Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

A brief followup on the single-make/spec tire class for AMA Pro Racing advanced by Marcello del Giudice (an excellent idea, in my opinion, and one that is not just done in Italy, but elsewhere in the world):

A great bike to start would be the Suzuki SV650. There are bunches of these things around already in race trim, some very fast non-factory riders perched atop them, and lots of knowledge about how to get them into race shape is available. They’re cheap and reliable, if you limit the horsepower for the class. This could be done either with a class horsepower limit (my preference) or restricting the engine mods to pipe and new ECU or jet kit; NOTHING gets changed inside the motor. Point is, with this bike so popular at the local club level, it would take very little cash from Suzuki or the AMA to field a full grid at the National events.

There are a couple intangible benefits to this bike. Most importantly, it looks and sounds different than the other bikes running around out there on any given AMA weekend; and with the current class structure in place, an AMA weekend is sorely in need of some variety. Can’t tell Superbike from Superstock from Supersport without a scorecard. I’d even let them run open or very loud exhausts to emphasize the difference and bring some aural shock value to the program. Low horsepower, evenly-matched bikes and hungry riders makes for mucho madness and an entertaining race. (Sadly, I think it’s clear that Superstock and Supersport have become de facto factory classes, no matter what the rules say.) The class will, by design, prevent factory riders from cherry-picking by eliminating the non-Suzuki riders; and with nothing but Suzukis entered, what incentive does Suzuki have to assist any given team?

I disagree with Marcello on one key point, though; this class should not replace an existing class, but be added to the schedule. A second Saturday afternoon race would be a nice incentive to attend the track both days of the single-race events, and the Sunday show could use some more substance, too; three races seems pretty skimpy on actual racing come Sunday. Some of us can remember when the first race of the AMA weekend ran longer than all of the current Sunday races combined.

Just once during the weekend, it would be nice to see a non-factory rider with a shot at the top step of the podium.

Michael Gougis
Alhambra, California


See related post:

7/30/2004 Reader Opinion: AMA Pro Racing Needs One-Make Class