Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The AMA has extended its Letter of Intent with JamSports and is moving ahead to finalize the deal and sign contracts establishing a new Supercross Series to compete with Clear Channel Entertainment’s existing AMA-sanctioned Supercross Series.

In extending the Letter of Intent, the AMA has rebuffed what may be its last chance to reconcile and put a new deal together with Clear Channel, and has locked Supercross into an IRL/CART type split.

And because all 15 Clear Channel Supercross races held in the U.S. in 2003 will be part of the FIM Supercross World Championship Series, and because FIM regulations prevent National Federations such as AMA from sanctioning competing Nationals on the same weekend as a World Championship event, the AMA is seriously considering withdrawing from the FIM.

The AMA is trying to finalize the JamSports deal before new AMA Directors (Trustees) take office on February 16.

The rush by AMA brass is based on AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott Hollingsworth’s explanation of the events and perceived slights leading up to the AMA/CCE split, although Hollingsworth’s version of those events is radically different than the story told and documented by CCE and independent sources familiar with the situation.

Prior to AMA becoming the FIM affiliate, California-based AFM was the FIM affiliate in the U.S.; if AMA drops FIM affiliation, it’s not known who will take over the affiliation, although Clear Channel’s Formula USA program would have to be considered a strong contender.

Throughout ongoing negotiations with JamSports, Hollingsworth and his staffers have portrayed a “done deal” in media interviews, although a contract has not actually been signed. The official AMA magazine and website have also portrayed the deal as being concluded and finalized, misleading AMA members.

The Letter of Intent signed by the AMA and JamSports banned AMA from negotiating with any other promoters while terms of a contract were finalized. The Letter of Intent expired last week and has been extended, without final agreement reached on contract terms.

From a press release:

Torrance (CA) The Honda Hoot returns to Knoxville, Tennessee, June 19-June 22, 2002. An overwhelming success in 2001, the Hoot saw over 18,000 motorcyclists travel to the mountains of eastern Tennessee to enjoy spectacular riding, great food, a variety of events and activities along with lots of Southern hospitality.

Speedvision’s Dave Despain, well known television commentator and motorcycle enthusiast, has been named Grand Marshal for Hoot IX, which has become one of the premier motorcycle rallies in the United States.

A very special event for this year’s Honda Hoot will be “An Evening with Lyle Lovett, in Private Concert” The four-time Grammy award winner and avid motorcycle enthusiast will perform solely for Hoot attendees, in the Knoxville Civic Auditorium.

Primary based at Chilhowee Park, joining Honda this year with manufacturer’s demo rides will be Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Victory and Yamaha. Returning for the 2002 event will be Youth Familiarization Rides presented by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation on units provided by Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.

Registration for the Hoot may be made by calling 1-800-347-1289 for a brochure with registration form or by registering online at www.hondahoot.com.

From a press release:

Asheville, NC – Once again the motorcycling community of America has shown its support of thousands of children who are battling brain tumors by raising a record number of donations. Through the 20 Ride for Kids® events in 2001, over 2.8 million dollars were raised to support the programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States (PBTFUS).

These funds have helped the PBTFUS become the world’s largest non-governmental source of childhood brain tumor research and family support. To emphasize the importance of this accomplishment, the respected international medical organization, the Society of Neuro Oncology, has for the second time in three years awarded their highest honor, the “Distinguished Benefactor Award” to the PBTFUS for 2001.

“The unprecedented receipt of this award for a second time acknowledges the importance of the work of the motorcyclists who, for the past 18 years, have worked diligently to help find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors through their participation in the Ride for Kids program,” said PBTFUS President Mike Traynor.

Thanks to the motorcyclists who support the Ride for Kids, the PBTFUS is funding 35 active research and family support grants totaling over $3 million.

“Our goal when we started the Ride for Kids program 18 years ago was to find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors,” said Traynor. “Today we stand on the threshold of seeing our mission achieved while we have demonstrated to the public that the motorcycling community is a caring and responsible group of people.”

While significant research is underway and progress has been made, the ongoing support from riders remains critically important to arrest this devastating childhood disease. Riders of all brands are encouraged to join this important effort in 2002 at one of the 22 national Ride for Kids events.

More information on the Ride for Kids program and the PBTFUS can be found at www.ride4kids.org and www.pbtfus.org or call 1-800-253-6530.

From a press release:

Team Obsolete is pleased to announce its 2002 Daytona Vintage lineup, by special arrangement with Daytona International Speedway. Isle of Man TT winner Dave Roper and “Superfrog” Yvon Duhamel return, aiming for victories in the 500 Premier and Formula 750 classes respectively.

