Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

New wording in the Terms And Conditions Of AMA Pro Racing License paperwork threatens riders’ commercial rights worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to insiders who are in an uproar over the language.

Part 3 of the Terms And Conditions of AMA Pro Racing License paperwork for 2002, which all riders must sign to get a Pro License, reads, in part:

“3. Production and Promotion Rights:… I also agree that AMA Pro Racing may use an image of me and/or my equipment, inclusive of my competition number and bike color to produce officially licensed merchandise. Such officially licensed merchandise shall be sold through normal distribution points, including, but not limited to, on-site sales at AMA Pro Racing sanctioned events, and online sales.”

Opponents of the new language say that it would give the AMA the right to sell rider image rights now being sold by riders or their agents, and also state that riders do not have the right to authorize reproduction of team graphics and paint schemes on merchandise produced and sold by third parties.

According to informed sources, merchandise deals pay some riders more than their racing contract fees, and, in the case of the Universal Studios tie-ins with American Honda’s Superbike team, produce millions in revenue.

Riders should protect themselves by crossing out and initialing the offending language in section 3 of the 2002 Terms And Conditions Of AMA Pro Racing License form, and seek competent legal counsel if AMA Pro Racing refuses to issue them a license, the sources say.