Racer Hannas On Track Conditions For The AMA Superstock Race At Road Atlanta, Now With Reader Response

Racer Hannas On Track Conditions For The AMA Superstock Race At Road Atlanta, Now With Reader Response

© 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Just wanted to drop a line regarding AMA Pro Racing’s response to questionable track conditions before the Superstock race at Road Atlanta on Saturday afternoon.

There was a problem with water seeping up through the track in the turn five area (a la Sears Point), which the track workers attempted to dry up with blowers and were even seen wiping the ground with paper towels.

While the delay was lengthy, I believe the AMA made the proper decision by allowing the riders two sighting laps to determine the severity of the problem, then consulting with the riders.

Ron Barrick of AMA and Cameron Gray of RPM basically told the riders what the possible options were and left it up to the riders to decide what to do. The riders decided to make the area a no-passing zone, with a waving yellow flag displayed there the whole race.

It was nice to see a promotor willing to work with the riders, instead of only caring about “the show,” (Loudon 2001).

I commend Ron Barrick, the AMA staff, and RPM for their consideration of rider safety above all else.

Thanks, guys.

Michael Hannas


This reaction just in:

I wasn’t there personally, but assuming things happened as Hannas describes, then I am extremely pleased with the way that the AMA handled the Road
Atlanta situation with water seepage. It appears the AMA finally understands that the AMA/RACER relationship does not have to be adversarial and given the opportunity, racers can often provide valuable information when “situations” arise… especially ones dealing with track safety.

As for the AMA race at Loudon in 2001, I wish we were given the same consideration that they gave the Superstock racers at Road Atlanta this past weekend.

I was waiting to compete in the 250 GP race while the whole 600cc fiasco unfolded on pit road. I’m fairly certain that if we were given the
opportunity for a few practice laps, that the majority of the entries would have voted to race. Instead, many riders spent a lot of time and money to attend that weekend and went home Sunday without the opportunity to compete. (I was able to stay over until Monday and actually did pretty well, but it just wasn’t the same.)

Hopefully, AMA Pro Racing has finally turned the corner and is heading in the right direction.

Tony Iannarelli
Springfield, MA

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