From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing announces proposed rules changes to 2003 AMA U.S. Superbike Championship

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — To better reflect motorcycle market changes and create a more level playing field, AMA Pro Racing today announced several rule-change proposals for the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship and the highly competitive AMA Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport Championship beginning with the 2003 competition season.

Starting in 2003, the AMA Superbike Championship will be open to competitors using 1000cc multi-cylinder machines with specific restrictions on weight and engine modifications. Given these restrictions, it is expected that current 750cc four-cylinder and 1000cc twin-cylinder machines will remain competitive in the series. Additionally, the new 1000cc multi-cylinder machines also will be eligible to compete in the AMA Lockhart Phillips Formula Xtreme class, adding incentive for teams to compete in both classes.

The AMA Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport Championship also will see a significant rule change. Starting next year, 750cc twin-cylinder machines will be eligible for the championship.

As part of these rules changes, no existing racing motorcycles will be made obsolete in 2003.

“The primary reason for these rules modifications is to help create an environment that allows more teams and riders to participate and be competitive in our premier road-racing Championship, AMA Superbike,” said Scott Hollingsworth, AMA Pro Racing’s CEO. “We’ve always believed that AMA Superbike racing should more closely reflect what is selling in the high-performance motorcycle marketplace and these changes should address that.”

These proposed rules changes are based on input gathered over the last year and a half from the AMA Pro Racing Road Race Advisory Board, riders, teams, manufacturers, promoters, fans and media. A more detailed explanation of the proposed rules changes can be viewed at www.amaproracing.com.

In addition to the AMA Superbike and AMA Supersport rules changes, two classes will be moving away from the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship. AMA Pro Racing is in negotiations with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing to take on the Buell Pro Thunder class in 2003, and the MBNA 250 Grand Prix class in 2004. Current Buell Pro Thunder competitors, however, will continue to be able to enter their machines in the AMA Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Series.

AMA Pro Racing licensed riders and credential holders may comment on the proposed rules changes during a 30-day comment period that is set for Thursday, June 27, through Friday, July 26. Comments can be made on AMA Pro Racing’s RIDERS ONLY website at www.amaproracing.com/ridersonly. After the 30-day comment period concludes, AMA Pro Racing will review any suggested changes before sending the package to the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors for final ratification.