An e-mail issued by Rob Rasor, AMA President:

First of all, I apologize for replying to your messages as a group. As many of you know, I customarily answer e-mails and letters individually, but I need to balance my wish to reply personally with my other responsibilities and travel commitments. I appreciate your understanding, and I’ll do my best to address your concerns.

To those of you who are AMA members, my sincere thanks to you for your support. Your active participation in the AMA represents the strength of this or any other membership organization. You can be certain that I consider your opinions seriously.

Like virtually all membership associations, the AMA is governed by a Code of Regulations, which has been established by our Board of Directors, composed of six directors elected by the individual members of the Association and six elected by the AMA’s corporate membership. Recently, an amendment was proposed to the AMA’s Code of Regulations that would govern eligibility for candidates seeking any of the six positions chosen by the individual members. Specifically, it would clarify the distinction between eligibility for a corporate Board position and eligibility for an individual Board position.

There are two important things you should know about this amendment. First, it would have no effect on the results of the election for three of the individual-member posts that concluded in January. Those three new Board members will be seated at the Board’s meeting on February 16. And second, contrary to some reports that have been circulated, the intent of this amendment is not to increase the power of the AMA’s corporate membership. In fact, the amendment is specifically designed to limit the influence of the companies that are part of the AMA’s corporate membership by ensuring that employees of those companies are prevented from serving as directors elected by the AMA’s 270,000 individual members.

That amendment has been approved by the AMA Board, and as provided by our Code, the changes would become effective only after approval by those attending the annual meeting of AMA Corporate Members. We’ll report the outcome in American Motorcyclist magazine.

I believe that this amendment will help continue the tradition of having an AMA Board that truly represents the broad range of interests and diversity of our membership and the motorcycling community. I’m also confident that the new Board members, who will be seated next week, will work effectively to best protect the interests of the AMA.

Some of you have expressed concerns related to AMA Pro Racing, including track safety and the future of AMA Supercross. AMA Pro Racing is a affiliated corporation; it operates separately, with its own management, Board of Directors, and revenue. Clearly, this is a transitional time for Supercross in America as we define the ongoing relationship between the riders, teams, sponsors, promoters, sanctioning body and fans who support the sport.

AMA Pro Racing is confident about the future of this style of professional motorcycle competition. During this transitional period, though, neither I nor representatives of AMA Pro Racing will engage in unbounded speculation about the shape of that future, beyond our public statements. We will not discuss the content or substance of negotiations until we have announcements to make. And while that may not satisfy everyone’s natural curiosity, it’s just good business.

Finally, I am aware that there are some who choose to view statements from the AMA and AMA Pro Racing with skepticism. I believe skepticism is a good thing, because it makes us stop, think, and ask questions — in short, it’s a good defense against being fooled.

I won’t ask you to avoid skepticism regarding the AMA, but I’d urge you to apply that same skepticism to outside statements you read and hear about the AMA. Remember that independence is no guarantee of objectivity, and unfounded opinions often masquerade as facts.

Armed with that, you still may not agree with me, and that’s fine. But at least you’ll have the knowledge that you manufactured your own opinions, instead of merely borrowing someone else’s.

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to share your questions, concerns, and comments with me.

Kind regards,

Robert Rasor, President
American Motorcyclist Association
(614) 856 – 1910, Extension 1226
[email protected]
www.AMADirectLink.com

And now a reponse to that e-mail from John Ulrich, newly-elected AMA Director, from the South Western Region:

That’s a great answer, Rob, but the amendment doesn’t say “corporate members”, it says “eligible to be corporate members”, which reduces the decision on eligibility to a judgement call made by who, the incumbents who wish to retain the status quo? If it refered to “corporate members” only, and if it didn’t use undefined words like eligible and substantial, which is relative, I’d have no problem with it. As it is, it restricts the democratic process and reduces the choices available to the membership, and restricts access to the other half of the board to people who are members of or sanctioned by the good-old-boy’s club that consists of 23 corporate members. At the same time, it exempts from those restrictions motorcycle dealers like the incumbent Jeff Nash just beat 2.7:1, and race promoters like the incumbent Kevin Schwantz just beat 3.5:1. Those exemptions make this piece of new language, proposed in the middle of the campaign for the Board seats Schwantz, Nash and I just won, look suspiciously political in nature.

