From a press release issued by CMRA:

CMRA announces new classes for 2003

The CMRA is announcing four new classes for 2003, in an attempt to bring more variety to the its race days. In addition, another class has been divided in order to provide for more competition.

Club President Brooks Gremmels explains, “The CMRA already provides racers with great variety, but we can do better. From our big-bike endurance series, with an average of about 50 bikes on the grid and the Mini Endurance series for YSR and 80cc class machines, to our successful sprint series, the Club manages to pack a lot of variety into its race weekends. But our Board of Directors looked at our schedule and found a way to add more of the ‘fun factor.’

“The new Motard class was created in response to the growing interest in putting modified dirtbikes onto a road racing track. In 2003, the Motard series will feature all-asphalt race courses. If the participation is as high as expected, a conventional motard series combining asphalt and dirt for the track layout will follow.

“Vintage racing is something the club had lost focus on as the grids dwindled a few years ago. In the past year our members have asked for an opportunity to clean the cobwebs off of their vintage machinery and go racing. We want to welcome those riders back with a new Vintage class. There is a special camaraderie among those riders and we feel that is what club racing is all about. We were able to fit it all into our schedule and are looking forward to a fun filled and exciting 2003 race season.

“Having raced a YZ426F last season with light competition in the SuperSingles and Lightweight Sportsman classes, I have taken an active role in trying to attract other motard participants to the grid by giving them their own class. Allowing for dirt bikes or dual-purpose based machinery to participate in road racing events, the Motard class will be a new and exciting addition to the schedule. A simple rules structure provides freedom in design and a low cost entry into the sport. Both Motard and Super Motard classes are offered, with eligibility defined by engine displacement.

“In the Vintage class, the rules dictate the machinery must be 1983 or older model year. Virtually all machinery built within this timeframe is eligible. This includes GP based motorcycles. Already planning to participate in 2003 are racers aboard Triumph, Yamaha RD, and Kawasaki KZ based machines among others. Both Vintage and Super Vintage classes are offered.”

In order to promote the classes, the CMRA is offering a $20 discount per weekend for riders entering any of the Motard or Vintage classes. Sponsorship is also a possibility, but the details have not been finalized as of press time.

Alongside the new classes the CMRA has split the Classic class. Now both Mediumweight and Heavyweight classes are in the line-up which will ensure the smaller displacement motorcycles will continue to be competitive. Classic rules specify 1993 model year or older machines. GP125 motorcycles are allowed, but they must run in the Heavyweight Classic class.

Complete rules–and more information regarding the CMRA–are available at www.cmraracing.com or by calling (817) 377-1599.