Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

There is a very good chance that the new “Bend” section of track recently added at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin will be used for the AMA U.S. Superbike Championship event this weekend, June 5-8.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Road America Public Relations Manager Cheryl Barnes told Roadracingworld.com that there was “a very good chance” that the new section of track would be used by the AMA.

No one has ridden on the new section of track, according to Barnes, but Formula USA Thunderbike racer Paul James inspected the new layout Monday, June 2. Viewing the track from the spectator areas, James said he envisioned riders exiting the Carousel and braking hard for the new, second-gear left-right section, which is as wide as the original track. According to James, riders will most likely be straight up-and-down at the apex of the Kink.

“I definitely think it is going to be safer,” said James, adding that there may be a chance that a rider crashing at the entrance of the new Bend could come back across the exit of the new chicane. However, James pointed out that a gravel trap sits in the middle of the new chicane and that the original section of track leading to the Kink still remains and could be utilized as an escape road.

James was inspecting the track in his role as Harley-Davidson/Buell Communications Manager for an upcoming press introduction at the four-mile road course. James said that he will use the new section for his press introduction.

In April Barnes stated that it would be up to the sanctioning body, in this case AMA Pro Racing, as to whether or not they use the new Bend section or the original track. Barnes also stated at that time that the course change was designed to bring the road course up to FIM homologation standards.

The first time riders will see the new section will be during promoter practice Thursday, June 5.