AMA Superbike teams completed two days of testing at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Four teams took part in the co-operative test session and shared track rental and related costs, including Yoshimura Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki and Yamaha.

The cost per team to participate in the tests, not including lodging and travel, was probably between $5000 and $10,000, based on costs at other co-operative tests.

The cost of stand-alone tests is becoming more of an issue with statements by AMA Pro Racing officials at Road Atlanta that they plan to eliminate Thursday practice at AMA Nationals starting in 2002.

Independent riders and teams which cannot afford to rent tracks and run their own independent test sessions–and cannot get into co-operative tests staged by the factory-backed Superbike teams at any price–will suffer a serious competitive disadvantage when Thursday practice is eliminated.

Independent teams and riders now use Thursday practice for bike development and for getting machines and riders up to speed. The incremental costs of arriving one day earlier at an AMA National are far less than the costs associated with stand-alone testing at tracks that charge rental fees ranging between $2500 and $7500 per day plus cornerworkers, ambulance and insurance.

AMA officials say they want to eliminate Thursday practice and use the day to set up the track and park team transporters.

Opponents of that plan say that the AMA should set up the track on Wednesday instead of eliminating Thursday practice and forcing independent teams and riders to either spend between $60,000 and $100,000 per year on stand-alone tests or become less competitive against factory-backed teams.

Several independent teams and riders are now able to run with factory riders in AMA 600cc Supersport events, and say Thursday practice is an important factor in their ability to do so.

The controversy illustrates the lack of representation of independent teams and riders versus factory teams in the AMA Pro Racing decision-making process: The dilemma the elimination of Thursday practice will cause for such teams is not being seriously considered by AMA Pro Racing officials, who seem to only consider factory teams and riders in a wide range of issues and situations.



Reader Feedback
This just in from Jonathan Flack, Director, Visual Effects Supervisor, Gray Matter Productions, Inc., New York, NY:

“I couldn’t agree more with your article about testing at Road America. It seems the AMA is moving closer and closer to being an organization supporting the factories and f–king riders. If they really want to do the sport a favor and boost participation they should be making decisions that help to improve the overall competitive nature of the sport FOR ALL RIDERS, not just the big-bucks factory teams.

“As an AMA member I am outraged at the mere consideration of Thursday practice elimination… if anything they should be adding days to better balance the competition.

“Besides, who wants to watch the same handful of riders run away from the pack on Speedvision every week? I’d rather see masses of talented pro riders fighting it out at the front with the results changing every single week.

“The factory teams already enjoy too big of an advantage over the privateer; eliminating the Thursday practice would just hurt the sport and make it less enjoyable for both the participants and the spectators.

“Kudos for having the guts to point this out… now if the AMA will just listen… and if they do listen, care.”

Metzeler has issued a press release crowing about its victories in AMA 750cc Supersport Nationals at Sears Point and Road Atlanta, which reminded us that the podium at Road Atlanta included no Dunlop riders for the first time in recent memory.

The Metzeler release read as follows:

“Maybe it’s time for Metzeler to re-think its decision about not ‘officially’ campaigning its new Rennsport DOT radial in AMA competition. (The company’s 2001 racing program put its emphasis on such programs as Formula-USA, WERA and CCS.) The new tire won its third AMA National in a row, taking first and second, (and three of the top five spots) in last weekend’s Road Atlanta 750cc Supersport final.

“All of the top Road Atlanta finishers were repeats from the AMA Sears Point National the week before. Mike Ciccotto, this time riding for the Metzeler-sponsored Hooters Suzuki team, grabbed the lead on the red-flag 750 Supersport re-start and won, pulling away by a margin of almost five seconds. At Sears Point, Ciccotto won the Pro Thunder final on his Metzeler-equipped Hal’s Performance Advantage-sponsored Buell.

“Arclight Suzuki’s Brian Parriott, who won the Sears Point 750cc final, finished second at Road Atlanta, again on Rennsports. And roadracingworld.com’s Chris Ulrich took a fifth at Road Atlanta to go with his fourth at Sears Point.

