F-USA Says It Has Alternative To AMA Pro Thunder

F-USA Says It Has Alternative To AMA Pro Thunder

© 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This just in, via e-mail from Kenny Abbott of F-USA:

Subject: AMA Pro Thunder & Formula USA Thunderbike Pro Classes

Pro Thunder Alternative: With all of the disappointment from the Pro Thunder’s move or elimination from the AMA program, remember that the Championship Cup Series has always maintained a class for single, twins, and triples called “Sportsman”, which was also added to the Formula USA National Road Race Series in 2001 and renamed “Thunderbike”. The “Thunderbike” class has shown great competition between Buell Lightnings, Suzuki SV650s, Ducati 750s, Triumph triples and everything else that fits into the class. The benefit of the “Thunderbike” and/or “Sportsman” class for the smaller displaced machines is that they don’t have to worry about the Ducati 748 or other overpowering twins or triples. This class is designed to reduce the cost of racing for twin racers and eliminate the exotic money monsters that the Pro Thunder class has produced, without losing the competitive edge of limited modification singles, twins, and triples piloted by regional or national level privateers. Bryan Bemisderfer won the 2001 National Thunderbike Championship over Jeff Johnson, who won in 2002 on a Buell Lighning.

The “Thunderbike” class also pays a purse at the Formula USA National Road Race Series events of $5,000. It may increase for 2003 depending on sponsorship agreements, however contingencies are also available, and the “Thunderbike” class is featured in the Sunday feature race program alongside the Pro Honda Oils Sportbike event (which does include the Ducati 748 and pays a $10,000 purse), the Buell Lightning Series ($10,000 purse in 2002), and Unlimited Grand Prix ($5,000 purse in 2003).


2002 & 2003 Proposed Thunderbike Rules…
6.5 THUNDERBIKE – Thunderbike machines, except single cylinder machines, are based upon production models, sold by manufacturers and their dealers in North America for street use. Proof of compliance rests with the competitor entering the motorcycle. Single cylinder machines are exempt from production and street use requirements. Single cylinder 2 stroke GP road race machines are not allowed in this class. All machines must have unaltered VIN numbers. NOTE: Ducati 748 Series machines are excluded from this class.
6.5.1 Production machines not sold by manufacturers and their dealers for street use in North America via normal commercial channels may be approved on an individual basis. NRRS will maintain a list of non-standard approved models and that list will be available at each event from the Race Director/Referee.
6.5.2. All machines must meet the equipment standards of Section 5, as well as the following:
A. Frame, cylinder head(s) and engine cases must be from the same production model motorcycle. Single cylinder motorcycles may use any frame and engine.
B. The frame must be as originally supplied by the manufacturer on the approved model. Strengthening gussets or tubes may be added. Only brackets or tubes not supporting suspension, engine, or drive line components may be removed. Swing arms may be modified or replaced and rear shocks may be replaced or relocated. Single cylinder motorcycles are excluded from this restriction.
C. Reducing engine size of machines from stock displacement to meet Thunder class displacement limits is not allowed.
D. Fairings that meet the requirements of Section 5 may be used.
E. Liquid cooling is not allowed unless original equipment on the model being used.
F. Original type of induction system must be retained. If a machine originally was sold with fuel injection, then it must remain fuel injected. If the machine originally came with carburetors, then it must use carburetors, however they need not be the original type or size.
6.5.3- CCS Thunderbike Class displacement limits are absolute and are set as follows:

THUNDERBIKE (Amateur and Expert)
Single cylinder, Unlimited displacement
Two stroke, Unlimited displacement
Twin cylinder, air cooled, Unlimited displacement
Twin cylinder, liquid cooled, 3 or less valves per cylinder, Unlimited displacement
Twin cylinder, liquid cooled, 4 valve per cylinder, non-desmodromic valves, up to 800cc
Three cylinder, non-fuel injected, up to 1200cc
Four cylinder, air-cooled, up to 1200cc
Four cylinder, liquid cooled, 1990 to 1992 model year, up to 650cc
Four cylinder, liquid cooled (oil or water), pre-1990 model year, up to 860cc
All air-cooled, 2-valve, unlimited displacement

For information & coming events visit:
www.FormulaUSA.com
www.CCSracing.com




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