From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

Two Riders Penalized for Using Illegal Fuel at Lima Flat Track

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (July 2, 2004) — AMA Pro Racing has announced that two riders have been penalized 23 points each for using illegal fuel at round six of the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship at Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio on June 26.

Riders receiving the penalty were race winner Joe Kopp and 17th place finisher Kevin Atherton. In announcing the penalties, series manager Bruce Bober said that the fuel from six motorcycles was tested; the top four finishers and two selected at random. “It is our procedure to test a number of bikes at every round,” said Bober. “Additionally, any competitor can choose to have fuel tested at any time during the event.”

Bober confirmed that the field test at Lima indicated the fuel was out of compliance. It was sent to an independent lab for confirmation. Results were sent back to AMA Pro Racing on Thursday. Both riders have been notified of the penalty.

There has not been a fuel penalty in AMA Flat Track racing since the 2001 season.