“So in the last two AMA nationals, Metzeler has now amassed two wins, a second, a fourth and two fifths.

“The Metzeler Rennsport features Metzeler’s patented 0-degree steel-belted radial construction on both the front and rear. The single steel belt, wound in the direction of travel–-at 0 degrees, hence the name-–reportedly generates little if any of the internal heat-producing friction that occurs in other radial designs that use cross belts. Hence the Metzeler tires run cooler under the most severe racing conditions. This has a further benefit in allowing Metzeler to use even softer compounds without sacrificing durability-–the Rennsports’ durability has been a prominent factor in the praise the tire has earned in its recent reviews (reviews available on request).

“The stability of the steel belt also resists centrifugal growth, which creates a more stable contact patch, aiding traction and extending tire life. Up front, Metzeler’s 0-degree steel belt actually works as a steering damper, helping to control front-end oscillations in bikes prone to them, and greatly aiding stability and braking. The low tire weight that results from the use of a single belt also reduces unsprung weight and gyroscopic force, thus improving handling, braking and steering stability, and transitions.

“The Metzeler Rennsport DOT race tires are distributed by Parts Unlimited and a select group of race vendors. Contact Metzeler Motorcycle Tires North America at (610) 524-2190 for the nearest vendor. See your nearest Metzeler dealer for Rennsport street-compound sizes.”

After consulting with racer and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dave Kieffer, racer Grant Lopez will not undergo surgery on his right shoulder, which was dislocated in a crash last Friday during Formula Xtreme practice at Road America.

Lopez is second in AMA Formula Xtreme points and rides a Suzuki GSX-R1000 for Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki.

This just in:

“Motorcycle Hall of Fame to induct class of 2001

“PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Twenty-eight legendary figures in the history of American motorcycling will be inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in ceremonies September 8 at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio.

“This year’s list of inductees includes everything from racers, tuners and engineers to media figures. Among the notables are Mike Baldwin, five-time AMA road-racing champion; Mark Barnett, winner of four motocross and Supercross championships; Allen Carter, the engineer responsible for some of the most significant motorcycles produced by the Indian brand; Charles Clayton, who, with his wife, Sharon, developed Cycle News into America’s weekly news magazine of motorcycling; Erv Kanemoto Jr., the tuner who helped Freddie Spencer and others win world road-racing championships; Larry Maiers, race announcer and TV personality; Fred Merkel, three-time AMA and two-time world Superbike champion; and Joe Parkhurst, founder of Cycle World magazine.

“The Motorcycle Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling, including those who have excelled in motorcycle business, history, design and engineering, in addition to those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of motorcycle racing. Honorees are chosen by six Hall of Fame induction committees consisting of Hall of Famers and independent volunteers who are experts in various disciplines.

“‘We see this as an important part of the mission of the museum,’ said Don Emde, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which runs the facility. ‘Preserving the heritage of American motorcycling means more than assembling a collection of classic machines. It means keeping alive the memory of those who built that heritage.’

“The 2001 Hall of Fame class will be inducted in ceremonies September 8 at the museum, located on the grounds of the American Motorcyclist Association. The ceremony, and a reception the night before, will be open to the public.

“The new inductees will join 241 others already enshrined in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which features plaques commemorating each of the inductees, along with displays of motorcycles, photos and memorabilia related to Hall of Famers.

“Meanwhile, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is gearing up for the opening of ‘A Century of Indians,’ a major new display commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Indian brand. The grand opening of that exhibit is scheduled for July 7.

“For more information on exhibits and events at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, call (614) 856-2222 or visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

“The full list of 28 2001 Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductees follows:

“Walt Axthelm: Third American to ride the ISDT (1959). Many-time winner of off-road events on Catalina Island.

“Mike Baldwin: 1978, ’82-’85 AMA Formula One Champion. 16 AMA National wins and a top contender in 1980s AMA Superbike racing.

“Mark Barnett: Factory Suzuki rider and off-road star of the 1980s. 1980-’82 AMA 125cc and 1981 AMA Supercross champion. On 1983 winning Motocross des Nations team.