Democracy is a great thing. Allowing the membership to elect whomever they wish to elect is the right thing to do.

As for Supercross, we’ll know soon enough who was right about that.

John Ulrich

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

The Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA), the South Central affiliate of CCS, has over $500,000 available in cash, contingencies and prizes for the 2002 racing season.

According to CMRA Assistant Race Director Eric Kelcher, the CMRA Sprint series features $16,500 in purses for the year in the Shogun Motorsports Unlimited Grand Prix Expert class; $11,000 in Shogun Motorsports Middleweight Supersport Expert Shootout; $4500 available from Lockhart-Phillips in the Expert GT/solo endurance races; $5500 cash from Cyclewerkz in the Amateur Unlimited Grand Prix and another $5500 in gift certificates from Cyclewerkz to Amateur Middleweight Supersport racers.

Cyclewerkz is also sponsoring the CMRA Endurance series with a cash purse total of $12,000.

The CMRA itself will pay out $5808 in cash in Expert classes during 2002 in addition to over $30,000 in Championship jackets and entry-fee discounts for the following season.

CMRA Experts who finish in the top 10 in any class will receive entries into a prize raffle to be held at season’s end. Race winners will receive three raffle entries, runners-up will receive two entries and third through tenth-place finishers will get a single entry in the drawing. The total value of the raffle prizes is close to $8000. Prizes include a brand new Yamaha TT-R125 from Blockworks and K&N Motorcycle and ATV Centers, a M4 racing exhaust system, leathers and gloves from Euroleathers.net, an Arai helmet from Northwest Honda, Multi-Tech race bodywork, a custom paint job courtesy of Kinesis Cycle Sports, EBC brake rotors and pads, Traxxion Dynamics suspension work from Shogun Motorsports, a new chain and sprocket set from Vortex and Team Backbone and more.

Another opportunity unique to CMRA racers is Blockworks’ “Race To The Beach” prize. One top Expert and one top amateur racer, as decided by a points system that counts their three best finishes each race weekend, get free bike transportation, hotel room, set of tires of their choice and entry fees for up to five classes to attend the CCS Race of Champions at Daytona International Speedway in October 2002. The prize, which basically gives the club’s top Expert and Amateur a sponsored ride to the CCS National Championship runoffs, is valued at $3000.

Together with announced contingency programs from Michelin and Aprilia, and expected contingencies from other bike and tire manufacturers, over $500,000 is available to CMRA racers in 2002.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Bidding in the Air Fence Fund benefit auction on a made-to-order set of Barnacle Bill motorcycle leathers has reached $1325. The announcement that the winning bidder would receive half-a-page of exposure in Roadracing World magazine, in addition to the suit, drew out new bidder allan99acr, but outrace still holds the highest bid as the auction enters its final hours. The auction is due to end at 2:37 p.m. Eastern Time Friday, February 8.

Shortly after the close of the Barnacle Bill leathers sale Friday, the next item to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund will go on the auction website eBay.


Custom leather suit maker “Barnacle Bill” Burns has donated a custom-made set of his motorcycle leathers (in road race, flat track, speedway, drag race or street style) to be auctioned off with the proceeds, minus the cost of the eBay service, going to the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund.

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Burns is offering to make a suit to the specifications of the winning bidder, as if they were a customer ordering one of his standard racer package deals, and Burns says, “The most important suit that I will ever make is the suit that I make for you.”

All of Barnacle Bill’s suits are custom-made from hand-selected 3.0-3.5-ounce leather, feature triple-stitched and glued seams from the inside of the garment to increase durability, come with plastic composite body armor, have optional venting, an optional aerodynamic hump, includes the rider’s name on the front and back and road race suits come with knee sliders. Additional lettering is available at an additional cost.

