From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing Reverses Kopp, Atherton Penalties

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – AMA Pro Racing announced today that it has reversed the penalties assessed to Joe Kopp and Kevin Atherton at round six of the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship held at Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio on June 26. The penalties were the result of illegal fuel found in the motorcycles of both riders.

In reversing the penalties, AMA Pro Racing Director of Competition, Merrill Vanderslice said that there was concern over the way the fuel was handled during testing. “We conducted an internal review of the steps that were taken in the handling of the fuel samples and determined that the samples were not originally sealed to our standards,” said Vanderslice. “Accordingly, we made the decision to reverse the penalties.”

A field test at the Lima round determined that the fuel was not in compliance with AMA Flat Track rules. An independent lab confirmed the field test but the concern over the handing of the fuel prompting AMA Pro Racing to make its ruling.

“We follow a rigid protocol and must have absolute confidence in our testing process from start to finish. Unfortunately, in this particular instance, we did not,” said Vanderslice.

The 23 points that were taken from each rider have been re-applied to their respective championship totals.


And now a related press release also issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PRO RACING ANNOUNCES PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP TELEVISION PACKAGE

Seven hours on SPEED Channel

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – AMA Pro Racing today announced that SPEED Channel will produce and air seven hours of original programming for the 2004 AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship in 2004.


Five one-hour shows will be dedicated to the Progressive Insurance Grand National Championship. The Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance Series will receive four half-hour programs.

Events on the broadcast schedule include the July 9 round at Route 66 Raceway (Half-mile), Black Hills Speedway (Half-mile) on Aug. 10, the Peoria TT on Aug. 22, the Springfield Mile on Sept. 5 and wrapping up with the Du Quoin Mile on Sept. 25.

2004 AMA PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP SPEED CHANNEL
SCHEDULE

Event Series
Broadcast Date & Time (Eastern)

Route 66 Raceway Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance
Sunday, 08/01/2004, 2:30 p.m.

Joliet, IL (Half-mile) Progressive Insurance Grand
National Sunday, 08/15/2004, 4 p.m.

Black Hills Speedway Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance
Sunday, 08/22/2004, 12:30 p.m.

Rapid City, SD (Half-mile) Progressive Insurance Grand National
Sunday, 09/12/2004, 4 p.m.

Peoria Race Park Progressive Insurance Grand National
Sunday, 11/14/2004, 2 p.m.

Peoria, IL (TT)
Illinois State Fairgrounds Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance
Saturday, 10/16/2004, 1:30 p.m.

Springfield, IL (Mile) Progressive Insurance Grand
National Sunday, 11/14/2004 3 p.m.

Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance
Saturday, 11/13/2004, 1:30 p.m.

Du Quoin, IL (Mile) Progressive Insurance Grand
National Sunday, 12/19/2004, 3 p.m.

Schedule subject to change. Check local listings.