Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Traxxion Dynamics’ Max McAllister released the first versions of a new product called “Traxxion Generators” at the Formula USA National road race at Pocono in August 2001. The patent-pending Traxxion Generators are essentially shock warmers that operate in the same manner as tire warmers, to bring the shock up to operating temperature before going on track, allowing the rider to make the most of his or her track time during practice. Now NASCAR’s Winston Cup teams have taken an interest in Traxxion Dynamics’ newest product.

“They were originally tested on Jeff Gordon’s car at Talladega super speedway two weeks ago,” McAllister told Roadracing World. “Then Penske Racing Shocks asked us for a model-specific shape, one to fit a non-coil-over damper. Winston Cup shocks are just exposed damping units. We made one that fit snuggly to the body of a NASCAR shock, then we sent a finished set to the Homestead track and they tested them with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. last week.

“When I told Penske about the idea (for shock warmers), they were pretty anxious to test it. Due to their experience with shock dynos, they were aware how much a shock changed from ambient to operating temperature. It doesn’t have anything to do with cold weather. It’s a bigger deal when it’s cold. But with a shock absorber, it doesn’t matter if it’s 100 degrees out. A shock’s operating temperature is so much higher than that, that the change it goes through from ambient to operating temperature is huge.

McAllister’s company completed a special production run of the NASCAR Traxxion Generators, and the Traxxion Dynamics founder is currently circulating the pits at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend talking to the teams about his latest invention prior to the Winston Cup NAPA 500.

“They’re all real worried about Loudoun next week, in particular,” said McAllister via cell phone from the AMS pits on Friday, November 16, referring to the NASCAR race at New Hampshire International Speedway that was re-scheduled from the weekend after September 11 to the Thanksgiving weekend. “I have probably talked to a dozen shock techs already this weekend. We spent an hour with Tony Stewart’s shock tech this morning. He was so ready for it (the Traxxion Generators). He already had a plan to invent some crude thing himself to pre-heat a shock. Those guys have 140 shocks here at the track! Just Tony Stewart’s car! And that’s just what they brought to the track not counting stuff they left at their shop for shorter and longer tracks.

“When they go out in practice, they’ll change 10 shocks in just a few minutes. So basically what they’ve been stuck with is what a sprint racer is used to. Like if they change one corner (of the car), they have to run three laps to evaluate how the car’s working. With having the shock pre-heated, they will be able to go out and go full speed right away. What makes it more important is that NASCAR keeps cutting their time down. It’s gone from an hour and a half to an hour to 45 minutes of practice. And just like us (motorcycle racers), if somebody goes out, pops a motor and oils the track down – that’s just it. They might only get a couple of laps of open practice.

“The trick is NASCAR is gonna make this not legal to use on pit road. So what the guys are gonna do is pre-heat their shocks in the trailers and just stick ‘em on the car. It only takes ten seconds to put a shock on a car. NASCAR is concerned because when they used to try to pre-warm rear ends they would have cords dangling off the cars and what not.

“He (Stewart’s shock tech) said the other place that it will help him is pre-heating shocks to test on the dyno. Because ordinarily they put a shock on the dyno, they have to heat the shock up on the dyno by running it, by moving it, and it takes a lot of time to dyno their shocks. This way he will be able to just chunk them on and they’ll be pretty much ready to go.

McAllister said that #20 Tony Stewart, #28 Ricky Rudd, #88 Dale Jarrett and #2 Rusty Wallace now have sets of his Traxxion Generators this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

“These are the people that have them,” pointed out McAllister. “These are the people that have expressed interest and we have given them to, but we can’t say whether they are gonna use them or not.”

In related news, Traxxion Dynamics Inc. recently, moved into a new, 4500-square-foot facility at 261 Rope Mill Parkway, in
Woodstock, Georgia 30188. This relocation coincides with the launch of a comprehensive Products section at www.traxxion.com, phone (770)592-3823, FAX (770)517-9332.

From a press release:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association is embracing the next generation of classic road racing with three new Vintage Superbike classes, catering to motorcycles built through the 1980 model year. AHRMA’s Vintage classes previously topped out with 1972 machines.

To be eligible for Vintage Superbike, machines must be based on street-legal models that were sold in the United States or Canada. Many engine and frame modifications are permitted, but the overall look of the motorcycles must remain as close to “production” as possible. For example, the headlight and taillight shells must be retained, as well as the instrument housings, original fuel tank, seat and fenders. Tail sections, fairings and clip-ons cannot be added unless they are original equipment from that particular model. Treaded racing tires must be used.

Vintage Superbike classes include:

. Heavyweight – Unlimited-displacement twins and triples; six-cylinders to 1047cc; eight-valve fours to 931cc; and 16-valve fours to 825cc.

