From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing has officially removed the Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) event, tentatively scheduled for June 25-26, from its 2005 Superbike Championship schedule according to John Farris, AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Commercial Development.

The owners of Brainerd International Raceway have put the facility up for sale and terminated the track’s operating staff. AMA Pro Racing was hopeful that despite the track’s uncertain future an event could be held there in 2005, possibly with a third party promoter.

“We have been in communication with BIR officials all along and continued to explore a variety of scenarios that would enable us to keep the race viable,” said Farris. “However, it has become clear that there are just too many questions surrounding BIR right now and, in the best interests of our championship, we need to focus our efforts elsewhere.”

In making the announcement, Farris added that the event scheduled for Virginia International Raceway (VIR) remains tentative and that, contrary to published reports, the event has not been removed from the schedule.

“We issued our 2005 schedule with the VIR date as tentative and its status is unchanged. We’re in negotiations with VIR and hope to still be able to finalize a deal. When there is something confirmed we will announce it. Until then discussions are ongoing.”

Farris also confirmed that there have been conversations with other tracks including Laguna Seca.

“We had some preliminary talks with Laguna Seca regarding a second round there but track officials have decided to focus on their four existing events for 2005,” said Farris. “We continue to explore additional Superbike event opportunities, both near- and long-term. This could include second events at tracks already on the schedule, events at redesigned facilities or going to new tracks currently under development.”

Farris said that it is possible that another round could be added in 2005 but that 2006 is a more likely time frame.