David Roper will be riding an ex-Al Gunther tuned, Dick Mann framed Matchless G-50. Secrecy surrounding the specifications of this ultra rare, non replica motor in the Team Obsolete labs is at an all time high.

Yvon Duhamel, patriarch of the racing Duhamel family will ride the ex-Dick Mann BSA A75R that won the 1971 Daytona 200. During the decade that Yvon has been racing this legendary machine at Daytona, he has had one win and several second places.

Roper and Duhamel will be joined by Jerry Liggett and Dr. Lon McCroskey on “Beezumph 750 Triples”, plus multi-time Daytona winner Erik Green, and Tupper Robinson, both on AJS 7R “Boy Racers.”

The legendary AJS PORCUPINE will be on display at the Team Obsolete pits.

Team Obsolete is sponsored by Vanson Leathers, National Motorcycle Museum (UK), Avon Tyres, Works Performance Suspension, Bell Helmets, Air Tech, R/D Springs, and Agusta Aerospace.

Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The AMA has cancelled a contract with OMS Ltd. and faces binding arbitration that could result in the organization having to pay OMS millions of dollars in members’ money, for nothing.

According to OMS principal Fred Bramblett, the contract, (under which OMS represented AMA Sports, the Association’s amateur racing division, in sponsorship procurement and negotiations), was unilaterally cancelled by the AMA after OMS signed an unrelated contract to be the public relations agency of record for Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports.

AMA officials told him that if OMS did business with Clear Channel, it could not do business with AMA despite the valid contract, Bramblett said.

The irony is that the AMA itself is doing business with Clear Channel through the 2002 Supercross Series, and that AMA Director (Trustee) Davey Coombs owns a company that just signed a multi-year contract to produce Supercross programs for Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports.

Speaking at the sold-out Clear Channel Supercross held Saturday night in Anaheim, California, Bramblett also revealed that late last year he made an offer to AMA to buy Paradama (aka AMA Pro Racing) which was immediately rejected by the AMA Board. Bramblett said he offered to place $5 million in an escrow account to show that he was serious, and that the exact selling price would have been negotiated after examination of Paradama’s current contractual negotiations. Bramblett said that, if the purchase had gone through, he would have continued to run under AMA sanction and would have created long-term (20-year) series and event franchises to give promoters the ability to build their events and series.

Track owner Bill Huth said that the September 13-15 Toyota 200 race at Willow Springs International Raceway will feature four rounds of qualifying, each round locking in one of four front-row starting positions.

The final round of qualifying will be held on Friday, September 13.

Huth said that the three previous qualifying rounds will be held one month apart.

The fastest rider in each round of qualifying will be locked into a front-row starting position; qualifying positions behind the front row will be determined by lap time only, regardless of in which round the qualifying time is set.

The race will pay $50,000 to win with $30,000 for second place. The field will include the 40 fastest qualifiers, and the last-place finisher will be paid $1000.

From an AMA press release:

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced its ten-tour 2002-2003 AMA Tours schedule, spotlighting two brand-new excursions: the “Raising Route 66” Tour and the Ireland Tour.

The “Raising Route 66” Tour, scheduled for May 18 – 31, retraces “The Mother Road” from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. While scouting this trip, AMA Tours located and meticulously mapped out over 80% of the original — and often hard-to-find — roadway. The tour focuses not only on Route 66 itself, but also on the roadside attractions that still survive from the road’s glory days.

“Some of the first long-distance motorcycle trips on pavement followed Route 66,” said Frank Covucci, Director of AMA Travel & Tours. “Our new Route 66 excursion helps celebrate long-distance motorcycle travel on the actual
road that started it all.”

The Ireland Tour is scheduled for May 17 – 30. Although the AMA has hosted tours through the British Isles for many years, this new-for-2002 excursion is the first to highlight Ireland. Starting in London, the Ireland Tour takes in the annual British Motorcycle Federation Show in England, before traveling through Wales and crossing over to Ireland. Several days in Ireland will include prime motorcycling destinations and Irish history.

“We created the Ireland Tour in response to requests from many of our previous tour guests,” said Covucci. “After sampling most of our other excursions, they convinced us that this should be the next place to visit with AMA tours.”

In addition to the “Raising Route 66” Tour and the Ireland Tour, the 2002-2003 AMA Tours schedule includes:

Sonomafest Redwood Coast (Northern California), April 26 – May 5;
Canadian Atlantic Maritimes (Nova Scotia and Newfoundland), June 15 – 29;
AMAzing Alps (Italy, Switzerland and France), June 29 – July 11;
England & Isle of Man (Manx Grand Prix), August 23 – September 5;
Conquer the Canyons (U.S. Southwest), September 7 – 17;
Chasing the Colors (Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains), Oct. 5-14;
South African Safari, October 31 – November 16; and
New Zealand, January 20 – February 7, 2003.

