Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The new AMA Pro Racing rule restricting who can enter both the Superbike and the Formula Xtreme classes could have a serious effect on the tight battle for the Superstock Championship.

Superstock entrants typically use Superbike practice sessions to set up their bikes, and many Superstock racers also compete in the Superbike race to win more money.

Josh Hayes is leading the Superstock points, but because he is fourth in Formula Xtreme points, he will not be allowed to run in the Superbike class at VIR August 29-31.

Which means Hayes will not have access to 3-1/2 hours of Superbike practice and qualifying prior to the Superstock race scheduled for Saturday afternoon at VIR.

Vincent Haskovec, who is second in Superstock points and ninth in Superbike points, will not be allowed to run in the Formula Xtreme race but will be able to practice on his Superstock bike in Superbike sessions, in addition to the estimated 90 minutes of official Superstock practice and qualifying available before the start of the Superstock race.

The advantage for Haskovec will be even greater in terms of available track time prior to Superstock qualifying. He’ll have two hours of Superbike practice and qualifying to work on bike set up, compared to 30 minutes of official Superstock practice.

“It’s definitely a bummer,” said Hayes when reached for comment Wednesday morning. “We’ve been doing that, running the Formula Xtreme and Superstock bikes in Superbike practice, all along. All of the sudden Mladin and Yates start running their Superbikes in Formula Xtreme practice and other Superbike teams are getting upset.

“I’m one of the ones who gets caught in that net. But then guys who are just out of the top 10 but are competitive, they can still do it.

“I wouldn’t say that it’s fair. But I think that all around it’s a pretty good rule for next year. Just starting a new rule mid-season is wrong. In the past they’ve passed up new rules saying they didn’t want to change mid-season, but then they throw this in, effective immediately.”


See related posts:

8/12/2003 Updated Post: Haskovec Banned From Formula Xtreme By New AMA Pro Rule

8/12/2003 Pick One: AMA Pro Racing Limits Superbike/FX And Supersport/Superstock Entries