Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

A new rule restricting which riders can enter both the Superbike and Formula Xtreme races during an AMA National weekend has effectively banned Vincent Haskovec from competing in Formula Xtreme.

Haskovec has entered the class three times, finishing 10th, 11th and ninth.

The new ruling prevents riders who are in the top 10 in either Superbike or Formula Xtreme points from running in the other class, unless they are in the top 10 in points in both classes. Haskovec is ninth in Superbike points but is not in the top 10 in Formula Xtreme points.

AMA Pro Racing did not give affected racers a chance to comment on the rule before putting it into immediate effect.

Asked why he has been entering Formula Xtreme, Haskovec said “My purpose is to get more familiar with close racing, and of course, money. But more than that, I just want to fill up that space, the empty space on Sunday. I do two races in that one day, Saturday, and two races in that other day, Sunday.

“I got a great (Formula Xtreme) race with Roger Lee Hayden at Brainerd. I got a great (Formula Xtreme) race with Geoff May at Mid-Ohio.

“I don’t know what is the purpose of that rule. I thought it is better for the spectators for a few guys like me to enter.”

Another rider caught out by the new rule is Steve Rapp, who is sixth in Formula Xtreme points but is not in the top 10 in Superbike points. In the two Superbike races he finished this year, Rapp was sixth and 10th.

AMA Pro Racing’s Ron Barrick did not answer his phone when called for comment.


See related post:

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




And now some reaction from Suzuki/Kawasaki dealer Jeff Wilson, who used to run support team programs for American Suzuki:

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

In regards to that immediate entry restriction: I can’t believe the AMA can arbitrarily limit who enters the classes. What if you want to try out an up-and-comer in Superbike or Supersport? You can’t! It seems the whiners got their way…

This clearly targets the Suzukis of Mladin and Yates in SB and Spies in FX. Hell, Spies is a relative newcomer to FX and, just like the 750 riders used to do, he is using SB for extra time on the track. What is wrong with that, Mr. AMA? And it penalizes several other racers who it is not even intended for. It kinda shows just how versatile the GSX-R1000 is I guess. It has its own rule.

If Honda really thinks that an hour or two more on the racetrack will make up for that 50 hp difference Mladin says he has on them, then the entries should be opened up and say “If you are way behind in the curve then we will let you have some extra practice in one of our other classes.”

Makes just as much sense to me.

This was a problem when I worked at Suzuki. The 600s would practice in 750 and leave open grids. The 750s would practice in SB and leave open grids. No one seemed to mind then. The AMA definitely liked the extra income from the entries. And the AMA wanted more 600s in 750 at the time even though they would clearly have an advantage at the tighter tracks. No “Top Ten” rule then.

I think the proper thing would be to modify the entry rules. If you enter the class then you have to race it or face a stiff penalty, regardless of where you are in points. Probably would take care of itself and not screw anybody out of opportunity. Exceptions could be made for crashed out bikes, failed engines, etc.

Right now it seems that someone who doesn’t really understand the racing world made this decision and not Mr. Barrick.

Maybe someone at the almighty Honda made a call…

Still a fan,

Jeff Wilson
Yuma, Arizona