AMA Tours are open to both AMA members and non-members. Proceeds from the tours support the AMA’s efforts to protect American motorcyclists’ rights.

The American Motorcyclist Association, founded in 1924, is a 270,000-member non-profit organization. The Association’s purpose is to pursue, protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its
members. For more information, visit the AMA website at www.AMADirectlink.com, or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN.

The AMA Board of Trustees is now being called the AMA Board of Directors. Why?

According to the AMA, the change from “Trustees” to “Directors” was made to bring The Association’s Code of Regulations into compliance with changes in Ohio law governing non-profits.

AMA headquarters are located in Pickerington, Ohio.

From a press release:

$15 Million Improvement Project Groundbreaking

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Gets a Facelift

First Phase Includes Garages and Hospitality Suites

Monterey, CA (February 1, 2002) – The groundbreaking for the first phase of a multi-year, $15 million improvement project at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is set for Friday, February 8, 2002. From 11:30am to 12:30pm, local dignitaries, city and Monterey County officials, Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) and Mazda representatives and drivers from the CART series will be onhand to usher in a new beginning at the world famous road course. The event coincides with CART Sneak Preview, which will be taking place throughout the weekend. Honorary co-chairs of the Leadership Cabinet for the Capital Campaign, setup to help fund the project, include racing legend Mario Andretti and car designer Carroll Shelby. World-renowned motorcycle racer, Wayne Rainey, is the honorary chairperson.

“We’re thrilled to finally break ground on these long-planned improvements,” said SCRAMP President Kathy Hayworth, “and we thank the spectators and participants in advance for putting up with our dust throughout the forthcoming construction process. The end result will be well worth the wait and will positively enhance the racing experience for everyone who attends an event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. We appreciate the efforts of all those who helped make this possible.”

The entire improvement project will direct $15 million toward revamping Mazda Raceway’s support facilities including permanent garages topped by hospitality suites, a revamped media center with race control and timing and scoring. Phase I is slated to cost $7.8 million. To help with the cost of the improvement project, SCRAMP has secured a $7,112,300.00 loan with First National Bank. The groundbreaking kicks-off construction of Phase I, which entails the project section that is nearest to Turn 11.

“This is Mazda’s home away from home,” said Jay Amestoy, Vice President of Mazda North America Operations, “so making MRLS an even better, more enjoyable racing facility for fans, racing teams, drivers and our employees was one of the primary reasons for our relationship with SCRAMP.”

The partnership Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) signed with Mazda North America Operations early last year was vital in helping fund the improvement project. The $7.5 million SCRAMP received helped our organization move forward with plans to replace the temporary structures built for each event with permanent facilities including garages, luxury suites, bathrooms and other much needed infrastructure improvements, and address improvements in safety, traffic and parking.

Tentative Construction Break-down:

Phase IA:

Phase I includes construction of the northern most ten, double-car garages, one Concession Facility, one women’s restroom, one men’s restroom, one Catering Kitchen and twelve Hospitality Suites. These twelve suites consist of four Corporate Suites and eight Individual Suites. Phase IA is slated to be completed by the end of the 2002 racing season. ((Following completion of Phase IA, Phase IB will begin. It will include ten additional double-car garages, one concession facility, one women’s restroom and shower facility, two men’s restroom and shower facilities, two open pass-throughs for race vehicle access from the paddock to Pit Road, an additional catering kitchen and 17 Corporate Hospitality Suites. This total Phase I Project will be complete by the end of the 2003 race season.))

Interim Pits; Will be developed along the south edge of the Paddock to facilitate track operations while the new Pit Road is under construction.

Demolition; Will include the removal of existing paving and infrastructure to be replaced in Pit Road from the Turn Eleven entrance to the Start/Finish Bridge, excluding the Service Lane and in the Paddock from the south boundary of the Paddock and adjacent to the Service Lane for approximately 500′ south and 150′ west.

Racecourse & Paddock Improvements; Will include revising the Signal Lane to conform to FIA and FIM standards, revise and repave Pit Road to a 50′ width with redefined wider and longer Pit Boxes, widen and improve the Service Lane, improve Racecourse, Pit Road and Service Lane drainage and improve drainage in the Paddock and the repaving and realigning grades with the new Building.

New Sewage & Water System; Will include a new Sewer System infrastructure throughout the Paddock and extending down “B” Road to the Rifle Range where a new sewage Holding Tank will be installed, expand and improve the Raceway Water System and with Monterey County Parks develop a new Potable Water Well and potable water Holding Tank.

