Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Are there not laws against this practice? Seems like Microsoft recently got sued for similar actions.

Andrew M. Cross, Jr
Lexington, Kentucky



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I just read your report, Dunlop Buys Up AMA Team Test Dates, Excludes Non-Dunlop Teams, in your late-breaking news section. Personally I think this is a crappy move by Dunlop! Then again, given the propensity their tires seem to have for coming apart, God knows they need all the test time they can get!

I guess they figure if you can’t beat them, lock them out!

Mike Piper
Staunton, Virginia



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I just read your article on the fact that Dunlop bought out the available test sessions to stop the others using them, now when a Michelin rider wins at Daytona this spring victory will be even sweeter. That is assuming that the AMA or Dunlop don’t make some strange and unprecedented decision to make the Daytona 200 shorter, or in 2 or 3 parts because Dunlop’s tires can’t handle the banking/weight. I also find it strange that people decried the WSBK series for going to a spec tire rule, but for years basically Motogp and AMA have been ones (with Michelin and Dunlop, respectively).

I guess all I am saying is, that Dunlop are scared to death that E-Boz is going to win first time out on the M brand and that SStock riders using non-Dunlops will have extra confidence at fast tracks knowing their tires don’t have a history of exploding on a semi-regular basis.

Robert T Wilson
ex-USCRA 163, CMA 163
Riverview, New Brunswick, Canada




FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Well, isn’t it refreshing to see how Dunlop is reacting to their recent trials and tribulations with self-destructing tires and the looming spectre of Michelin making a real effort in the AMA series? Instead of proving the superiority of their product in a straight-up fight with Michelin/Pirelli etc, they instead buy up all the test dates to preclude any brand other than Dunlop the opportunity to test on “off weekends” during the AMA schedule. To me, this does not speak favorably of either Dunlop for their “We’re going to win here or we’ll fix it so we do anyway”-attitude or the AMA for their complicity in this affair. I know that Dunlop is and has been a major player in AMA racing for years, and I applaud their support and efforts. But despite their well-publicized troubles at Road Atlanta in 2003 or recently at Daytona tire tests, they should not try to “shut out” competition via closing off testing to any teams not running Dunlop tires. Because if they do in fact win another superbike title, it will be a hollow victory in that true competition was avoided via creative means. It’s almost like the World Superbikes in 2003. Sure, Ducati won, but then again, who did they compete against? Exactly! Come on, Dunlop, you’re better than that. Win the fight in a fair fashion, don’t do a Mike Tyson ear-bite to avoid a potential beating.

Stan Simmerson
Raleigh, North Carolina



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Dunlop’s lockout of its competitors smacks of the blinding arrogance often displayed by very large companies. “Blinding” in so much as it blocks the view of consequences outside the immediate desired effect.

To wit, it was a terrible PR move and displays a surprising lack of confidence in their ability to compete on a level field. It also echos middle-management thinking (the bane of all real progress).

Reg Kittrelle
Scotts Valley, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Every business must make a profit and to do that you must balance expenses and income. If your expenses go up, your income must go up and since Dunlop’s expenses just went up by a $300,000 to $600,000 this year they either eat the loss (not likely) or we, the consumers, end up paying for this little catfight.

I doubt they expected this large expense when they put together their 2004 budget. Since Dunlop would have been testing at these times before anyway, apparently the only real gain by Dunlop is to screw with the Michelin and Pirelli guys. Boy, that’s really classy.

Dunlop, what’s the value to the customer?

I was planning on running Michelins this year anyway so I guess this only confirms my decision.

Jonathan Umfleet
OMRRA #215
Newberg, Oregon



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Thank you for publishing Dunlop’s latest move to achieve tire dominance. This announcement came just in time for me. I was about to replace another brand of tire with a pair of Dunlops, not now. I’m not going to shred the Dunlops that are already on one of my bikes, but I may be shamed into sanding the sidewalls.

Mark Weiss
Chandler, Arizona



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I feel Dunlop’s move is most selfish and reeks of the type of behavior that even the most rivaled teams would not stoop to. Dunlop has acted as a spoiled child would and has not considered the safety of Eric Bostrom and others who need track time not only for practice, but to make sure that their tires wont do the “Dunlop Pop” at speed.

Dunlop has proven to me that they only care about winning at all costs, not for the riders’ safety. This is not just a blow to Michelin and Pirelli, but to the series as a whole.

