they may decide to form, or promote, and alternate series.

[KingKenny]

I've spoken with a couple of the younger guys running in the Supersport class. Even they want to race elsewhere. The dad of one of the kids said that to run a 600 with the "Daytona Superbike" formula in place, will more expensive than what they run now. He said it would be more cost efficient to run in the "American (Japanese bikes?) Superbike" class. He's trying to get his son a ride with a British Supersport (600) team for next year.
I personally am looking forward to competing in the Daytona Superbike Series. I looks like a level playing field eliminating "factory" advantages of the past and is overall well concieved in my view.

thx for the DMG Rule Book.pdf Uber. Any chance they have published the "Rider Licensing" part of that yet? The summer went way to fast and school has started again. I am so so busy these days. I may lose it! LOL.

[Ned Kelly]

I personally am looking forward to competing in the Daytona Superbike Series. I looks like a level playing field eliminating "factory" advantages of the past and is overall well concieved in my view.

thx for the DMG Rule Book.pdf Uber. Any chance they have published the "Rider Licensing" part of that yet? The summer went way to fast and school has started again. I am so so busy these days. I may lose it! LOL.

The only way the "playing field gets leveled" and eliminates "the factory advantage" is if the factory bikes AND factory riders go away. Ben Bostrom is still Ben Bostrom. Jake Zemke is still Jake Zemke, and so on and so on. Club guys will just finish 70 seconds back instead of 95 seconds back.

Maybe DMG can invert the qualifying field and make the fast guys start in a second wave, 30 seconds after the slow guys.

[KingKenny]

The only way the "playing field gets leveled" and eliminates "the factory advantage" is if the factory bikes AND factory riders go away. Ben Bostrom is still Ben Bostrom. Jake Zemke is still Jake Zemke, and so on and so on. Club guys will just finish 70 seconds back instead of 95 seconds back.

Maybe DMG can invert the qualifying field and make the fast guys start in a second wave, 30 seconds after the slow guys.
Ned I worked for "Factory Yamaha Racing USA" as crew in 1999. What you say is "true" but, there is still a small but important "edge" for "factory" riders in terms of manpower & money for equipment. Also, the parts they recieve "directly from" Yamaha Japan are hand selected and I tell ya they get the best stuff where it matters ie: not all motors produce the same HP and Factory Yamaha's motors dynoed off the charts. No two motors are identically the same in many many respects. To have like 6 guys goin over your bike meticulously everyday [one primary mechanic - others assist in the work load] is another serious advantage. The rider does not have to devote mental capacity to bike prep and can therefore concentrate more fully on "Riding strategy & Racing".

This subtle difference between privateer and factory riders & equip makes the small differences that add up to huge advantages.

I agree Zempke & Boz will still be good but, Zempke hasn't even competed on stock equip before and one can only wonder at this stage if the Daytona series will even see the likes of them. I would be more concerned actually if Hayden, Hayden, and Hacking [the past what 6 Championship Title Holders?] were competing.... my personal goals is to work into the Top 10. With a gauranteed $5000 purse, I would actually be able to afford hiring some "crew". Thus, much of the subtle advantage would be eliminated. I am pumped about DMG's plan and I must say I like it very much. I know folks hate change but, given time I think they will be less critical in the long run than the direction AMA was headed without DMG's involvement.

[Ned Kelly]

Ned I worked for "Factory Yamaha Racing USA" as crew in 1999. What you say is "true" but, there is still a small but important "edge" for "factory" riders in terms of manpower & money for equipment. Also, the parts they recieve "directly from" Yamaha Japan are hand selected and I tell ya they get the best stuff where it matters ie: not all motors produce the same HP and Factory Yamaha's motors dynoed off the charts. No two motors are identically the same in many many respects. To have like 6 guys goin over your bike meticulously everyday [one primary mechanic - others assist in the work load] is another serious advantage. The rider does not have to devote mental capacity to bike prep and can therefore concentrate more fully on "Riding strategy & Racing".