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Virtually any design, color or combination of colors is available to the winning bidder. And the suit can be made in either a one-piece or two-piece design.

After their bid is received, the winning bidder’s name will be forwarded to Burns by Roadracing World. The bidder and Burns will then begin to work on the winning bidder’s new suit. Burns says that the suit will be ready to wear in approximately four weeks, if not earlier.

“Hurt racers don’t come back as customers,” said former racer Burns on why he is donating a suit to the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund. “I’ve hit something solid before, and it doesn’t feel good.”

Custom-made leather suits typically range in cost anywhere from $800 to well over $2000.

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Although leathers are the most effective safety clothing worn by motorcyclists on the street and the racetrack today, sometimes well-made leathers are not enough. As a result, the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund was established to raise money to purchase and deploy Air Fence* and Air Module soft barriers to protect crashed riders from hitting walls and other hard objects at racetracks.

To go directly to the auction on eBay, click here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1802522825

*Air Fence is a trademark of Airfence Safety Systems of Australia

From a press release:

Yoyodyne Race Support

Yoyodyne announces its racer support program for 2002

For 2002, we are promoting the new line of Sebimoto Light Weight fiberglass racing bodies. Suzuki kits are currently available for the GSXR 600/750 and 1000 series. These kits consist of the upper/ lower/ seat (your choice of styles) / air ducts and front fender.

Suzuki kits are available to all Racers at the discounted price of $550.

Kits for other brands will be introduced during the year.

In addition to the discounted bodywork, support riders will be entitled to discounts on the remainder of the Yoyodyne parts catalog. This includes: Brembo, Performance Friction, Marvic Magnesium wheels, PP Tuning (rear sets and clip ons), Euro Racing (frame sliders and fuel caps), high capacity radiators, as well as aluminum and titanium hardware.

Interested racers should contact the Race Support office at 973-401-1954.

I have been an AMA member for many years (approx 20 total and continually for the last 14 or so). I have seem AMA do many great things regarding regulation of motorcycles and where we can ride them.

I have also seen first hand how AMA can mess up a GOOD thing.

In the late 80s & early 90s I was a AMA-CCS amateur road racer. I really enjoyed racing and working with AMA doing it. Then the split and AMA-CCS pretty much dried up for a few years. The races were still held but not as well organized or funded nor did they attract contingency sponsors. It made racing much more difficult for me.

Not only did the racing events suffer, all AMA members suffered when AMA settled with Mr. Edmondson for approx $3 mil.

Fast forward to today, AMA is trying to toss a KNOWN GOOD RACING SERIES in exchange for a start-up race series without any sure participation of:
Major manufacturers
Major sponsors
Major teams/talent
Etc.

What is more, you are trying to do this with the “assistance” of an UNPROVEN race promotor that lacks the resources (radio, TV, experience,
infrastructure, international links, etc) of the promotor you are replacing (CCE).

This seems mis-guided, not very smart and generally naive.

AMA should focus on what it is best at: Sanctioning races, not promoting them, and working with legislators and in Courts to preserve our rights to ride.

George B. Leavell, Esq.
Patent Attorney
Gilroy, CA
AMA#489167



I’ll keep this brief.

I thought that the AMA’s mission was to advance motorcycling? Not to profit from it but to advance it by promoting sporting events and influencing the government for the benefit of motorcyclists.

Given this I cannot understand the AMA’s choice to splinter its most successful and visible racing series, AMA Supercross, by splitting with PACE/SFX/Clear Channel. This is a partnership that has just plain worked over the years to the benefit of everyone. The sport is more popular and profitable than ever which draws more people into the sport of motorcycling.

I’ve read the press releases and the only thing that I can understand is that the AMA is doing this out of greed. They want a bigger piece of the pie from the series promoter. In the process they are going down the CART/IRL path and will wind up killing the goose that lays the golden egg. How can you possibly allow Scott Hollingsworth to pitch this proposal as if it is a good thing?!

