From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING STATEMENT REGARDING KEVIN WINDHAM PENALTY AT ROUND 2 OF THE AMA SUPERCROSS SERIES

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Jan. 12, 2004) — In pre-season meetings and conversations with supercross team managers, AMA Pro Racing communicated that it would be taking a closer look at aggressive riding and begin imposing point deduction penalties instead of fines beginning with the 2004 season. This was partially in response to concerns stated by the teams over an increase in questionable riding tactics by some participants. It was generally agreed by all parties that fines were no longer an effective deterrent. This direction was communicated to riders and team personnel in rider meetings preceding Round 1 and Round 2.

In the opinion of race officials, Kevin Windham engaged in unsafe and unsportsmanlike riding by intentionally making contact with David Vuillemin on lap one of the main event. Said contact resulted in Vuillemin being pushed off the track nearly hitting a photographer standing nearby. In post race interviews, Windham all but acknowledged that he intentionally collided with Vuillemin.

As defined in the AMA Pro Racing Supercross Rulebook, this type of behavior is specifically prohibited and is punishable by (among other things) points deductions. Upon reviewing video footage of the situation, meeting with involved parties and discussing it with race officials, AMA Pro Racing Supercross/Motocross Series Manager, Steve Whitelock elected to impose a 10-point deduction to Windham’s results while allowing him to keep the win.

This decision is consistent with guidelines established in the AMA Pro Racing Supercross Rulebook. Additionally, is it consistent with the direction that had been discussed with team managers and personnel prior to the season beginning.

As stated then, it is AMA Pro Racing’s intention to minimize overly aggressive riding while maximizing safety to all riders and these actions are in line with those objectives.