This subtle difference between privateer and factory riders & equip makes the small differences that add up to huge advantages.

I agree Zempke & Boz will still be good but, Zempke hasn't even competed on stock equip before and one can only wonder at this stage if the Daytona series will even see the likes of them. I would be more concerned actually if Hayden, Hayden, and Hacking [the past what 6 Championship Title Holders?] were competing.... my personal goals is to work into the Top 10. With a gauranteed $5000 purse, I would actually be able to afford hiring some "crew". Thus, much of the subtle advantage would be eliminated. I am pumped about DMG's plan and I must say I like it very much. I know folks hate change but, given time I think they will be less critical in the long run than the direction AMA was headed without DMG's involvement.

We've all had our chance. I started racing in 1968 and raced with the AMA from 1970 until 1981. I liked to race against the best guys who rode the best equipment, because I wanted to be one of those guys. What DMG is doing is basically affirmative action and welfare all rolled in to one. It's club racing with TV coverage for the woulda, shoulda, coulda, if only crowd.

Have fun Kenny.

[KingKenny]

We've all had our chance. I started racing in 1968 and raced with the AMA from 1970 until 1981. I liked to race against the best guys who rode the best equipment, because I wanted to be one of those guys. What DMG is doing is basically affirmative action and welfare all rolled in to one. It's club racing with TV coverage for the woulda, shoulda, coulda, if only crowd.

Have fun Kenny.
How do you describe "club racing"? Because if it is direct factory involvement that differentiates it from a higher class of racing then AMA hasn't been anything but "club racing for nearly a decade now. Nothin against ya seriously though. Just a difference of opinion on what constitutes "club racing". You know like WERA novice class's?

Also most people never get a chance to participate in AMA. I never have and still may not. I'm over 50 now. Top 10 is a noble goal for me. I got in a few "track days" this summer [very busy schedule these days] and ran in the Top 5-7 in lap times for CCS - GP Region. Well that ain't gold is it but ... I think, feel, and truly believe I got 3 seconds more for race day and have never reached my potential. That is implying I feel I am still learning and have a lot more speed left to explore. Let's just start with the general lack of crashing on my part. I am a former WERA 125 GP Champion but, there is big difference in control on an R6 vs. 125.

Hey you can feel free to call me Ken. I am Ken Thornhill btw. I will say that times have definitely changed from the early 80's. The equipment is vastly different and racing just ain't the same as it was then. There is no comparing the different era's. Heck racing an R6 equipment wise is way way different than just 7-10 yrs ago for that matter. They are simply amazing technologically and definitely the easiest stuff you'll ever race. The bike handles so much of the stuff I used to have to spend so much time concentrating on. Much more time to just contemplate strategy because the user controls are built right in and take care of the business for ya. I really respect anyone who raced "back in the day" compared with the new millinium riders. They got it made in comparison. Also the HP is unreal. A stock R6 makes 10% more HP than the AMA Factory Superbike of 1999 [750's - R7]. Then you add exhaust and fuel injected tuning and wholly cow. Catchin 160 in a half-mile straight now. Haven't even remotely felt a need to upgrade the factory suspension. It does everything it is supposed to do. Take the tires. First try at dual compound Michelins. Amazing grip on the edges while it never has made operating temp in the center. Even let the air out until the handling left completely and couldn't get em warm.

Side note: This sounds famaliar to current Michelin issues in MotoGP doesn't it.

Hey thanks for your insight though. Always appreciated and I'm not trying to win a convert either. I just think that many of us are happy with the change but, not vocal or completely silent on the matter. Just wanted to stick up for what is possibly the "silent majority". I know some young riders with 2-3 yrs of "club racing" experience are pumped and ready to get serious about it. The $5000 purse garauntee to 20 places should make the racing affordable. If it is "club racing" it is the best in the country and makes for a great series and exposure to the "big leagues". Maybe similar to 125GP racing at the MotoGP level?