Please rethink the path you are going down. The only people that seem to see it as a good thing are at JAM and inside the AMA/Paradama offices.

Allan M. Carter



I doubt much will come of this letter, from one lowly member to the president of a massive organization, but I am compelled to write in the
hope that my small voice, if combined with others, may be heard. I have been riding motorcycles more than half my life and have worked in the motorcycle industry for the past 10 years. Only in the past couple years did I realize how important it is that I join and support the AMA to help my passion and My Industry, Motorcycling, preserve its freedoms and stay alive.

It was after I joined the AMA that I also started paying attention to the underhanded dealings the AMA is involved with. My friends and customers all believed that the AMA was a right and proper organization and that the Edmondson affair was a unique occurance. We thought that the coverups and lies were isolated to a couple people, not the AMA’s actual ethics and core values. With the latest news of the Supercross dealings and now the appearance of fighting the newly elected Directors, our trust in the AMA’s leadership is faltering. With another 30 or 40 years of riding (and potentially paying dues) to go in my life, all of our hopes lie in an honest and openly run AMA. The members want altruism and member oriented service, not government style bureaucracy revolving around keeping one’s self in office.

Let’s hope for a bright two wheeled future in America.

Respectfully,
Chris Kelley
#433870



In regards to the 2003 supercross fiasco, try as might I cannot understand why the AMA is insisting on continuing to do a deal with Jamsports. As a ten year member of the AMA I have been witness to the Edmondson debacle and very nearly cancelled my membership over it.

In light of the overwhelming crowds seen at the first three meetings this year it defies logic that you at the AMA want to start all over again with what to mind is an unknown quantity. Perhaps you have been offered a larger slice of the cake and wish to offset the cost of the Edmondson case.

When I joined the AMA I was told that it was run as a non-profit organization for the members by the members. Since joining I have found that nothing can be further from the truth. I feel that this matter should be taken to the members and ask them to vote on this issue. This must be the democratic way. From what I have read there seems to be a great deal of money at stake here and before the directors and race directors go throwing this around their needs to be some accountability by the people making these decisions.

Yours Sincerely,
Neville Hall-Reace



Why split from Clear Channel just when the series is gaining such popularity. any split will be almost necessarily divisive, confusing, and damaging to the sport’s credibility. This will affect fans, racers, and manufacturers, as well as the AMA. Please reconsider before you permanently damage the sport of motorcycle
racing in the U.S.

Thanks,
Pete McAndrews




I would like to take this opportunity to strongly urge you to abandon your consideration of the wholly unproved Jam Sports over CCE for
Supercross sanction.

While there are many reasons I feel the Jam Sports alliance would be a bad move (far too many to list here), the one overriding concern I have
is the impact on the riders and the unnecessary damage a split like this would do to the sport.

By making teams choose between the two series you will not only dilute the fields entered in each event, but also lower the level of competition in these events. This hurts not only the riders but the fans, the sponsors and everyone else involved.

Please remember that the AMA exists to promote and support the sport, not to divide and harm the sport. We look to you to do the right thing for the sport, and above all, decide based on the wants and needs of the membership.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Flack
AMA Member



I want to take this opportunity to express my concern regarding the stance the AMA has taken with the Supercross series and its alienation of Clear Channel.

Rather than go into long details, I will simply state that I believe that it is EXTREMELY poor judgment to jettison Clear Channel as a partner when Supercross is on the verge of becoming a well-exposed sport within this country.

The AMA has a very functional purpose in this country. It protects both the rights of riders and sanctioning rules for competition. Let’s keep it that way.

The AMA has wasted enough of its members’ money as it is, never mind the disservice it has committed through its extremely poor promotion of Road Racing and other activities.

Clear Channel is poised to devastate the AMA if you continue on this course and ensure that the AMA and Clear Channel can only exist as competitors.

The history of AMA handling promotion is littered with lawsuits and accusations as well as lost money. Clear Channel’s history speaks for
itself.