Andy Pleune
Portland, Oregon



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Dunlop’s move to exclude competition in AMA Superbike saddens me. To me, it seems a self-serving move to hurt the series, the careers of the riders and teams on other tire brands, and most important to deprive fans like me of the competition we’ve enjoyed over the years.

I have been a fan of both Dunlop and Dunlop riders over the years, purchasing and using many versions of Dunlop tires on both street and dirt bikes.

I usually attend several AMA Superbike races each year, and coordinate a group trip to Daytona for the 200 by Arai. I’m a huge fan of the riders as well.

Unless something is done to reverse Dunlop’s anti-competitive move, I will not purchase Dunlop tires again, and I will boycott all AMA Superbike races this year, and I will not watch AMA Superbike races on television. I don’t think AMA Superbike is something I can’t live without.

D. O’Neill
Falls Church, Virginia



See related post:

1/8/2004 Dunlop Buys Up AMA Team Test Dates, Excludes Non-Dunlop Teams

From a press release issued by Eric Bostrom’s agent, Norm Viano:

Dunlop trying to defuse Eric Bostrom?

Commenting on the recent news reported on Roadracing World’s website that Dunlop had bought up the AMA preseason test dates to the exclusion of non-Dunlop teams, is Michelin rider Eric Bostrom. “It’s disappointing for us, because when everyone’s on the track together it’s a much better measuring tool for where you stand against everyone else, not just with bikes but with tires. It’s beneficial for everyone. You have the same conditions on the same day, and I would think that from a competitive standpoint you would welcome that, because that is the challenge you want in racing. And it’s the same challenge that you face on race day.

“Ultimately, all it’s done for us, and maybe this was the purpose, was made it difficult for us to secure track dates because we had a testing schedule that doesn’t exist anymore and it’s very late in the off season for us to secure track dates. So it’s put our team behind the gun a little bit on testing.

“And it’s a shame because I really enjoy riding on the bikes and the tires so much that I’d like to be on the track more. But I don’t suspect it’s going to have too much of an impact on us. I have a tremendous amount of confidence in my team and my tires.”


See related post:

1/8/2004 Dunlop Buys Up AMA Team Test Dates, Excludes Non-Dunlop Teams

From a press release issued by Roger Lyle:

There will be three Tune and Test Days at Summit Point Raceway using the legendary 2-mile, 10-turn road course. All racers are encouraged to check out these dates hosted by Roger Lyle to get dialed in for the 2004 season. Racers will receive hours of track time. The dates are Thursday April 8, Friday June 11, and Friday September 17. Cornerworkers and a staffed ambulance will be present. For more info please contact Roger Lyle at 301-933-2599 or e-mail to [email protected] or send correspondence to Roger Lyle at 4413 Sigsbee Road, Wheaton,Md. 20906.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Perhaps Assemblyman John Longville may reconsider the wording of his ammendment to Assembly Bill 1200? Possibly could be ammended to read “legislators convicted of manslaughter in cases involving the death of a motorcycle rider in traffic collisions are deemed to have consented to the making of an anatomical gift under this act.” My letter to the assemblyman is already postmarked & ready to mail. Thanks for keeping us posted on these serious issues.

Sincerely,

Gerhard Lippert
Van Nuys, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

(As sent to the Assemblyman behind the proposal in question.)

I am quite surprised! How can a member of the party that supports a woman’s right to choose what she does with her body propose a law that denies a motorcyclist’s that same right?

As a motorcyclist for almost four decades, and an organ donor by choice, I find your proposed amendment to Assembly Bill 1200 personally repugnant.

Because I value my life, I wear a helmet by choice.

Because I value the rights I fought for, I will not spend either my family’s vacation time or our vacation dollars in your state, regardless of how much I love riding the coastal roads. In addition, I will no longer do business with vendors from California.

As I am not one of your constituents, this is the only way that I can express my feelings about your actions.

Bob Dickey
Willow Park, Texas
www.willowparkvfd.com


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Just a quick comment about the proposed Organ Donor Bill.

While it is unfortunate that people out there fall ill and require organ donations, many people also choose to destroy their bodies with drugs, tobacco and alcohol. Why are motorcyclists who are killed targeted as the source for replacement parts? Who other than oneself, or ones next of kin, has the right to decide what happens to your organs due to the manner of your death?

BTW, I always wear proper safety gear when riding and am a voluntary organ donor.

Thanks,

Edmund Lewis
New Windsor, Maryland



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Perhaps the wording of the law should be changed to include ALL victims of head injuries in order to make this proposal “Politically Correct”, rather than singling out motorcyclists. Not that I’m going to ride without a good helmet…

Elliott Iverson
Riverside, California


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I wonder if Assemblyman Longville would have the courage to propose similar legislation for automobile drivers & their passengers who forgo using seatbelts and are then fatally injured in an accident? I’d imagine this would alienate quite a few voters & create quite an uproar. Yet it seems like us motorcyclists are an easy target for this type of discrimination.

Gerhard Lippert
Van Nuys, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

(As sent to the AMA regarding its press release on the piece of legislation in question.)

To whom it may concern:

Would you people stop wasting the hard earned money we send you every year!!!

Your recent press release regarding the CA organ donor bill has pushed me over the edge.

Who really cares about helmet laws or organ donor requirements anyway? Everyone w/ a drivers license should be required to be a donor. Not being and organ donor is just about the most selfish thing imaginable.

Everyone riding a motorcycle should wear a helmet.

You should spend more time and effort educating people on the importance wearing a lid and promoting helmet use. Your constant fighting of helmet laws gives people the impression that the AMA doesn’t believe that motorcyclists should wear helmets. What’s next? Are you going to spend our money to try to convince the general public that “Loud pipes save lives”?

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! Put your efforts into sanctioning races, keeping riding areas open and controlling the bleeding of $$ and lack of rider representation in the decision making process @ AMA Pro Racing.

Thank you and happy new year,

Tyler Sandell
AMA #268561
Seattle, Washington

From a press release issued by the FIM:

January 8 2004

Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix

Main changes to the Rules for the 2004 season

The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Claude Danis (FIM), Sito Pons (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of Mr Paul Butler (Secretary of the meeting), unanimously decided to introduce the following modifications to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations. (for immediate application – see also Press Releases issued on April 15, May 10 and June 6, 2003 – www.fim.ch, news):

1 SPORTING REGULATIONS

1.15.1 Practice Restrictions

v) No testing may take place between the 15th December of one year and the 15th January of the following year, both dates being inclusive. This restriction applies to all teams in all classes who participated in the preceding season and those teams that have been notified of acceptance for, or already have a contract of participation for, the following season. The restriction applies to testing by these teams of machines used in any class of the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix with riders nominated for the Championship or test riders.

1.15.2 Practice Sessions

iii) The end of practice will be indicated by the waving of a chequered flag at which time the pit exit will be closed. A rider’s time will continue to be recorded until the allotted time has elapsed at which time the red light on the start line will be displayed. After the chequered flag riders may complete one additional lap prior to entering the pits.

1.16 Grid Positions

1.16.2 For the MotoGP class, the Grid will be arranged in the 3-3-3-3 configuration “in echelon”. For the 125cc and 250cc classes, the Grid will be arranged in the 4-4-4-4 configuration “in echelon”. Each line will be offset. There will be a distance of 9 metres between each row.

1.18 Start Procedure

18)… Any person who, due to his behaviour on the grid is responsible for a “start delayed”, may be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – ride through – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points.

1.19 Ride Through Procedure

During the race, the rider will be requested to ride through the pit lane. He may then rejoin the race. The rider must respect the speed limit (85 km/h + 10% – Art. 1.21.14), in the pit lane. In case of infraction of this speed limit, the ride through procedure will be repeated; in case of a second infraction of this speed limit, the black flag will be shown to the rider.

In the event of a restarted race, the above regulation will also apply.

In the case of a race interrupted prior to the penalty being enforced, and if there is a second part, the rider will be required to ride through after the start of the second part of the race.

In the case of a rider carrying forward a penalty for anticipation of the start, into the second part of an interrupted race and subsequently found to have anticipated the second start, the rider will be shown the black flag.

After notification has been made to the team, a yellow board (100cm horizontal X 80 cm vertical) displaying the rider’s number (black colour, height 50cm, stroke width 10cm) will be shown at the finish line and the information will also be displayed on the timekeeping monitors.

Failure by the relevant rider to ride through, having been shown the board 3 times, will result in that rider being shown the black flag.

If more than one rider is penalised, the riders will be signalled to ride through on subsequent laps. The order of the riders will be based on the qualifying times with the faster rider first.

In the case of a rider failing to respond to the instruction to ride through, and there being more than one rider penalised, no subsequent rider will be signalled to ride through until the previous rider has completed the ride through procedure or has been shown the black flag.

In the case where the organisation has been unable to carry out the ride through penalty before the end of the race, the relevant rider will be inflicted with a time penalty of 20 seconds.

1.21 Behaviour during Practice and Race

1) Riders must obey the flag signals, the light signals, and the boards which convey instructions. Any infringement to this rule will be penalised according to the provisions of article 1.22.

2) Riders must ride in a responsible manner which does not cause danger to other competitors or participants, either on the track or in the pit-lane. Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – ride through – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

3) Riders should use only the track and the pit-lane. However, if a rider accidentally leaves the track then he may rejoin it at the place indicated by the marshals or at a place which does not provide an advantage to him. Any infringement of this rule during the practices or warm up will be penalised by the cancellation of the lap time concerned and during the race, by a ride through. Further penalties (such as fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points) may also be imposed

1.22.1 Flags and Lights Used to Provide Information:

• Blue Flag

Shown waved at the flag marshal post, this flag indicates to a rider that he is about to be overtaken.

During the practice sessions, the rider concerned must keep his line and slow down gradually to allow the faster rider to pass him. During the race, the rider concerned is about to be lapped. He must allow the following rider(s) to pass him at the earliest opportunity.

Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points.

At all times, this flag will be shown waved to a rider leaving the pit lane if traffic is approaching on the track.

1.22.2 Flags Which Convey Information and Instructions:

• Yellow Flag

Shown waved at the flag marshal post, this flag indicates that there is a danger ahead. The riders must slow down and be prepared to stop. Overtaking is forbidden up until the point where the green flag is shown.

– Any infringement of this rule during a practice session will result in the cancellation of the time of the lap during which the infraction occurred.

– Any Infringement of this rule during the race will be penalised with a ride through.

– In both cases, further penalties (such as fine – suspension) may also be imposed.

– If immediately after having overtaken, the rider realise that he did an infraction, he must raise his hand and let pass the rider(s) that he has overtaken. In this case, no penalty will be imposed.

• Red Flag and Red Lights

When the race or practice is being interrupted, the red flag will be waved at each flag marshal post and the red lights around the track will be switched on. Riders must return slowly to the pits.

When the pit-lane exit is closed, this flag will be shown motionless at the pit-lane exit and the light will be switched on. Riders are not allowed to exit the pit lane.

Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

At the end of each practice session and warm-up, the red lights will be switched on at the start line.

The red flag will be shown motionless on the starting grid at the end of the sighting lap(s) and at the end of the warm up lap.

The red flag may also be used to close the track.
The red lights will be switched on at the start line for between 2 and 5 seconds to start each race.

• Black Flag
This flag is used to convey instructions to one rider only and is displayed motionless at each flag marshal post together with the rider’s number. The rider must stop at the pits at the end of the current lap and cannot restart.

This flag will be presented only after the rider’s team has been notified.

Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine -disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

• Black Flag with orange disk (Æ 40 cm)
This flag is used to convey instructions to one rider only and is displayed motionless at each flag marshal post together with the rider’s number. This flag informs the rider that his motorcycle has mechanical problems likely to endanger himself or others, and that he must immediately leave the track.

Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine -disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

1.25 Interruption of a race
1.25.4 If the results calculated show that two-thirds of the original race distance rounded down to the nearest whole number of laps have been completed by the leader of the race and by all other riders on the same lap as the leader, then for the 125cc and 250cc classes the race will be deemed to have been completed and full Championship points will be awarded. For the MotoGP class, the race will be restarted for a minimum of 5 laps according to Art. 1.26.

If it is found impossible to restart the race, then the results will count and full Championship points will be awarded.

1.26.4 Conditions for the re-started race will be as follows:
ii – c. The number of laps of the second race will be the number of laps required to complete the original race distance, with a minimum of 5 laps

1.28 Championship Points and Classification
1.28.7 In the event of a tie in the number of points, the final positions will be decided on the basis of the number of best results in the races (number of first places, number of second places etc.). In the event that there is still a tie then, the date in the Championship at which the highest place was achieved will be taken into account with precedence going to the latest result.

2. TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

2.2 Classes
2.2.1 The following classes will be accommodated, which will be designated by engine capacity:

125–Over 80cc up to 125cc – Maximum one cylinder

250–Over 175cc up to 250cc – Maximum two cylinders

MotoGP
–Over 350cc up to 500cc (2 strokes) – Maximum four cylinders

–Over 350cc up to 990cc (4 strokes) – Unlimited cylinders

Four stroke motorcycles participating in the MotoGP class must be prototypes. Those that are not entered by a member of MSMA must be approved for participation by the Grand Prix Commission.

2.6 Fuel Tanks
2.6.4 Except for the case that a fuel tank is fixed on the chassis with bolts, all fuel lines from the fuel tank to the engine/carburettor system must have a self sealing breakaway valve. This valve must separate at less than 50% of the load required to break any part of the fuel line or fitting or to pull it out of the fuel tank.

2.6.5 The fuel tank capacities for prototype motorcycles are:
– 2-stroke engines: maximum 32 litres
– 4-stroke engines: maximum 24 litres
As from 2005, the fuel tank capacity for 4-stroke engines will be reduced to 22 litres.

3. DISCIPLINARY AND ARBITRATION CODE

3.2 Penalties
The penalties are: warnings, fines, ride through, time penalties, disqualification, withdrawal of Championship points, suspension, exclusion

3.3.1.3 Penalties that may be pronounced by the Race Direction

The following penalties may be pronounced by the Race Direction: warning, fine, ride through, time penalty, disqualification, withdrawal of Championship points, suspension.

Furthermore, the Race Direction can refer the case to the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) in order to impose a higher penalty than the Race Direction is empowered to do.

3.4.2 Right of appeal
No appeal may be lodged against a decision of the Race Direction to inflict a ride through penalty.

3.5.5 Notification of judgements
The decisions of the Race Direction or of the FIM Stewards must be notified directly at the event venue, or failing that, addressed by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.

All judgements of the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) must be notified, in writing, by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt in order to inform all the parties concerned.

3.5.6 Publication of judgements
The disciplinary or arbitration body imposing a penalty or adjudicating a protest or an appeal must have its findings published and quote the names of all parties concerned. The persons or bodies quoted in these statements have no right of action against the FIM nor against any person having published the statement.

Furthermore, final decisions will be published in the Media Centre and in the FIM Magazine unless the Court itself decides otherwise.

3.6.1 Payment of fines and costs
If the penalty is definitive, all fines must be paid into the Benevolent Fund before the beginning of the first practice of the second Grand Prix following the final decision. The cost must be paid to the FIM Executive Secretariat within 30 days of notification of the judgement decision according to Article 3.5.5.

The person or body affected by the decision shall be automatically suspended from participation in all FIM activities, until such time as full payment has been received.

5. MEDICAL CODE
5.1 Introduction
The new FIM Anti-Doping Code (included in these rule book) will come into force on 1 July 2004.



From another press release issued by the FIM:

January 8, 2004

Superbike & Supersport World Championships
Changes to the Rules for the 2004 season

The Superbike Commission, composed of Messrs. Claude Danis (FIM), Paolo Alberto Flammini (FGSport), and Giulio Bardi (Team representative), has unanimously decided to introduce the following modifications to the Road Racing World Championship Regulations for Superbike and Supersport (for immediate application – see also Press Releases issued on October 4 and November 13, 2003 – www.fim.ch, news):

SPORTING REGULATIONS

1.15.2 Practice Sessions

iii) The end of practice will be indicated by the waving of a chequered flag at which time the pit exit will be closed. A rider’s time will continue to be recorded until the allotted time has elapsed at which time the red light on the start line will be displayed. After the chequered flag riders may complete one additional lap prior to entering the pits.

1.15.6 Qualification for the Race

To qualify for the race, a rider must achieve a time at least equal to 107% of the time recorded by the fastest rider of his class, in at least one of the qualifying sessions; exceptions to this rule may be made at the discretion of the Race Direction.

1.19 START PROCEDURE

1) Approximately 20 Minutes (15 minutes in the case of a restarted race) before the Start of the Race – Pit lane exit opens for sighting lap.

Count-down boards of 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 minute are shown at the pit exit.

2) Approximately 15 Minutes (10 minutes in the case of a restarted race) before the Start of the Race – Pit lane exit closes.

18) Should there be a problem on the grid that might prejudice the safety of the start, then a marshal will wave a yellow flag in front of the starting grid, and the Starter will display a flashing yellow light and the board “Start Delayed”. In this instance, riders must stop their engines. The start procedure will be re-commenced at the 5 minutes board stage, the riders will complete an additional warm up lap and the race distance will be reduced by one lap.

Any person who, due to his behaviour on the grid is responsible for a “start delayed”, may be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – ride through – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points.

1.20 Ride through Procedure

During the race, the rider will be requested to ride through the pit lane. He may then rejoin the race.

The rider must respect the speed limit (85 km/h – Art. 1.22.14) in the pit lane. In case of infraction of this speed limit, the ride through procedure will be repeated; in case of a second infraction of this speed limit, the black flag will be shown to the rider.

In the event of a restarted race, the above regulation will also apply.

In the case of a race interrupted prior to the penalty being enforced, and if there is a second part, the rider will be required to ride through after the start of the second part of the race.

In the case of a rider carrying forward a penalty for anticipation of the start, into the second part of an interrupted race and subsequently found to have anticipated the second start, the rider will be shown the black flag.

After notification has been made to the team, a yellow board (100cm horizontal X 80 cm vertical) displaying the rider’s number (black colour, height 50cm, stroke width 10cm) will be shown at the finish line and the information will also be displayed on the time keeping monitors.

Failure by the relevant rider to ride through, having been shown the board 3 times, will result in that rider being shown the black flag.

If more than one rider is penalised, the riders will be signalled to ride through on subsequent laps. The order of the riders will be based on the qualifying times with the faster rider first.

In the case of a rider failing to respond to the instruction to ride through, and there being more than one rider penalised, no subsequent rider will be signalled to ride through until the previous rider has completed the ride through procedure or has been shown the black flag.

In the case where the organisation has been unable to carry out the ride through penalty before the end of the race, the relevant rider will be inflicted with a time penalty of 20 seconds.

1.22 Behaviour During Practice And Race

1) Riders must obey the flag signals, the light signals, and the boards which convey instructions. Any infringements to this rule will be penalised according to the provisions of article 1.23.

2) Riders must ride in a responsible manner which does not cause danger to other competitors or participants, either on the track or in the pit-lane. Any infringements of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – ride through – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

3) Riders should use only the track and the pit-lane. However, if a rider accidentally leaves the track then he may rejoin it at the place indicated by the marshals or at a place which does not provide an advantage to him. Any infringement of this rule during the practices or warm up will be penalised by the cancellation of the lap time concerned and during the race, by a Ride Through procedure. A further penalty (such as fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points) may also be imposed

1.23.1 Flags and Lights Used to Provide Information:

• Yellow and Red Striped Flag
The adhesion on this section of the track could be affected by any reason other than rain.
This flag must be shown motionless at the flag marshal post.

• White Flag with diagonal red cross
Drops of rain on this section of the track.
This flag must be shown motionless at the flag marshal post.

• White Flag with diagonal red cross + Yellow and Red Striped Flag
Rain on this section of the track.
These flags must be shown together motionless at the flag marshal post.

• Blue Flag
Shown waved at the flag marshal post, this flag indicates to a rider that he is about to be overtaken.

During the practice sessions, the rider concerned must keep his line and slow down gradually to allow the faster rider to pass him.

During the race, the rider concerned is about to be lapped. He must allow the following rider(s) to pass him at the earliest opportunity.

Any Infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalties: fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points.

At all times, this flag will be shown waved to a rider leaving the pit lane if traffic is approaching on the track.

1.23.2 Flags Which Convey Information and Instructions:

Yellow Flag
Shown waved at the flag marshal post, this flag indicates that there is a danger ahead. The riders must slow down and be prepared to stop. Overtaking is forbidden up until the point where the green flag is shown.

– Any Infringement of this rule during a practice session will result in the cancellation of the time of the lap during which the infraction occurred.

– Any Infringement of this rule during the race will be penalised with a ride through.

– In both cases, further penalties (such as fine, suspension) may also be imposed.

– If immediately after having overtaken, the rider realise that he did an infraction, he must raise his hand and let pass the rider(s) that he has overtaken. In this case, no penalty will be imposed.

• Red Flag and Red Lights
When the race or practice is being interrupted, the red flag will be waved at each flag marshal post and the red lights around the track will be switched on. Riders must return slowly to the pits.

When the pit-lane exit is closed, this flag will be shown motionless at the pit-lane exit and the light will be switched on. Riders are not allowed to exit the pit lane.

Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalty: fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

At the end of each practice session and warm-up, the red lights will be switched on at the start line.

The red flag will be shown motionless on the starting grid at the end of the sighting lap and at the end of the warm up lap.

The red flag may also be used to close the track.
The red lights will be switched on at the start line for between 2 and 5 seconds to start each race.

• Black Flag
This flag is used to convey instructions to one rider only and is displayed motionless at each flag marshal post together with the rider’s number. The rider must stop at the pits at the end of the current lap and cannot restart.

This flag will be presented only after the rider’s team has been notified.
Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalty: fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

• Black Flag with orange disk (Æ 40 cm)
This flag is used to convey instructions to one rider only and is displayed motionless at each flag marshal post together with the rider’s number. This flag informs the rider that his motorcycle has mechanical problems likely to endanger himself or others, and that he must immediately leave the track.

Any infringement of this rule will be penalised with one of the following penalty: fine – disqualification – withdrawal of Championship points – suspension.

1.29.6 In the event of a tie in the number of points, the final positions will be decided on the basis of the number of best results in the races (number of first places, number of second places etc.). In the event that there is still a tie then, the date in the Championships at which the highest place was achieved will be taken into account with precedence going to the latest result.

2.4 SUPERBIKE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
2.4.2 Minimum Weights
The minimum weight will be: 165 kg
A 1% tolerance will be allowed after the race. (The machine’s weight after the race may not be less than 163.35 kg).

FIM HOMOLOGATION PROCEDURE FOR SUPERSPORT AND SUPERBIKE (see FIM Internet site)


3. DISCIPLINARY AND ARBITRATION CODE

3.2 Penalties
The penalties are: warnings, fines, ride through, time penalties, disqualification, withdrawal of Championship points, suspension, exclusion

3.3.1.3 Penalties that may be pronounced by the Race Direction
The following penalties may be pronounced by the Race Direction: warning, fine, ride through, time penalty, disqualification, withdrawal of Championship points, suspension.

Furthermore, the Race Direction can refer the case to the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) in order to impose a higher penalty than the Race Direction is empowered to do.

3.4.2 Right of appeal
No appeal may be lodged against a decision of the Race Direction to inflict a ride through penalty.

3.5.5 Notification of judgements
The decisions of the Race Direction or of the FIM Stewards must be notified directly at the event venue, or failing that, addressed by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt.

All judgements of the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) must be notified, in writing, by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt in order to inform all the parties concerned.

3.5.6 Publication of judgements
The disciplinary or arbitration body imposing a penalty or adjudicating a protest or an appeal must have its findings published and quote the names of all parties concerned. The persons or bodies quoted in these statements have no right of action against the FIM nor against any person having published the statement.

Furthermore, final decisions will be published in the Media Centre and in the FIM Magazine unless the Court itself decides otherwise.

3.6.1 Payment of fines and costs
If the penalty is definitive, all fines and costs must be paid to the FIM Executive Secretariat within 30 days of notification of the judgement decision according to Article 3.5.5.

The person or body affected by the decision shall be automatically suspended from participation in all FIM activities, until such time as full payment has been received.

5. MEDICAL CODE
5.1 Introduction
The new FIM Anti-Doping Code (included in these rule book) will come into force on 1 July 2004.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

CCS and WERA racer Harry Wolle and wife Sommer had a son, Dylan Hayden Wolle, November 17th, in Cary, North Carolina.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Dunlop Tire Company has bought up existing test dates scheduled by factory AMA teams fielded by Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha, to limit testing by AMA teams and riders that do not use Dunlop tires. The company made the move just before 2004-season testing went into full swing, catching Michelin teams–which have tested with the Dunlop-sponsored teams in the past and which had signed up for specific 2004 dates with them–off guard and without an alternative plan.

Up until this point, a group of AMA teams frequently tested together and shared costs associated with testing, including track rental, ambulance, insurance, cornerworkers and haybales, with no regard to the brand of motorcycle or tire used by participating teams. The typical direct cost for a participating team can run between $1500 and $15,000 per co-op test, depending upon the individual racetrack and the number of teams participating in a given test. Travel expenses, air freight for special parts, hotel costs and fees paid to contracted mechanics are additional expenses.

Cooperative testing involving AMA teams regardless of tire brand dates back to at least 1997. Tire company representatives have frequently attended the co-op tests to work with their sponsored teams, but tire companies have not contributed to the track rental, set-up and operational costs split by the team co-op, instead covering just their own direct costs and the cost of bringing test tires. Having both Dunlop and Michelin trucks and technicians at co-op tests has been commonplace, especially in the last two years.

In making this move, Dunlop has not gained any track time, because it already had access to all test sessions scheduled by members of the team co-op. Therefore, Dunlop did not make the move to gain track time or increase its R&D efforts to counteract its recent problems with not only 16.5-inch tires exploding on Superbikes but also with 17-inch tires exploding on a relatively stock Superstock bike. Dunlop also did not gain any R&D secrecy, since members of the press have not been banned from the tests, which have been extensively covered in recent years.

Which leads to the conclusion that Dunlop made the move simply to restrict competition.

Sources at several of the involved Dunlop-sponsored teams confirmed the deal to roadracingworld.com, as did a ranking executive at one of the OEMs; none were willing to be quoted or identified by name for fear of retribution by Dunlop–in the form of their team being supplied less-competitive tires. “Yeah, they called up and said they wanted to buy all our test dates,” said a member of a Superbike team that frequently is the lead renter for co-op test dates, and who asked not to be identified. “They said they wanted to be able to keep non-Dunlop teams out of the tests.”

Dunlop is estimated to have spent between $300,000 and $600,000 buying up all the test dates, based on the amount of testing Dunlop-sponsored teams do in a typical calendar year and the cost of renting tracks and paying for ambulance crews, insurance, cornerworkers and haybales.

Available test dates that fit around the AMA schedule are a hot commodity, in limited supply. With Yoshimura Suzuki, for example, testing for 22 days at stand-alone test sessions in 2003, this move by Dunlop will severely limit testing opportunities by non-Dunlop teams and thus inhibit competition in AMA Pro Racing.

Although the IRL car racing series recently outlawed independent (or private) testing in favor of IRL-sanctioned and controlled test dates open to all competitors, observers believe that AMA Pro Racing is unlikely to make such a move due to Dunlop’s deep-seated influence within the organization.

Dunlop Vice President Mike Buckley, who insiders say had to sign off on the company’s move to inhibit competition, sits on the Board of Directors of the AMA as well as on the Board of the non-profit association’s for-profit subsidiary, AMA Pro Racing.

AMA teams that have tested in the past at co-op tests and currently do not use Dunlop tires include Ducati Austin (fielding Eric Bostrom) and Valvoline EMGO Suzuki (fielding Steve Rapp, Vincent Haskovec and Chris Peris). In 2003, No Limits Racing, Annandale Racing and Dream Team Ducati also tested at co-op tests, when they did not use Dunlop tires.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Former racer Phil McDonald is scheduled to undergo nerve transplant surgery February 3rd at LSU Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In the procedure, doctors plan to transplant nerves from one of McDonald’s legs into his left arm, which is paralyzed as the result of a serious street crash in McDonald’s native Tulsa, Oklahoma area last June.

McDonald has regained use of his right arm, which was also seriously damaged when McDonald’s streetbike was hit by a pickup truck coming out of a parking lot, sending McDonald into a road sign in the center median.

McDonald has recovered to the point where he can work partial days at the family business, K&N Motorcycles in Tulsa.

From a press release:

THIS WEEK ON “INSIDE MOTORCYCLING presented by PARTS UNLIMITED”

2003 Supermoto champ Ben Bostrom kicks off this week’s episode of “Inside Motorcycling presented by Parts Unlimited.” The IM camera crew caught up with Bostrom in the Honda pit just moments after the final practice session at the AMA’s Supermoto finale in Las Vegas last November. He went on to win the Supermoto series title later that night.

Also included in the show is a 2004 Honda CRF250R project bike built by Pro Circuit, a look at some of the latest products from the accessory world and a spotlight on the Dynojet company.

“Inside Motorcycling presented by Parts Unlimited” airs each Saturday morning through March at 10 a.m. PST and EST on Spike TV. Check your local listings.