[ÜberDoober]

And in the saga that never ends, the MIC has announced USSB (US Superbike), will be the "premier" roadracing series.

New thread on the MIC series is here: http://www.dooberville.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4259#post4259

[Ned Kelly]

And in the saga that never ends, the MIC has announced USSB (US Superbike), will be the "premier" roadracing series.

New thread on the MIC series is here: http://www.dooberville.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4259#post4259

I see today Edmondson is trying to make nice with Honda. A part of me wants Honda to tell him to shove it.

[ÜberDoober]

Things seem to be falling apart or were never together in the first place? From what everybody was thinking, Suzuki and Honda were the main proponents of the USSB deal and now Honda is getting cold feet?

I swear, this whole thing is so frakked up. I put more in the "Hammer" thread. http://www.dooberville.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1895

[Ned Kelly]

Any news on the AMADMG rules/classes? Living in So Cal I hear a lot of rumors. I heard the rumor of Kawasaki parking it for the 2009 season are more fact than fiction. A few of the team mechanics have sent out feelers for jobs.

I guess we just keep waiting....

[Ned Kelly]

Page 72 of this week's "Cycle News". I get it online and don't want to cut and paste the article, as I'm sure that would be an uncool thing to do. Henny Ray Abrams brings us all up to date on the progress of class structures (none), class rules (none), and sponsorship opportunities (none). He does mention that the dyno is gone.

Awesome article.

[ÜberDoober]

Even after blasting stuff out last week, even Ulrich has gone silent on what's happening and nothing further on the MIC efforts.

Either major stuff is happening or it all has reached a stalemate? Too bad for the crews that make their living off racing and not knowing if they'll be working next year or not.

Doesn't look good, does it?

[Gary]

I thought the whole thing was becoming comical - now it's just sad. The middle of October and no rules, nothing. It's pathetic.

I can't help but laugh (still) at those who thought the NASCAR bozos were going to bring professionalism to AMA racing, when we have a disorganized pack of clowns who make tough statements they have to retract, and now can't even speak publicly about what is going on for fear of causing more problems than they solve.

When you miss the old AMA organization you know something is seriously wrong.

[ÜberDoober]

And so the saga continues...

Classes, rules and everything else has hit the wire today. Curiously (or not) Dean Adams notes that superbikeplanet has apparently been dropped from the AMA/DMG's PR distribution list.

Hit up roadracingworld.com for the details.

I won't yet comment on what this means but until the manufacturer's release statements and the MIC retracts it's USSB notion, it could all be just more smoke and mirrors?

[ÜberDoober]

With a little more time to review the proposed class structures and rules, they seem a lot better than what was originally announced and like they should be enough to get the manufacturers back on board?

Curiously absent was mention of the huge purse payouts that were part of the initial announcement. Wonder what happened to that, eh? :)

The whole "spec" nature of the tires and Sunoco fuel deal limits some options but with some notable exceptions, everybody was running Dunlops anyway. I'm surprised that with the NASCAR tie in with Sunoco that Goodyear didn't get the tire bid. :D

And on their new stock 600 class...whats it take to get a professional license these days? Class is open for 16 to 21 year olds. Back in my heyday, you had to have some experience and regional points to get a pro license and I wonder how many 15 y/o club racers are ready to move up?

And they still have MotoST? I actually haven't poured through every single word for every class but are they going to run this on regular race weekends with the other three classes? They say "American Superbike" will usually be two 50 mile races but doesn't say that one will run Saturday and one will run Sunday. Should I assume that?

When Honda and Suzuki formally announce they will run with the DMG, I will believe it is all true.

[Gary]

Hard to say if Suzuki and/or Honda will be on board - some seem to feel Suzuki is a given, but whether they or Honda will there is a guess.

Edmondson said in one interview 'everyone is on board' with the plan, and the same week in another interview that everyone is NOT on board.