I like many others have recently joined the AMA. John Ulrich, Kevin Schwantz, and Jeff Nash represent what will continue to happen if you do not take the best interest of ALL motorcyclists seriously.

We are on the eve of seeing motorcycling become as serious as a sport here in the US as it is in Europe.

When I talk to shop owners, they are pleasantly surprised how apparel (leather jackets, gloves, helmets, etc.) and accessories are actually selling. They are getting in customers that are more conscious to safety and products.

My experience in being a manager (1989-1992) in a shop was that you could stock the premium apparel and accessories, but you were wasting “floor money” because the general motorcyclist was seasonal, impulsive, and not very knowledgeable within the sport.

So I believe we have a precedent here to grow on which is; motorcycling in this country is taking the “next step”. The consumer rather than the industry is driving this next step. Now it is time for the industry to react appropriately.

I do not think it is in the best interest for the AMA to:

1) Promote races or have significant say in the function of promoting. Having lobbyists in Washington or in regional government is one thing, but government is not a competitive industry. Leave promotion to those that are successful at what they do AND have successful history within the requested area of promotion expertise. As I mentioned, we are on the eve of a “motorcycle evolution” in this country. Let’s not blow it.

2) If the AMA will simply concentrate on regulation, safety, and sanctioning-type issues I believe the general motorcycle community will be better served in the long run.

Lastly, The AMA has a significant amount of resources that have been provided by the members of the AMA. I hope you do not take likely the responsibility you have. If you ever have to answer a strategy question with, “I think” or “I believe” then you better have one hell of a track record of success within the proposed sector. I recommend that if you cannot answer a question with “I know”, then give that responsibility to someone that can. Misjudgment on the AMA’s part is a waste of members’ funds.

Thank you for your time.
Marcus McBain



There are a number of things that concern me regarding the current AMA strategy and management, especially in the area of AMA-sanctioned motorcycle racing. In my opinion a major change in AMA direction is sorely needed. Some of my concerns are:

1. I don’t want Supercross split up into two competing series as the result of a pissing match between Hollingsworth and SFX/CCE. Unfortunately, AMA seems to have set itself upon a course that, unless turned around quickly, will inevitably lead to another IRL/CART disaster.

2. I don’t want the current Board to rush through a bunch of crazy stuff before the newly elected Directors are inducted.

3. I don’t want my right to vote for qualified candidates for Director/Trustee taken away by 23 Corporate members who already control 6 of 12 Board seats.

Thank you for taking the time to hear my concerns.

Sincerely,
Ron Kunzelman
AMA #469474



As a member of your association I feel compelled to comment on two proposed actions being taken by the AMA. The first is the feuding with CCE and the second is the proposal to limit future elections for the AMA.

On the first, although access to hard numbers with AMA business dealings are hard to come by it is rapidly becoming apparenty that the AMA is willing to cut off its nose to spite CCE. Forgoing FIM affiliation is fraught with danger in an attempt to hold a couple of dirtbike races which will, apparently, be largely overshadowed by the offering from CCE. The latest lawsuit from OMS clearly illustrates that much of the dealings on this issue are being ruled by personality and not sound business judgment. With FIM affiliation I would be more nervous about CCE starting a membership motorcycle rights organization than the loss of phantom opportunity profits from an JamSports Supercross series.

The second, I have a long abiding affinity for democracy. Democracy is only as powerful as the integrity of the process. Elections which are only honored if an oligarchy approves the results are not free elections, they are a mockery.

Sincerely,
Sam Fleming
Washington DC
AMA member 506120



I do not want to see want Supercross split up into two competing series as the result of a pissing match between Hollingsworth and SFX/CCE, I don’t want the current Board to rush through a bunch of crazy stuff before the newly elected Directors are inducted, and I don’t want my right to vote for qualified candidates for Director (Trustee) taken away by 23 Corporate members who already control 6 of 12 Board seats.

At the very least, You should take another shot at getting back together with CCE for 2003 and beyond, with negotiations handled by somebody other than the two guys who have handled it so far.