“Mike Bell: Son of famous race tuner Bill Bell and top off-road star in his own right. Won the 1980 Supercross title.

“Ron Bishop: This Baja legend has ridden all 33 Baja 1000s, 27 Baja 500s, 17 Tecate 500 Enduros, and two ISDTs. Dealer in Escondido still prepping racebikes.

“Bill Brokaw: Trials competitor for 50 years. Three-time Southern California champion; enduro, hare and hound, ice-racing competitor. Dealer for 35 years.

“Don Brown: Former Cycle magazine editor, later executive for Johnson Motors Triumph, BSA Inc., Suzuki. Now a respected industry consultant.

“Allen Carter: Engineer at the Indian Motocycle Company in the 1930s. Played a key role in the design of many new models.

“Charles Clayton: With wife, Sharon, he turned a West Coast publication into the weekly Cycle News that serves to sport to this day.

“Babe DeMay: Successful dirt-track racer, won 1966 National at Lincoln, Illinois. Later tuned for Mark Brelsford and many other top riders.

“Dave Ekins: Won numerous off-road events, including Baja, Catalina and Greenhorn Enduro. 1964 and ’66 ISDT Gold Medal winner. Later, a motorcycle journalist.

“George Everett: 1957 & ’58 Peoria TT National winner, ranked in top six in points 1956-’57.

“Erv Kanemoto Jr.: Tuner for many top U.S. road-racers. With Freddie Spencer aboard, his machines won the 1985 250cc and 500cc World Road Racing Campionships.

“Crey Loftin: Ex-speedway racer who found great success in movie stunt work in the 1930s and ’40s. Member of traveling stunt show.

“Larry Maiers: Worked at Penton Imports and announced races in the 1970s and ’80s. Later moved onto television with “MotoWorld” and Speedvision.

“Fred Merkel: 1984-’86 AMA Superbike Champion; 1988-’89 World Superbike Champion; 20 career AMA Superbike National wins. 1982 250cc GP class runner-up.

“John McLaughlin: Winner of Catalina Grand Prix 250cc & 350cc classes the same year. Greenhorn Enduro winner. AFM #1 500cc three years.

“Joe Parkhurst: Founder/publisher of Cycle World magazine. He changed the way motorcycle magazines covered the sport. Co-founded Saddleback Park in Southern California.

“Mike Parti: Successful sidecar racer in scrambles and Bonneville speed trials. Today, he is one of the most respected restorers of antique motorcycles.

“Leo Payne: Famous drag racer who amassed many records and won numerous championships. First non-streamliner to go over 200 mph at Bonneville.

“Ronnie Rall: Top 1960s and ’70s Midwest dirt-track racer. Ranked third in AMA Grand National points in 1964; won five AMA Nationals.

“Jim Rice: Versatile 1960s and ’70s dirt-track star. He won six AMA Nationals during the 1970 season alone, and over his career.

“Dave Schultz: Six-time NHRA National Pro Stock Champion; 45 NHRA National event wins in 23-year racing career.

“Shell Thuet: Legendary race tuner. In the 1960s, his rider, Elliott Schultz, dominated Ascot. Later sponsored Wayne Rainey and Eddie Lawson.

“Marty Tripes: Won the inaugural Superbowl of Motocross race at age 16. Went on to win 11 AMA Nationals in his career.

“Ralph White: 1963 Daytona 200 winner; finished 1963 ranked third in AMA Grand National points. 1965 winner of Loudon, Indianapolis and Springfield Nationals.

“Jack Wilson: Dealer, tuner, sponsor in AMA Class C races; especially well-known for his role in numerous Bonneville speed records.

“Steve Wise: Superbikers Champion, top-10 ranking in AMA 250cc Supercross 1975, 1978 and 1980. Top-10 ranking in 125cc, 1976-’78. Later won an AMA Superbike National.”

