USGPRU Adopts New Rules After Online Forum

USGPRU Adopts New Rules After Online Forum

© 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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From a press release issued by USGPRU:

United States Grand Prix Riders’ Union
125cc Road Racing Grand Prix National Championship

Wednesday November 13, 2002 — In an online discussion open to all riders last evening, the USGPRU discussed and took comment on a number or rule revisions effecting the 2003 125GP National Championship Series.

Notice was sent to all members last week inviting them to attend the online discussion which was held at the USGPRU Yahoo Group chat area from 7-9:00 p.m. PST. The discussion lasted for over two hours and was attended by riders from all regions of the country.

After discussion on numerous topics and a brief question and answer period decisions were reached on a number of key rules for both 2003 and 2004 including fuel regulations, Points distribution, Teams Championships, etc.

Among the key decisions, reached by near consensus (riders and officials), was the decision to adopt the AMA Fuel Regulations currently governing the 250GP class in AMA competition in 2003. These rules permit the continued use of “leaded” fuel for the 2003 Championship.

We did this because fuel manufacturers are already familiar with the AMA rule and manufacture fuels specifically to meet the requirements outlined in the AMA’s regulations. Testing is straightforward and the rule addresses concern many riders had about the addition of dangerous and toxic performance/power enhancing fuel additives.

Information on the most common fuels and their compliance with the AMA rule is detailed in the tech are of the USGPRU website.

For 2004 it was resolved, with dramatic support from riders, to adopt a fuel regulation patterned after the FIM Unleaded fuel regulations. We were absolutely stunned at the support we got for this from the riders for the switch to Unleaded in 2004.

As an association we had increasing concern that US Grand Prix racing was becoming too divergent after nearly 6 years of leaded fuel use in the US after the near global switch to unleaded in 1997. Every other major national and International Championship mandates the use of unleaded fuels and the bikes have been specifically designed and manufactured to run on unleaded fuels since 1997.

By continuing to run on leaded fuels US riders were ignoring the continued advances in every aspect of engine development and punishing riders and teams who commit to the purchase of new Grand Prix machines by forcing them to convert to outdated fuels and standards that are no longer in use throughout the rest of the world. We feel this will encourage more teams to invest in new bikes in the coming seasons and elevate the level of competition throughout the field.

The decision to adopt unleaded in 2004 was made to allow over a year’s time for teams to make the conversion back to unleaded. In most cases the only change required will be to the head volume which can be done for less that $125.00 per head as machines manufactured after 1996 we all equipped with CDI’s for unleaded fuel. The rule will not apply to machines manufactured prior to 1995.

The use of Double Points for key regional and final events will be discontinued and the USGPRU will score riders and teams on the same FIM points schedule used in 2002 without the application of Double points awards at particular events.

The USGPRU has also instituted a National Team Championship. Teams will consist of two riders riding on near identical machinery of the same manufacture. Teams will be required to have identical paint schemes on both machines and may only substitute riders in the event of injury. A minimum standard for appearance of machines will be enforced and all crew members for participating teams will be required to be in uniform at all times. Team Championship sponsor decals will be required on all machines and riders will be required to list these in their individual sponsor listings as well.

Information on cost effective uniform suppliers will be posted shortly to the USGPRU web site at www.usgpru.org as well as details on rules regulating the Team Championship.

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