. Middleweight – pushrod twins to 890cc; pushrod triples and OHC twins to 790cc; and four-cylinders to 685cc.

. Lightweight – two-valve singles to 590cc; four-valve singles to 510cc; and two- or more cylinder machines to 470cc.

The displacement limits are absolute, including any overbore.

Vintage Superbike will make its debut at AHRMA’s 2002 Florida Bike Week events, March 1, at the DeLand Airport, and March 4-5 at Daytona International Speedway. For information, call 615-851-3674, 913-268-4401 or visit www.ahrma.org for a complete description of the new class rules.

From press releases:

OMS Ltd. & National Promoters Group Join Forces For ‘02 MX Season

OMS to be”exclusive” marketing/sales & PR agency for Outdoor National Series

Officials at OMS Ltd. today announced the formation of an allegiance with the National Promoters Group – the 11 promoters of the popular U.S. Outdoor National Motocross Series. With the agreement, OMS Ltd. becomes the exclusive marketing and sales agency of the NPG’s outside-of-the-industry sponsorship inventory.

According to the NPG’s legal counsel, Carrie Coombs, the agreement came about as a result of OMS Ltd.’s successful efforts in acquiring sponsorship for the series last year. “The workload through out the year for the individual promoters that make up the NPG is incredible,” cited Coombs.”With that in mind, the NPG set out this year to identify an organization to assist in the ultra-important area of series sponsorship sales. We had worked with OMS in the past and are confident that the organization, given its proven track record, can continue to increase sponsorship revenue for the Outdoor Nationals.”

Spearheading the agreement with the NPG was OMS Ltd. founder Fred Bramblett. “OMS Ltd. has aligned itself with the Outdoor National Series for several years through its representation of a number of the top athletes on the tour,” he said. “We’ve found that, in addition to working with sponsorship sales with our clients, that series sponsorship opportunities would often arise. So given our company’s success in the field of motorcycle industry sponsorship, particularly with outside-the-industry sponsors, the exclusive marketing and agreement with the NPG presents us with an exciting opportunity.”

In addition, OMS Ltd. will also be working with the NPG as the PR and media development firm of record for the Outdoor Nationals Series.The terms of both deals were undisclosed.

OMS Ltd. is a global, full-service sport marketing agency specializing in athlete representation, strategic marketing partnerships, industry relations, licensing and merchandising opportunities in the world of Extreme Personal Powersports. For more information, contact Fred Bramblett at (859) 647-0718 or visit our web site at www.omsltd.com





OMS Ltd. signs Pat Schutte as new Media Director

In an effort to bolster its leading position with client representation in the Extreme Personal Powersports industry, OMS Ltd. today announced it has hired former PACE Supercross PR manager Pat Schutte as its Director of Media – effective immediately.

Schutte,who spent the last two years working in auto industry for an agency representing such firms as DaimlerChrysler and General Motors, returns to powersports industry PR after a transitional summer internship with Racer Productions.

“I’m stoked to be back,” said Schutte, who will work out of an OMS satellite office in Ann Arbor, Mich. “I learned a great deal working with organizations the size of DaimlerChrysler and General Motors. And as exciting as auto racing can be, honestly, my heart was always with the motorcycle and action sports industry. I’m certainly looking forward to applying to OMS Ltd. clients what I learned by traveling all over the world with race cars. I also can’t wait to re-establish some of the friendships that I built when I was with PACE and the supercrossseries.”



Sharon Richards promoted to Director of Client and Customer Services

Richards,who was with Kawasaki for 12 years, will oversee the implementation of client services to OMS’ athletes competing all over the planet. In addition, she will liaise with OMS’ numerous industry sponsors, including American Honda, Parts Unlimited, Thor – as well as outside-the-industry sponsors such as Universal Studios, Dr. Martens, Journeys and AMSOIL.

“This new position is more in tune with what I’ve been involved with in the past,” said Richards. “I’m looking forward to assisting with the day-to-day intricacies of a fast-paced, global sports agency such as OMS. Be it supercross, motocross, freestyle, road racing, dirt track – whatever– myself, and our whole team at OMS, is looking forward to continual growth in 2002 and the years to come.”

Said OMS founder Fred Bramblett: “I’ve been working with Pat since his days with PACE, have seen first hand the results he can produce, and look forward to his contributions with OMS. Sharon is well known throughout the industry for her commitment to riders and the sport. Both will do nothing but increase the value of OMS to our clients.”

OMS Ltd. is a global, full-service sports marketing agency specializing in athlete representation, strategic marketing partnerships, industry relations, licensing and merchandising opportunities in the world of Extreme Personal Powersports.For more information, contact Fred Bramblett at (859) 647-0718.

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Formula USA will hold a National Road Race Series event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California in October, after the end of the 2002 AMA season. A press release issued by Laguna Seca lists the June 7-9 CART car race, the July 12-14 AMA/WSB race, the August 16-18 Vintage car race, the September 20-22 American LeMans car race, and a “Fifth Event (TBA) October”.

Formula USA will also sanction the traditional June 14-16 Father’s Day Weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire, formerly sanctioned by AMA.

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Harley-Davidson Vice President of Government Affairs Tim Hoelter has been elected to the Board of Directors of the National Commission Against Drunk Driving (NCADD). According to a press release from The Motor Company, Harley-Davidson is the first motorcycle manufacturer to be “affiliated with NCADD”. The NCADD Board is comprised of representatives from Miller Brewing Company, Anheuser-Busch, Toyota, Ford and now Harley-Davidson.

The NCADD is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that succeeded the Presidential Commission on Drunk Driving established by Ronald Reagan in 1982.

“Driving a motorcycle, or any vehicle, while intoxicated is extremely dangerous,” Hoelter is quoted in the release as saying. “Motorcycle riding requires balance, motor skills, awareness and concentration, all things that are missing or dulled when riding impaired. Harley-Davidson’s role with NCADD will be to continue raising awareness and working to reduce impaired riding.”

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Inside sources say that negotiations over a 2002 AMA National at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course have stalled over AMA Pro Racing’s demand that the Lexington, Ohio track pay a $70,000 increase in sanction fees (compared to the 2001 fees).

The impasse has caused a delay in the release of the 2002 AMA Superbike Championship calendar.

(Note: Letters from readers express the writers’ personal opinions and do not necessarily express the opinion of roadracingworld.com)

On The Battle To Take Back The AMA

Rest assured, my AMA vote will support your slate of candidates when I receive my January issue of American Motorcyclist with the ballot. As an AMA member, it infuriates me to see our dues being wasted, races mis-managed, and racers endangered by the irresponsible activities of a few entrenched boneheads. I would also like to know how to contact the distributors for Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and KTM to let them know my ticket money will stay with Clear Channel for the 2003 Supercross season. Can you provide an e-mail contact for these companies?

Art Astle
Claremore, Oklahoma

Editor’s Note: Look for a contact on their respective websites.

AMA Trustees Should Be Held Personally Accountable

I just finished reading your post of 11/9/01 titled “Opinion: AMA Supercross Deal A Case Of History Repeating Itself, And Members Will Pay The Price” As an attorney, a member of the AMA and a racer , and based on the information provided in your editorial, I find it frightening how the AMA has conducted itself and continues to behave. What I find most appalling is that none of the AMA Board of Trustees involved in the Edmonson debacle were held personally responsible for behavior that smacks of severe breaches of fiduciary duty towards the members of the AMA who wound up footing the settlement bill.

I wonder whether anyone who represents the interests of the AMA members (not the board of directors or trustees) has looked into the legal and factual grounds for potential causes of action such as breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, misrepresentation, etc. personally against the directors and trustees of the AMA for either knowingly or recklessly inducing a breach of contract with Edmonson. It is patently unfair to AMA members that directors and/or trustees may behave either willfully or recklessly, cause millions of dollars in damages resulting from a lawsuit, and then pass those costs onto innocent members–while walking away with their jobs and pocketbooks intact. Under most corporate statutes, directors and officers are not held personally responsible for negligent acts so long as the negligent acts happened in good-faith and the director/officer(s) at the time exercised some level of sound judgment; however, directors/officers may be held responsible for behavior that goes beyond negligence and crosses the line into reckless or intentional behavior, especially when that behavior involves self-dealing. When I think of the opportunity costs of the AMA litigation, I think about all the Air-Fence the settlement monies could have purchased. I wonder how many lives could have been saved through the proper application of those funds. And then I shudder.

Oliver Chami
WSMC #116
AMA #316
FUSA #716
La Jolla, California

On Clear Channel Versus AMA

I think its great that CC is stepping up their Supercross support but, my question is if this is a full-blown war with the AMA does this mean that they will also step up the support on the road racing effort?

Just thought I would ask to see if there was anything mentioned of the sort.

Keep up the good work!

Michael D. Cox
San Diego, California

Editor’s Note: There is no sign of CCE Motorsports stepping up on the road racing side.

A Mistake In The Print Edition

In the article on the October 6-7 CCS Southwest races at Firebird East, (Roadracing World, December, 2001), Ray Hymer won the Expert Formula 40 Race

BTW, I should know he won — I was the Amateur chasing him around the track… that is, until it started raining.

Wallace Roberts
CCS Amateur #969
Chandler, Arizona

Editor’s note: Mr. Roberts is correct.
The correct Formula 40 Expert results follow:

1. Ray Hymer
2. Rick Stratton
3. Jim Cox

Glad He Got Mentioned In Print Edition, But Wants His Name Spelled Correctly

I wanted to say thanks for mentioning me helping out Ed Marchini and Dave Presler at VIR (Roadracing World, December, 2001). After the AMA race at Laguna Seca this year, Ben Walters Jr. was no longer riding my bikes. If things work out, I will be fielding an AMA 250cc GP team next year. Thanks for everything you do for the sport! BTW, my last name is spelled STARGEL with only one L.

Rocky Stargel
Stargel Racing
Gainesville, Georgia

On The Death Of Tony Wright At Putnam Park, When His TT125R Was Hit By A GSX-R750

I submit this information concerning the horrific accident at Putnam Park Road Course on the 28th of October that killed one rider and seriously injured another. I am the owner of Cycle Options LLC that sponsored the track weekend. We have enjoyed a two-day track practice each spring, and another each fall since 1984. At that time, Roadracing World’s schools and track day schedule was quite small. Our schedule never appeared on this list because we neither lacked participants, or cared to expand. Initially, our track days were meant to replace the kind of riding and consequences that were happening on our favorite ribbon of roads in this region. Unfamiliar as I was to track day protocol, I knew to surround myself with racers (mostly in their forties and fifties) who had the experience to set procedure and safety issues. We constantly fine-tuned our program by comparing other schools and track day operators with ours. We have been given high grades by many in presenting a safe program. Participating Fast Trax instructors said that, of track days around the country, our track days were their favorite and they thought we dealt with safety issues very well. Coming from such professionals, I took this as the highest compliment. Our formula worked better than our expectations allowed.

Our lost rider, Tony Wright, had participated with us before and obviously was a thoughtful gentleman with talent racing his RS125. After receiving a racer’s identity wristband and showing his Honda racer to the tech inspectors, he returned with a supermotard TTR125 Yamaha. The inspector questioned the ability of this bike to preform. Tony assured the inspector that he wanted to test its capability in the last session of the day, in the less-aggressive sport street riders group. The last sessions in the late-afternoon are light in attendance. To everyone’s surprise, Tony took this bike out with the race group without approval that afternoon. I had just walked up to pit-out as this bike accelerated away. My first impression was that Tony’s bike was not running well, like small “two-stroke” racer taking most of the straight to finally stop misfiring and rev. As Tony passed after the first lap, I saw him go by and said, “What the hell is that doing out there!”. The corner workers had been on the radio discussing the slow rider. We were thinking, ‘Do we black-flag or red-flag him?’ just as the collision unfolded in the next hundred yards. A pocket of racers came by Start-Finish with a rider’s wind and view being blocked by two lead riders. Surprised by the speed difference over Tony’s bike (riding in center of track), the lead riders flicked to each side without leaving the drafting rider time to make a choice. It is doubtful he had the three or four tenths of a second necessary to react before impact. I have reviewed this many times having the replay branded on my brain. The injured rider, Steven Scholz, is recovering from both badly broken wrists and a broken jawbone. He is expected to fully recover.

Safety issues are a constant. It is important to set procedure and always monitor for misunderstanding and misjudgment. We hire professionals to work corners for their experience and skill. We will rethink procedure if we continue our track days. We have received many calls expressing support to carry on. If I thought our sport would be better served by me bowing out I would, but I do not believe this.

Experienced riders who know better will make errors. Re: Scott Russell’s start at the Daytona 200 last year. Our enthusiasm was saddened but not diminished by the loss of Joey Dunlop in Estonia.

We all appreciate YOUR efforts on safety issues, which are our first priority as well.

God bless Tony and Steven and God save our sport.

Kenny Baker
President, Cycle Options LLC
Cincinnati, Ohio

Post Note: My advisory teammate and good friend Jonathan White has won the National Championship in AHRMA’s 250cc GP Class. He will ride with the Number One plate. We are all very proud and celebrate his victory.

From press releases:

Rock Oil is proud to announce its new web-based product-ordering tool for all U.S. customers, www.rockoilusa.com

Rock Oil USA is now accepting 2002 rider support resumes for all motorsports. Go to www.rockoilusa.com and fill out the on-line application or send them to P.O. BOX 3235. Saratoga, CA 95070.



BIGRACING is back, we are planning to contest the AMA 750 Supersport, and 250 GP titles next year, and will compete in selected Superbike races
starting with the Daytona 200, from March 1-9, 2002.

We are looking for the usual help and support from friends and sponsors,and are looking for ideas and suggestions on how we can support our fans in an even BIGGER way!

Check BIGRACING.com for updates after December 1, and if you are in one of the affected regions, vote for the reform candidates in the AMA
trustee elections!

Kevin McCrea
Big Racing