I guess they are racing in the MIC series, right? Oh, wait... :angry-004:

[KingKenny]

WERA is uniquely positioned at the moment to become the premier racing organization in America. Evelyn & Sean are personal friends and I hope they seize this opportunity for all its worth. They have run a clean operation for more than 20 yrs. They KNOW racing. Evelyn's 1st husband raced and she married Sean when he raced. Evelyn's son raced for awhile and was reasonably fast.

I would love to see them both succeed in taking over American Racing from AMA. They are a totally class act. I recommend just modifying the Ntl. Challenge Series and promoting the hell out of it. I have been trying to poll fans and racers, doing my homework somewhat, and plan to have a serious discussion with Evelyn about taking up the task. I am contemplating proposing a job for myself in the deal. Sometimes you just have to step up to the plate and "ask for an opportunity". That is how I got on with Factory Yamaha Racing in 1999 [with a little help from the Haydens].

Any suggestions along those lines are appreciated from you and all others here at Dooberville. I have been monitoring and trying to ask the right questions but, can't find a crystal ball meaning there is too much diversity of opinion on what needs to be done. At this point almost anything will do wouldn't it?

[KingKenny]

Good Read! 40-50 "equal" bikes with varied rider ability sounds good to me. Everbody can play. This thing will sort out and we'll all get used to it eventually. One thing for sure there is going to be some serious money in the sport in the very near future!:brick-wall-101:

The All New AMA Pro Series promotes the fastest and closest motorcycle racing series in the history of motorcycle racing. These boys are gonna fly

The new pace car is entirely mobile and can be dropped in anywhere on the track.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSMNn79SI/AAAAAAAAATo/aSj-4ImPoPU/s144/Picture1.jpg
The new machinery is capable of big time wheelies and vertical will be the rule not the exception!
http://lh3.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSMdn79TI/AAAAAAAAATw/OcP77YmaqSo/s144/Picture2.jpg
Speed is so extreme that tire grip isn’t an issue anymore. The phrase “their absolutely flyin out there” becomes a reality.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSMtn79UI/AAAAAAAAAT4/zx6tMnP56ho/s144/Picture3.jpg
Barrel rolls will become common and are just another race strategy. Honda excels and leads all other’s with this technique. Think “speed racer”!
http://lh5.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSM9n79VI/AAAAAAAAAUA/PwHDIDfJtT0/s144/Picture4.jpg
The racing will be real close, maybe too close for rider comfort but, the FANS will LOVE it. Insert Matt flippin Ben the bird here. Oh wait that was Colin.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSNNn79WI/AAAAAAAAAUI/ZK5vA9L-HHo/s144/Picture5.jpg
Riders will explore the “edges” like never before.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSNNn79XI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/kW-PqtrfFrc/s144/Picture6.jpg
Hard braking will be mandatory.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSNdn79YI/AAAAAAAAAUY/EFNJpEgcUFY/s144/Picture7.jpg
FANS will feel like their part of the action.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSNtn79ZI/AAAAAAAAAUg/PaBpjb4a6eI/s144/Picture8.jpg
FANS will receive all the amenities they need to enjoy the race.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSN9n79aI/AAAAAAAAAUo/qAHe9mu2vu0/s144/Picture9.jpg
Did I mention the FANS will feel like their part of the action… really part of the action!
http://lh3.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSOdn79bI/AAAAAAAAAUw/ezsvFwRY6_c/s144/Picture10.jpg
Taking cue from Laguna Seca – Yamaha Raceway … plenty of critters will be added to all venues. Awwww… aren’t they cute?
http://lh4.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSOtn79cI/AAAAAAAAAU4/H5zjdFwiYTA/s144/Picture11.jpg
Some things will remain unchanged. Like riders keeping their eyes on the horizon.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/KennyThornhill/SDLSO9n79dI/AAAAAAAAAVA/09xg_opoKz0/s144/Picture12.jpg

Just a friendly reminder... stay positive and keep laughing. It is good for ya! :winky: :smilielol5: