Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

I am an avid racing fan. I live in Orlando and this year I rode my SV650 to the races at Atlanta, Ohio, Daytona (of course) and Laguna Seca (California rocks!). My thoughts on the Tony Bell and Dorna debacle? I can tell you that I’d much rather ride two days to Indy or a full day to the Barber track in Alabama to see a real race than to ride a few hours to Homestead to see a promotional joke…

Larry Gilbert
Orlando, Florida




I couldn’t help but be disappointed when I heard that Homestead was being considered as the location of a USGP. If we are to have another chance at establishing a USGP, lets give it the best odds of survival we can. Put it at a real roadcourse, and make it convienient for fans to attend.

The solution’s obvious, use the new facility that’s been built to FIM standards in Alabama. It’s a real racetrack, not an infield-oval compromise. And at least as important, it is located much closer to the bulk of the population that you’d be trying to attract. If a fan can ride or drive to the venue in a day or less, they’re much more likely to make the journey. And yes, Miami is remotely located. I live in Missouri and it’s still 1400 miles away. The farther people have to travel, the more you’re going to restrict your customer base to the relatively few die hard fanatics(like myself), and exclude the more numerous casual fans.

Let’s do it right this time.

Matt Winnacker
AHRMA #1 BOT F2/F3
CCS #91
Fulton, Missouri




It is so apparent you have almost all missed the call here. The only thing Dorna or anyone else connected with MotoGP is interested in is the bottom line. Money talks, bullshit walks and ISC has money, hence Dorna isn’t even interested in anyone else’s racetracks at this time.

No further discussion needed.

Gordon Lunde
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From a press release issued by Honda:

HONDA RACING INFORMATION

Nicky Hayden Tests the Honda RC211V

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American Superbike Champion Nicky Hayden today took his first step in MotoGP racing when he tested the Honda RC211V at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit, in Japan. Hayden, 21 years old from Owensboro Kentucky, completed just 50 laps of the circuit as he acquainted himself with the characteristics of the World Championship winning five-cylinder 990cc four-stroke.

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Weather at the 4.801km circuit was half-wet in the morning, because of overnight rain, as Hayden took to the track but turned out to be fine after lunch. At the end of the day Hayden said: “I’m impressed how fast it is, but the power is still real smooth. It’s like wheelie-ing everywhere. Acceleration is so hard, but really smooth. In the morning it was a little bit difficult, as the machine, tyres, carbon discs, the track, everything was new, the track was half-wet, and I haven’t been riding since the final round of AMA Superbike in August. When I hit the brake for the first time, I was kind of surprised how it doesn’t work when it’s cold!

“In the afternoon session, I started feeling more comfortable, after I had finished more than 20 laps in the morning and also after I changed the position a little bit. The bike is much smaller than the Superbike and feels different, but I like it! I really enjoyed riding. But you know, I’m still kind of learning the track and also the bike, so I’m not real comfortable yet.” Concluded the American.

The new development project leader of the RC211V, Mr. Shogo Kanaumi said:

“The purpose of this test is not to make fast lap times, but basically to let Nicky get used to the new machine, make basic adjustments for him, and correct his own request about the set-up. The track conditions were not so good in the morning, but it got better and we tried many things and completed everything what we planed to do. The machine, the track, tyres, carbon brake, everything was totally new for Nicky, and considering that, we realized his adaptability and machine control ability once again. I’m really looking forward to his success during next season.”

Team Moriwaki Honda took the opportunity offered by HRC to test at Motegi. The team brought their prototype MD211VF, RC211V’s V5 powered MotoGP machine to the track for initial shake down testing. Ridden by Masao Okuno the machine completed a full day of data recording laps.

Team owner Mamoru Moriwaki was pleased with the day’s work. He said. “Today’s test was OK for the shake-down test. I’m filled with emotions right now, as I know how hard have everyone in the team has been working until today. This is my first step to challenge the world, and I’m so happy.”

Moriwaki went on to say. “Of course we found various technical problems, but we expected that and to find problems is exactly what this test is for. But from today’s result, I became more confident about participating in MotoGP as a wild-card entry during 03. That is our first goal at this moment, and we’ll keep on working hard for that. At this moment, our MD211VF is like a newly born Deer that has stood up for the first time. We will try hard to let it run actively in the field from now on!”

From a press release issued by SBK International:

PRESS RELEASE

ORGANIZER AWARD 2002

Paolo Alberto Flammini, SBK International President, has the great pleasure to announce that the World Superbike Organizer Award for 2002 has been assigned to the TT Assen Circuit.

The top management of SBK International together with its staff, the SBK Top Teams and a Jury made up of the most representative international journalists, carefully analysed each event from an organisational, promotional and sporting point of view and awarded for the 2002 season:

Assen as the best circuit overall

We hope that this well-deserved success will be seen as reward for some of the significant investments and developments already undertaken at the circuit.

This award is a reconfirmation of the success already achieved in 2000.

London November 2002

SBK Press Officer
Renata Nosetto



The Superbike World Championship’s current achievements can be categorized as follows:
– 13 Rounds on the 5 Continents
– 2 Billion Worldwide Television Viewers
– 85 Television Networks covering 171 Countries
– 1,670 Broadcast hours during 2001 with a Television Media Value of US$ 552 Million
– 1,000,000 Race Spectators during 2001
– 25 Million Internet page views

From a press release issued by Gordy Lunde of the Wegmen Benefit Fund:

Scuderia West has donated a check for $1825 from their annual charity raffle to the Wegman Benefit Fund, which was their charity of choice for this year’s benefit event.

For more information on the Wegman Benefit Fund contact Gordon Lunde at 414-321-2338 or [email protected].

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This just in from John Hopkins, via cell-phone from Malaysia:

I’m testing with my new team here at Sepang in Malaysia right now, and everything’s going pretty good.

The track conditions here aren’t that great with all of the moisture. It’s actually raining at the moment. That’s how it is here in Malaysia, especially around November.

On the first day, we just put in some laps and just got to a basic set-up. We didn’t want to go to any extremes. We just wanted to learn the bike, put in a good amount of laps and got comfortable with the machine.

Yesterday went really well as well. It got cut short to a half day by the rain, but we started messing with suspension settings.

One thing I definitely had to get comfortable with again was engine braking, getting into the corners and then changing lines getting out of the corners.

I guess they had a couple of problems with the clutch last year, and I think we’re running into the same problems.

Even with the clutch deal, the Suzuki four-stroke is a lot easier to ride than a 500.

The Suzuki’s quite a bit faster, but it doesn’t really feel too much faster.

I’m pretty close to my qualifying time right now on the Michelin race tires, and I’ve already gone a-second-and-a-half faster than my race lap times, consistently. At the moment, we’re not too far off the times Kenny is running, and he is testing the new prototype chassis.

I’m learning to change my style all around; I’m going back to the style I used back home in AMA.

Other than that, it’s good to get on a set of grippy tires, that’s for sure! There’s a big difference between the Dunlops and the Michelins.

It’s a big difference with the factory bike and team because you, as the rider, are taking a part in the development, and I’ve never had that before.

Kevin Schwantz is out here right now, so I’ve been hanging and talking with him. He’s going to ride the bike during a media day tomorrow. Then we don’t test again until January. It’s going to be pretty busy after January, so it’ll be good to go back home, take a little bit of time off, hang out and be a 19-year-old guy again…for a month or two.



For more, see John Hopkins’ column, “The GP Kid,” in the January issue of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

According to Tom Houseworth, Yoshimura Suzuki Crew Chief for Ben Spies, electronic quick-shifters are “the best bang for the buck” that a privateer can buy.

In a phone call to Roadracingworld.com Wednesday morning, Houseworth said, “Don’t people understand that once they’re set up, and their bikes are set up, with their engine and their suspension, that those things (electronic quick-shifters) are worth half-a-second a lap?

“That thing is the best bang for the buck. What else are you gonna spend $800 for that will get you half-a-second?

“Once your bike is set up and you have the engine you think you need, the suspension is tuned up, you’re set up and ready to go, what’s the next step? The shifter is the shit. Those things are worth half-a-second.

“I think some of them are worrying about spending their money in the wrong place.”

From a press release issued by Mid-Ohio:

2003 MID-OHIO SCHEDULE FEATURES SIX WORLD-CLASS MOTORSPORTS EVENTS

DUBLIN, Ohio (November 12, 2002) – TrueSports, Inc., parent company of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, announced today that Mid-Ohio will provide road racing fans six world-class motorsports events in 2003. Sports car racing’s past and present will be featured in June, with July giving way to two-wheeled action for the 21st consecutive year. The world’s best professional drivers converge on the track in August and set the stage for the top amateur drivers in the country competing for twenty-four national championships in late September.

The green flag waves on the 2003 season with the Sprint Vintage Grand Prix, June 20-22. The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association will turn the racetrack into a live action museum with ten classes of racing.

This year’s featured marque of the event will be Corvette, commemorating its 50th anniversary of production. Two Corvette-only races will be run on the weekend, assuring fans of the muscle car will see plenty of action on and off the track during its golden anniversary. The 5th annual British Car Showdown will bring automotive history from across the Atlantic to Mid-Ohio on Saturday.

“Daytona comes to Mid-Ohio” one week later as modern sports cars rumble onto the track for the Mid-Ohio Road Racing Classic, led by the Rolex Sports Car Series, June 27-29. The series will feature the new Daytona Prototypes, making their debut in February at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. These two seat, closed-cockpit cars will be powered by many of the world’s major car manufacturers, including Ford, Toyota, Porsche, and BMW.

The Mid-Ohio Road Racing Classic will provide a unique twist for fans. The Rolex Series race will be held on Saturday evening for the 400 kilometer (110 lap) endurance race. Also participating during the weekend is the Grand-Am Cup Street Stock Series, featuring actual production sports cars with only minimal racing modifications. The Grand-Am Cup will treat fans to twin 200 mile races, with two Grand Sport classes in one race, and two Touring classes in the second.

Harley-Davidson is currently enjoying the year-long celebration of its 100th anniversary, and will serve as the focal point of the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 18-20. While the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association’s (AHRMA) road racing would provide a full day of activity alone, enthusiasts should also make time to visit the many off-track activities. Mid-Ohio’s natural terrain provides course for vintage motocross time trials. The annual Will Stoner Swap Meet provides an opportunity to find that rare part to finish rebuilding a bike, or the opportunity to begin a new project. Many other activities and seminars will also be occurring simultaneously around the track’s facilities.

The sounds of history will have barely cleared the air around Lexington when the modern machines begin to rev their engines for the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire, July 25-27. Annually one of Mid-Ohio’s largest crowds and most exciting race weekends, 2003 will once again feature two Wiseco Superbike 100 races. Miguel Duhamel, the winningest rider in AMA Superbike history, returns with teammate Kurtis Roberts on the HRC Honda Team. 2002 series champion Nicky Hayden has taken his skills to the MotoGP circuits, so Honda has signed former rider Ben Bostrom as their third factory rider. Bostrom, who captured the AMA title in 1998 before testing his skills in Europe, has a built-in rival on the circuit already in younger brother Eric, who captured the Saturday event at Mid-Ohio on his way to a runner-up finish in the 2002 standings on the Kawasaki factory team. Also returning is three-time champion Mat Mladin and Suzuki teammate Aaron Yates. Yates swept both Wiseco Superbike 100 races in 2000 at Mid-Ohio.

Mid-Ohio’s 13th annual dealer ride will once again provide spectators a chance to parade around Mid-Ohio’s 15-turn, 2.4 mile circuit just like their favorite riders. One of the most popular events during the season, the track fills with motorcycles during the lunch break on Sunday.

Defending race champion Patrick Carpentier will lead Bruno Junqueira, Paul Tracy and the rest of the Championship Auto Racing Teams participants to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the 22nd time for the CART Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio, August 14-17. Wins have historically come in pairs at Mid-Ohio, as Carpentier will attempt to add his name to a list of back-to-back champions that include Bobby Rahal (1985 & 1986), Michael Andretti (1990 & 1991), Emerson Fittipaldi (1992 & 1993), Al Unser, Jr (1994 & 1995), Alex Zanardi (1996 & 1997) and Helio Castroneves (2000 & 2001).

The 40th edition of the Valvoline Runoffs® will celebrate 10 years at Mid-Ohio by crowning this year’s SCCA National Champions September 15-21. Amateur racers from all over the United States will compete throughout the summer to be invited to the “Olympics of Motorsports”, where the qualifiers of each of the twenty-four classes will race for 20 laps for the right to be called National Champion. Among the former Valvoline Runoffs® champions are Bobby Rahal, Jimmy Vasser, Skip Barber, Elliot Forbes-Robinson, Roger Penske and Jim Trueman.

Fans wishing to make Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course their motorsports destination this summer should act soon to take advantage of Mid-Ohio’s All Access Pass. An All Access Pass is available for $200 if purchased before February 14, 2003 and still a tremendous deal for motorsports enthusiasts at $250 after that date. Each pass holder will receive admission, reserve grandstand seating, and paddock pass to each of the events, and a pit pass to the CART Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio. Pass holders will also receive infield parking during the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire and the CART Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio.

As an added bonus, each pass will include admission to two Dart Kart and all SCCA Regional and National Club events not open to the general public. All Access Pass holders wishing to test their skills behind the wheel will also receive a $50 gift certificate to any driving course offered by The Mid-Ohio School, including the popular Acura High Performance Course. To gather more information or purchase an All Access Pass, call 1-800-MID-OHIO or visit wwww.midohio.com.

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is located approximately halfway between Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio off of Interstate 71. Commonly referred to as the “Most Competitive in the U.S.”, Mid-Ohio hosts six motorsports events throughout the summer, beginning with the Sprint Vintage Grand Prix and including the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire July 25-27. For event information or tickets, call 1-800-MID-OHIO or visit us on the web at www.midohio.com.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This answer just in from Tony Bell, along with more comments from assorted readers:

In response to the replies regarding my comments on the wisdom of having a USGP in the further-most tip of the United States, I apologize if my comments were construed as bigoted, but have no idea how anyone could jump to such a conclusion.

There was no reference to race or color nor was it directed to any person or group of people. My comment as to the venue was to imply it was about as far away from the rest of the country as one could get and has little or no “feel” for a venue.

Tony Bell
San Clemente, California




So let me get this straight. Suppose Dorna suggested that a venue in Canada (relax people, I know it’ll never happen) would be ideal for hosting a GP, and Terrible Tony Bell says, “It looks like we will have to travel up to Iceland, oh sorry, I mean Canada,” does this mean that I, too, can whine about racist statements? Give me a break, will ya? Obviously, some people’s lives are so empty that they are constantly on the lookout for an opportunity to cry about their unfortunate place on this planet. Life’s unfair. Get over it. If you actually read the whole article you probably got the gist of what he was trying to say unless, of course, your inferiority complex fuels your need to be heard today. So if a guy from Soviet Canuckistan gets the geography spin, then surely you can, too.

Jeff Wuirch
Calgary, Alberta, Canada




I never got to the Cuba reference. I stopped reading at the words “I’m a NASCAR fan” in the first paragraph.

James Gaal
Ashburn, Virginia




I cannot believe the reaction to the letter I wrote. If possible, I would like to briefly clarify a few points. If you have had enough of all of this, and don’t post this, I understand.

First of all, Mr. Granados, I never said “as a Cuban-American I am offended.” I stated my heritage to make it clear where I come from, and to let readers know of my background – I was being honest. Some people said they do not understand why the comment is offensive, so I will explain why it is offensive to me: In the statement, Mr. Bell excludes South Florida from the rest of the USA, presumably because of the dominantly hispanic population. That is offensive to me.

Antonio F. Garcia
San Luis Obispo, California




I’m not going to try and judge Mr. Bell because of one comment. In this day of Political Correctness, his very public comment was more then anything a bad judgment with his use of words. Especially for someone in his position. To take it any further than that, given what was contained in the comment, is my opinion over-reacting in a lot of ways. For sure we are ALL probably guilty of making comments that could easily be considered racist or sexist.

Regarding Dennis Presiloski’s attempted defense of Mr. Bell’s “Cuba” statement. I don’t understand your references at all. How is a city like Miami considered remote? There is huge deference between his comment and your “desert, Willow Springs” example. Desert would be seen as describing the area around Willow, just as I consider Phoenix, Arizona a city in the middle of a desert. Of all the things that could have been used to reference Miami, why Cuba? Last time I checked the city wasn’t under a dictator or communist party. Most of us are very aware of the ethnic makeup of Miami, and the unfortunate way the Cuban culture/population there is usually portrayed by the media. Calling Miami, Cuba was obviously an attempt to put that city on a lower level than “Glamorous” Vegas.

I wasn’t offended by Mr. Bell’s comments but I was more than a little amused by Mr. Presiloski’s attempt to clean up the content.

Travis Poole
Chicago, Illinois




Homestead?! What a nowhere type of place with nothing to do! If it weren’t for the fact that I’ve driven through Homestead, I’d ask where the heck is it. But I have. That place is a 10+ hour drive from NORTH Florida. Add that time to driving from anywhere else in the country. Another issue is of lodging; is there any? Sure it was a while ago that I was there, but even 15 years couldn’t have turned a backwater town into a suitable host for a GP.

Tony Bell’s Cuba remark sure was a faux pas and took the wind right out of his sails. With a credibility buster like that, who cares what he thinks about Vegas? Vegas?! wow, give all the visitors to the US a dream resort destination! I think that alone would draw more visitors. Some good old fashioned sin to fill their leisure time: gambling, booze, and sex.

Chris Kelley
San Diego, California





I have to admit I cringed when I read the Cuba comment. I don’t buy the theory that it referred to Homestead as being remote. I don’t see how Miami could be considered remote. I think Mr. Presiloski uses a poor analogy in his letter. The desert does not invoke an image of people, where Cuba does. I don’t see the comparison.

Tony Bell seems to be a bit of a whiner and he even admitted that he didn’t check the layout of the Homestead track. I found it on the web in about 2 minutes and it doesn’t seem to me that they will need to use the banking, but of course I could be wrong. In the end, I don’t think he meant to offend anyone, but I don’t know how he could think he wouldn’t. It was a dumb comment to make. Period.

Justin Temme
Chicago, Illinois






I am sure I am at great risk of alienating myself with these comments but I think it’s time someone come to the rescue of Tony Bell and set some of the record straight with regard to some of his commentary in his recent letter to Roadracingworld.com.

Tony Bell is without question –NOT– a racist or a bigot. What Tony Bell is, without much argument, a fine, well intentioned, extremely knowledgeable, well respected member of the GP community. He is regarded as one of the finest GP125 tuners in the US, is well connected with numerous people in the international WGP community and above all husband to one of the finest 125GP riders (and former National Champion), Vicki Bell. He has extended his knowledge and advice to numerous riders who have pursued racing careers or Wild Card entries in Europe and has always done so without hesitation or concern for the time or effort required on his part. His advice, connections and expertise has proven an invaluable asset to many of these riders. Both American and Canadian.

Many of us the US who actively race and promote Grand Prix racing in the United States, including those of us like Tony who have worked diligently to create race series’ and events that continue to promote development of Grand Prix racing in the US, were shocked (and to some extent horrified) by the recent USGP announcement. The fact that two of the premiere classes are excluded from this event (at Homestead) raises additional questions as to the value of hosting a World Grand Prix event here in the US.

Don’t get me wrong, I would like nothing more than to see the US host a World GP event, however, what does it say about America and the state of racing in the US when promoters and DORNA both agree that excluding 2/3rds of the top riders in the world from an event is what is necessary to have a successful WGP event here in the US?

Many of us would have been far happier to see DORNA pursue an event and a venue (like the new FIM Specification track Skip Barber developed in Alabama for one) that would have been capable of hosting the entire WGP field, 125 and 250 included as well as met the FIM’s complex and detailed Circuit Standards.

As someone with some very specific knowledge of these circuit Standards I cannot for one second understand how Homestead meets most of these requirements without undergoing major renovations.

It seems even stranger that, in a US event, the two classes most represented by American Grand Prix racing have been so summarily dismissed by race organizers and DORNA.

The hopes of American Wild Card hopefuls were smashed that day, just when the level of riding and competition in America is poised to raise itself to a level where Wild Card entries are a reality for many American riders.

Am I disappointed in the decision reached by promoters and DORNA? Yes; but more so, I am ashamed that the AMA has not made this most obvious argument more of an issue with race promoters and DORNA when an event of this type has such a historic opportunity to benefit riders here in the US.

As a final word in defense of Tony Bell, I would hope that more people would spend more time trying to understand the intent of Tony’s comments and focus on the true issues with a Homestead GP than questioning the character of someone who has so selfishly worked to benefit riders and GP racing in general here in the US.

Best regards,

Jonathan Flack
Director, USGPRU 125 Road Racing Grand Prix National Championship
Seattle, Washington




Having another South American GP in Homestead would be great! Can’t wait to see what kind of deals on “Slightly used MotoGP” equipment will be available at the local pawn shops on Monday.

At least there is a tunnel under the track to get in and out of, unless it fills with water again.

Wouldn’t it be better to have a GP at a real racetrack?

John France
West Melbourne, Florida





Who cares what the hell he said. It is like Little Cuba down there. Is that so bad to say? Too many PC police in this world today.

Also, correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t there a place in New York where there is a large concentration of Italians called Little Italy? I hope I’m not a racist for saying that. Is Miami close to Cuba? Last time I checked it was. About 90 or so miles. Is there a large concentration of Cubans in Miami? You people jumping on this man’s back make me laugh. To call him a bigot and a racist, from that comment, HAH! Mr. Bell, don’t sweat it.

Lance Sudano
Charleston, South Carolina





I have been waiting for several years for a US GP. I read Tony Bell’s statement with great interest. I myself took his meaning about having the GP in Cuba as to refer to its location. I really do not care if Mr. Bell is a racist or not. As far as I know, his right to be a racist (if he currently is one or wants to be one) is guaranteed and protected by the Constitution of the United States. Just like the people’s right to think that he is a racist.

Kevin Fegan
Franklin, Massachusetts




I have to say that the past posts regarding the USGP and especially the not-so-savvy racial remarks and feedback are quite amusing. However, I fail to see how everyone is missing the boat on DORNA and their decision making process for a USGP? Homestead, like others have mentioned, is too far removed from the normal motorcycle racing community. Sports Cars are the mainstay in Miami. IRL cannot even sell the place out. Last I checked the largest motorcycle dealer wasn’t from southern Florida. And Vegas is absolutely the most ridiculous track I have heard, besides Homestead, to hold a GP event. If anyone has ever checked into Lose Vegas and their inability to hold professional sports, you would agree that it is all about Boxing in the Big Casinos on the Strip and NASCAR one time a year. AMA, AMLS, IRL, you name the series, it equals very low attendance and do not return next year unless you want to Lose Money. Name me another professional team from Vegas in the NBA, NFL, NHL or Baseball. Nobody cares about sports in Vegas except the bookies, regardless of the amount of sin and glamour. They cannot even keep an Arena Football team or Double A Hockey franchise afloat in Vegas.

So my long-winded point is what ever happened to the only FIM sanctioned track in the US – Indianapolis Motor Speedway. What happened to Tony George and his negotiations with DORNA. If any place was more appropriate, it would be Indy! They would host every major racing series. The tight twisty infield would be more suited for bikes than cars. And the long straight would surely please all of the people who think a bike is best evaluated by top end speed, and drafting, need I say more! Plus there is a local favorite in Nicky Hayden and his whole family and friends that would alone would fill up the front straightway! Maybe I missed the post as to why Indy didn’t materialize, but if anyone can think of a reason this wouldn’t work, well, let them go back and respond to the so-called racist or PC remarks on the previous post!

Regards,

Alexander Martin
Galt, California

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This just in from track designer Alan Wilson:

A comment on the reports about MotoGP and American circuits.

Ultimately the choice of where a GP goes is not a question of circuit but of the promoter. Hence only ISC circuits are being reviewed as part of the latest round of discussions because they are considered by Dorna to be the only credible promoters who can prove the financial and organizational ability and who have also made an effort to negotiate with them. Obviously any circuit chosen still has to meet FIM specifications but ISC have the resources if they chose to apply them to meet these specs.

Personally, I believe that Las Vegas could easily be brought up to and obviously Barber, already does, meet MotoGP standards but unless the promoters of these facilities chose to start negotiating with Dorna themselves there would be no hope of a GP ending at these tracks. No factors other than money and circuit specs apply. Distance, from Europe, market, etc., have no significant bearing on a decision.

Note on Vegas. Although the AMA used the banking, I specified a 40ft wide track at the base of the banking that can be used equally effectively. Response could then be from the outside of the lower course, with some temporary safety facilities added for the event. In most other respects Vegas already meets FIM standards.

Alan Wilson