Improve and Expand Utility System; Will include the expansion and distribution of the Power System, TV, Data, Phone and Communications Systems to meet the needs of the new Project.


Phase II:

Phase II project will be completed at the southern end of the Phase I Project at a cost of approximately $7,000,000. Construction of Phase II is slated to begin at the end of the 2003 race season and have the balance of the project completed before the start of the 2004 race season.

Start/Finish Bridge, a new 20′ wide by 141′ long pedestrian bridge, from Directors Road to the Paddock, to improve raceway circulation.

Structured Ramp/SCRAMP Billboard, as the Start/Finish Bridge terminates on the Paddock side of the racecourse a new 20′ wide switchback ramp system will be constructed to bring the pedestrians down the 34′ vertical elevation change. The ramp exterior will become the SCRAMP Billboard, providing sponsor signage and event announcements.

Head Flagman Podium, located below the bridge and above the signal lane providing the latest in equipment, technology and safety systems.

Sanctioning Body and Participant Facility a two story facility that will centralize the raceway operations including, on the lower level, Sanctioning Body and Race Central operations and on the upper level, Race Participant/Family Chapel, a Multi-Purpose space for Driver Meetings, Post Race Interviews and SCRAMP/Promoter/Sponsor functions and an exterior Terrace for their entertainment functions. It will also be the new location of the Victory Circle and Podium. Other Facilities, as funding allows.


Phase III:

The Phase III (and beyond) Project is outlined below without priority. The Phase III (and beyond) Project Schedule, will not start until Phase II is complete and priorities have been established and funding available. Therefore a budget has yet to be determined.

A. Participant/Operational Buildings/Structures:

Turn 9 Vehicle Bridge, a new 24′ wide by 175′ long vehicle bridge to accommodate a new loop road to improve for improved egress from the Paddock and Swale.

Grandstands, replaced, realigned or additional seating along the Main Strait and in Turn 4

Race Control/Timing and Scoring, expanded and improved facilities across from the start/finish line, outside the racecourse

Media Center, renovated and improved facilities at existing location

Participant Medical Facility, a new emergency trauma facility to be located outside Turn 11 with medical heli-pad.

SCRAMP & Monterey County Parks Joint Use Building, a new facility located at the current Parks compound housing Parks Staff and Raceway communications, Traffic Control, Security
and Sheriff Deputies

SCRAMP Office Expansion, expansion of existing facilities.

SCRAMP Volunteer Service Center, a new on-site facility for volunteer training and staging and a new Directors Board Room

Support Facilities, additional facilities including 4 Souvenir Concessions, 18 Food Concessions, 2 Storage Facilities and 4 Catering Kitchens

Permanent Restrooms, 24 additional facilities providing a total of 270 urinals, 126 toilets, 270 lavatories and 36 showers for men and 414 toilets, 270 lavatories and 18 showers for women

B. Spectator and Sponsor Facilities:
Hospitality Suites, an additional 25 Hospitality Suites, above the Grandstands along the Main Strait, 8 Hospitality Suites in Turn 3 and 8 Hospitality Suites in Turn 4 Tower Hospitality Suites, the existing “Tower” will be relocated to the north end of the main Strait Grandstands at Turn 11 and renovated to accommodate I enclosed suite per floor for a total of 4 suites

Chalets, new and expanded location around the perimeter of the racecourse to accommodate 5 temporary Corporate Chalets

Pavilion (Flag Room), Information Center & Ticketing, a new SCRAMP/Monterey County Parks joint-use facility housing Exhibition Space (Flag Room), Banquet and Ballroom functions, Parks and Raceway Information Center and ticketing for all events

Souvenir Store & Café, located adjacent to the Pavilion Building will be a new SCRAMP Souvenir Store and Café, open year round

Historic Race Vehicle Museum, a new Museum housing historic racing vehicles (automobiles & motorcycles) and other racing memorabilia

VIP Heli-pad Gazebos, 4 new Gazebos at the existing Heli-pad providing environmental protection and waiting comfort

Information Kiosks, 8 informational Kiosks located strategically around the Raceway

Spectator Medical Facility, replace the existing medical facility (to be relocated between Turns 1 & 2) with a new tertiary care facility above the Paddock and below the Trylon Restaurant, provide a new 325 seat restaurant at the top of and overlooking the world famous “Corkscrew”

SCRAMP motorsports events have an economic impact of more than $129 million dollars annually for central coast businesses, and over the last 44 years that has added up to more than $1 billion dollars for area business owners. In addition, SCRAMP has made more than $10 million dollars in donations to charities in Monterey County and supported Monterey County Parks, plus raceway improvements, with approximately $1 million per year. At the conclusion of the 2001 season, $507,500 was donated to local and regional charities.