According to a press release issued by his team, Larry Pegram has undergone surgery to correct recurring problems with arm pump. The original release issued Wednesday had the date of the surgery and the date of the Road America race wrong, but a corrected release issued Thursday read as follows:

“Recurring arm-pump has been the cause of great concern for Competition Accessories rider Larry Pegram. It slowed him at Sears Point and now again at Road Atlanta. Pegram had surgery on Tuesday to correct his arm pump problem. The surgery was performed by famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. Arthur Ting in California. Pegram is expected to be released today (Wednesday) and will be ready to race at Road America on June 8-10.”

A press release issued by the AMA announced that OMS Limited will represent AMA Sports, the associations amateur racing department, and the ATVA, the association’s ATV racing department, in a search for sponsorship.

The complete text of the release follows:

“The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and OMS Limited are pleased to announce the selection of OMS as the exclusive sponsorship acquisition agent for AMA Sports and the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), programs supported by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).

“AMA Sports and the ATVA, through over a dozen national amateur and pro-am championship programs and several thousand local events, provide recreational opportunities to well over 100,000 motorcycle and ATV enthusiasts each year.

“‘With the help of OMS and its experienced staff of marketing professionals, we look forward to helping our future sponsors achieve their marketing goals,’ commented AMA President Robert Rasor.

“The AMA was founded in 1924 and serves 270,000 individual members and more than 1,100 chartered motorcycle clubs and event organizers. It is the sole American affiliate to the Geneva-based Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme, the world governing body for motorcycle sport.

“Already the world’s largest sanctioning body of events for both motorcycles and four-wheeled ATVs, the AMA is in the process of launching the new All-Terrain Vehicle Association to better focus its package of benefits and services for ATV users.

“‘No. 1 plates from AMA Sports and ATVA represent the top of the mountain for amateur and pro-am riders, and our wide array of programs represent a
largely untapped market for sponsors,’ said AMA Vice President of Events and Entertainment Bill Amick. “OMS Limited brings a great deal of talent and experience to our marketing effort, and we’re excited about the value we can provide to sponsors in an uncluttered, family-oriented environment.’

“OMS Ltd. was formed in 1997 by agency President Scott Summers and Managing Director Fred Bramblett, who have assembled an international team of marketing professionals that represent clients and customers such as American Honda Motor Company, Universal Studios, Dr. Marten’s, Amsoil, Ducati Corse and Racer Productions.

“‘It is a pleasure to be associated with the AMA Sports and ATVA programs,’ said agency director Fred Bramblett from his Kentucky office. ‘We are excited by the potential this partnership brings to our company, to the AMA, the ATVA and to the sports of motorcycle and ATV racing.'”

Dan Lance has been named the U.S. representative for Alpina Safety Systems, a manufacturer of Air Fence/Air Modules based in Austria, and will manage a U.S.-based Air Fence rental program.

Lance issued a press release announcing the appointment; the text of the release follows:

“Daniel Lance has been selected as the North American representative for Alpina Safety Systems of Austria. They are the leader in soft barrier
technology with devices for all levels of motorsports, wintersports and highway safety devices.

“Lance will be traveling to the home office in Austria to make preparations for the delivery of safety barriers to the United States. Alpina’s
management, after visiting the U.S. and recognizing the need, will make available for rental, safety barriers to any individual or organization that requires the maximum in protection for their racers. This will be the first operation of its kind in the United States. Alpina Safety Systems now supplies, on a rental basis, barriers for the FIM, FIA, and the GP curcuits across Europe.

“Alpina also offers full support and service to all customers. Delivery is expected immediately after Lance’s return to America. Consultant services are also available.”

Lance can be contacted at 228 Steele Hill Rd.,
Sanbornton, NH 03269, phone (603) 571-5935, e-mail [email protected]

Alpina can be contacted directly at:
Alpina Sicherheitssysteme GMBH
A-9552 Steindorf
Lindenstrasse 4
Austria

e-mail [email protected]
Website www.alpina.at

Today’s Sherman’s Lagoon cartoon strip appearing in major metropolitan newspapers may offer insight into AMA Pro Racing rules enforcement.

In the strip, three characters are playing golf, including Nessie the Loch Ness monster and Sherman the shark. Sherman’s ball has stopped at the edge of the hole.

Sherman asks, “Are you gonna give me that putt, Nessie?”