Brandon Heidepriem



I wanted to add my voice to the other members’ who are against the pending AMA split with CCE. There doesn’t appear to be any evidence that this will be anything other than a bad thing for the AMA and Supercross. I strongly urge you to reconsider this move.

Further, the recent attempt to thwart the election of three new AMA Directors can only be seen as a slap in the face to members. I, and many, many others, voted to elect a qualified candidate to represent me. I take a dim view of my vote being ignored in this fashion. Let’s keep the election process clean and professional, the members are watching.

Jeff Hunter
AMA Member #693145



I am becoming more and more disturbed by what I am hearing and seeing happening in the AMA hierarchy. Is this still an organization of the members, for the members? The latest is the news that Northwest Trustee Dal Smilie has proposed changes to the Trustee election process that would virtually eliminate anyone that the current officeholders (those still in office prior to the newly elected trustees taking their places) don’t want, even after seeing the results of the latest election. These results should be telling them something. The membership is NOT happy with what’s happening. Why do we have to hear what is going on from outside sources? Is the current regime afraid we might react badly? I think it’s too late to prevent that.

As an example let’s look at the handling of the Supercross situation. Why split with Clear Channel, when they obviously have the best connections to the venues, have done a fantastic job of developing/promoting the series, and the AMA has been making huge amounts of money in the deal? As it stands now, the AMA is out in the cold at almost all the venues for 2003 and has lost a fabulous source of revenue. Why has the AMA done this? Is it personal on Mr. Hollingsworth’s part? If so, take it outside the AMA. That’s my money you’re wasting! It would be far better spent working on government issues, improving racer safety and developing the sport, than trying to settle petty personal squables. If you people can’t be professional and clear headed in handling the association’s business dealings, then resign and let the MEMBERSHIP elect people who will. It’s time for a new AMA Pro Racing CEO. Mr. Hollingsworth should step down before he bankrupts the AMA.

At this point, the only reason I am still an AMA member is that I want the discounts it affords me, and I still believe in the basic aims of the association. If things continue as they are, I doubt I’ll be the only member who looks for other ways to protect himself and support the sport we love.

Peter Martin
AMA# 390651 (16 yrs)

Reg Pridmore’s CLASS Motorcycle Schools, in conjunction with Erion Racing and the Honda Riders Club of America, will be holding an Open House at the CLASS school offices at Santa Paula Airport in Santa Paula, California February 23, 2002 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

There is no charge for admission for the short riding seminar or to see Pridmore’s collection of cars, motorcycles, airplanes and memorabilia.

For additional information on CLASS Motorcycle Schools or the CLASS Open House, call (805) 933-9936 or go to www.classrides.com.

From a press release:

HONDA HEADS BACK TO MAGIC ISLAND

Honda has confirmed its plans to contest the 2002 Isle of Man TT races, returning to the island after a two-year break due to the cancellation of the 2001 event.

Honda will field a full team of works machinery and riders in every solo class and in the two sidecar races during the festival. Racing gets under way on the 37.73-mile Mountain circuit on Saturday June 1 with the six-lap Formula One TT.

“Quite simply, Honda loves racing. We race more products in more events worldwide than anybody else and it all started on the Isle of Man,” said Honda UK general manager Mark Davies.

He continued: “For us the Island is part of our heritage and with 113 TT wins we have no intention of stopping yet. As long as there’s an annual Isle of Man Tourist Trophy festival Honda will be there.

“Honda¹s history goes back to Soichiro Honda¹s first visit in 1954, we have as much enthusiasm for the TT races now as Mr. Honda did then.”

Davies is also aware of the meaning of the 2002 TT, the first without the late record TT winner Joey Dunlop.

“I’m sure there will be poignant moments during the course of this year’s event, the words Joey and TT can never be separated. Honda’s first TT for more than 20 years without Joey cannot go unnoticed. We hope everyone will be able to celebrate his 26 TT memorable victories in some way.”

Honda will race fully race-prepared versions of it’s new 954cc Fireblade in the prestigious Formula One and Senior races with riders Adrian Archibald and John McGuinness.