Nessie replies, “Nay. Rules are rules, lad. Putt it out.”

Sherman protests, “But YOU hit five tee shots on this hole!”

Nessie answers, “Aye, ’tis true. But I’m a mysterious legendary creature. The rules are different for us. Now, if you were Bigfoot, I’d give you that Putt.”


The strip may explain why it is that AMA Pro Racing Director of Competition Merrill Vanderslice insisted on strict enforcement of rules banning riding school instruction by Star Motorcycle School’s Jason Pridmore and Rich Alexander at Brainerd and by Team Hammer Advanced Riding School’s John Hopkins and Grant Lopez at Road Atlanta while giving Aaron Yates and Jamie Hacking special permission to break the rules and instruct at Kevin Schwantz Road Atlanta School sessions held on Tuesday and Wednesday prior to last weekend’s Road Atlanta AMA National.

According to AMA Superbike Operations Manager Ron Barrick, the exceptions for Hacking and Yates were made because Vanderslice felt the appearances had “promotional value.” The same “promotional value” of well-known riders instructing is also used by Pridmore’s Star school and by the Team Hammer Advanced Riding School. But despite similar requests that Pridmore, Alexander and Hopkins be allowed to ride stock streetbikes to instruct students, the requests were denied. Because of that history, no special request was made on Lopez’s behalf.

Former 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz said at Road Atlanta that Hacking and Yates were given special permission to instruct after Schwantz wrote a letter to Vanderslice requesting a waiver.

For the record, it is the official position of this website that all rules should be applied equally to everyone, and that the correct way to handle the situation with Hacking and Yates would have been to eliminate or modify the rule in question in advance, and to announce the change publicly.

That same position holds for the recent AMA Pro Racing decision to allow Mat Mladin’s Suzuki to carry data acquisition equipment during AMA Superbike races, in violation of AMA rules. Vanderslice has justifed the decision by citing the promotional value of enhancing the TV broadcast with a real-time graphic showing the rpm, gear position and throttle position used by Mladin during the race. The data used for the graphic is collected and transmitted by the illegal-by-the-book data acquisition system on Mladin’s bike.

The correct way to handle any need to enhance TV coverage through data acquisition would have been to change or modify the existing rule well in advance, not to give one rider and team permission to break the rule without consequences.

See related May 16 and May 17 posts on this website.

The Sherman’s Lagoon cartoon strip can be seen online at www.inlandempireonline.com/comics

American Jason DiSalvo won a round of the Czech 250cc Grand Prix Championship at Brno on Sunday. DiSalvo’s Cruise America Grand Prix Racing team sent out the following press release:

“Cruise America Grand Prix Racing Team rider Jason DiSalvo brushed aside his recent run of misfortune to score a magnificent victory in the Czech 250cc Championship at the Brno circuit yesterday.

“In a very close race which saw him lead for much of the race, the 17-year-old from Batavia, New York, charged past his nearest rival–reigning Czech Champion Radomil Rous–on the final lap to score his first European victory of the season.

“But it all started off not too well for DiSalvo and in particular his crew chief, Marco ‘Brains’ Woodage who tripped in the pits on Thursday requiring hospital attention which left him on crutches all weekend with torn ankle ligaments.

“Nevertheless, the team worked on suspension settings during the weekend trying to get Jason to improve on his second-place time while learning the track, and a major change to the suspension during Sunday morning warm-up saw Jason find the 2.5 seconds a lap he needed.

“In the race, DiSalvo rocketed from his front row grid position and the results of his ‘superstart’ were a lead of four seconds at the end of lap one. DiSalvo kept the advantage until late in the race when Rous eventually reeled him in and took over the lead for a lap. DiSalvo had other ideas and quickly moved to the front on the final lap where he remained for a well-deserved victory.

“‘Jason got better as the weekend went on and worked hard for his win. We’re delighted and a lot of people came over to us and congratulated us so let’s hope this is the start of good things to come from now on’ said team owner Jim DiSalvo.

“The team hopes to carry their good fortune on in Hungary this weekend when they contest the European Championship race at the Hungaroring.”