Manxman Dave Molyneux will race a CBR600F Sport-engined sidecar while riders for the other races during the 2002 TT festival are still to be confirmed. Practice gets under way on Saturday May 25.

“We’ve also one or two treats in store for the TT fans with Superbike champion Colin Edwards coming over to join us,” added Davies. “In all, we’d like to make the 2002 TT one to remember, and help people forget the disappointment of last year’s event being cancelled.”

Former World champion Edwards commented: “The TT is an event I’ve known about since I was a child. I’ve been close to going there in the past and I can’t wait to visit the Island this year.”

2002 Isle of Man TT race schedule:

Saturday. June 1
Formula 1 (Superbike), 6 laps
Sidecar Race, 3 laps

Monday, June 3
Lightweight (400)/Ultra-Lightweight (125), 4 laps
Production (700 – 1010), 3 laps

Wednesday, June 5
Junior TT (Supersport 600), 4 laps
Sidecar Race, 3 laps

Friday, June 7
Production TT (600cc), 3 laps
Senior TT (Superbike), 6 laps

AMA Pro Racing Chairman Mark Tuttle, an advocate of turning the AMA Supercross Series over to JamSports starting in 2003, has resigned.

An AMA press release on the subject follows:


Tuttle resigns as AMA Pro Racing Board chairman

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Pro Racing has announced that Mark Tuttle resigned from its Board of Directors late Tuesday, for personal reasons. Mr. Tuttle had served in the role of Chairman. AMA Pro Racing’s professional staff and Board of Directors express their thanks for Mr. Tuttle’s service and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Joseph Piazza, the newly-appointed CEO of Ducati North America, spent his first day on the job Tuesday, February 5 greeting 25 members of the motorcycling press in La Jolla, California as part of the 2002 Monster M620 i.e. North American launch.

Piazza was introduced to the media by out-going interim Ducati North America General Manager Nicola Greco. Greco will return to his permanent position as Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for Ducati.

A former executive with Custom Chrome, an aftermarket parts supplier for American cruiser motorcycles, Piazza told the press that his former co-workers have teased him saying that he is “going from tattoos to cappucinos”.

“I will be truly dedicated to improving the North American market share, getting a lot more intimate by improving the service to our dealers, to be able to improve the communication to our dealers, to offer marketing programs that are in sync with our actual timing of delivery as well. I look forward to exchanging business cards with you and making a relationship with each of you as well,” Piazza told the group of reporters.

When asked about the circumstances that brought about the re-structuring of Ducati North America, Greco told Roadracing World, “Companies go through periods where they need to reassess what they are doing, and we looked at what we were doing in the States and we came the conclusion that the time for change had come.

“If you look at the share we have worldwide, Ducati has 6 percent within the above-600cc market. In the United States, we have 3 percent. After many years of growth, we came to a stop (in growth) last year, and there were many reasons for that.

“We looked at our marketing approach. We basically took advantage of the fact that Michael McMahon was leaving the company, and so we looked at the entire thing. That’s basically what I did for the last few months–re-engineering and restructuring. We have today an organization that is leaner and meaner than it was before.

“I was not happy with the overall performance of the U.S. operation, and so, since it is our most important market, I just put by my side my global sales and marketing role and took over the States for a couple of months to select a new manager and to re-structure the company. These things happen. They’re normal things.”

As another example, Greco said that worldwide, Ducati set a new company record in 2001 with the sale of 40,000 motorcycles with 20,000 of those being Monsters, including 10,000 Monster 600s. In the U.S. in 2001, Ducati sold 2200 Monsters and only 350 Monster 600s. Part of Ducati’s new marketing strategy included the large introductory “celebration” of the completely reworked Monster M620 i.e. in California resort town of La Jolla.

In addition to the hiring of Piazza, Greco said that he added a new Press Relations Manager, Myrianne Gaeta, a new Sales and Apparel Marketing Manager and will begin adding more field representatives “to look after our dealers.”