After finishing second in the Suzuki Genuine Accessories 750cc Supersport race at New Hampshire International Speedway on Saturday, June 16, Barry Motorsports/Sparks Steak House’s Chuck Chouinard was disqualified for illegal engine modifications. But Chouinard’s engine builder, White Tip Racing’s Michael Cox, says that Chouinard was unfairly disqualified.

In a telephone call to Roadracing World Tuesday June 19, Cox said that he was informed by Jim Barry, owner of Barry Motorsports, that Chouinard was approached by AMA technical officials after the 750cc Supersport race.

“(They) asked him, ‘How big are you?'” paraphrased Cox from reports he received from Barry. “Chuck tells him, and his little running joke is, ‘186 pounds, but I’m really 230.’ Something like that. This is what (they) told him. ‘You’re seven tenths (of a second) off of Miguel Duhamel’s times and there’s no way a guy your size can be that competitive. We’re gonna tear you down to the crank.’ So basically, the guy was guilty from the word go whether they had seen anything or not. So automatically he’s cheating because he doesn’t have enough skill to go around that track even though he probably has hundreds of thousands of laps around the track.”

Chouinard’s second-place finish in the 24-lap 750cc Supersport final earned him a mandatory trip to post-race technical inspection. “(AMA tech officials) proceed to check the stroke, the bore, and everything else that they possibly could on (Chouinard’s) motor. They actually did tear that motor down to the crank. They didn’t do that with the other podium finishers. They checked the stuff that they were supposed to check on all three guys. They tore (Chouinard) completely down but not the other two guys.

“They tore him down to the crank and couldn’t find a damn thing illegal about the motor. Finally, they took one of the valves out of the head. They take it into the trailer and do their little thing with their microscope or what not. They come out after a few minutes and say, ‘You’re disqualified. Your valves are no good.’ Because they had scuffs on them from cleaning.

“Jim Barry called me right away. I got on the phone with (AMA Pro Racing Superbike Operations Manager) Ron Barrick. (Barrick) tells me, ‘These look like they were put in a lathe and had material removed.’ I said, ‘No sir. That’s not what happened.’ He says, ‘Well, that’s what they look like. Either that or you took sandpaper to them or Scotch-Brite.’

“At that point, I didn’t want to get into it with him because I could tell from the tone of his voice that no matter what I was gonna say to him, it was gonna be wrong regardless. He tells me in the rulebook it specifically says that you can’t take any metal off of the motor, period. It also says, ‘Light cleaning of gasket surfaces with steel wool, Scoth-Brite, etc. is allowed.’ So that’s not the case. Then he tried to tell me, ‘Well, it also has a catch-all rule, if it doesn’t say you can, you can’t.’ When actually, it doesn’t say that. It says, ‘Only the modifications listed in this section are permitted. No other changes from showroom stock will be allowed.’ How is cleaning a modification? If cleaning is a modification, then every bike out there is illegal because you have to be able to clean your parts.

“So in a sense, a privateer guy rides six months. He’s got a lot of talent, but not a lot of money. He rides for six months on one set of valves and then decides, ‘Hey the big race is coming. I need to get my stuff straight.’ He gets the valves out and they’re a little pitted or something. So he can’t re-face those? He has to buy a brand new set of valves which is gonna cost the retail guy $400 or something. He can’t clean his valves? That means that every other race he needs to pull his old valves out, thrown them in the trash and buy a new set.

“I also asked Ron Barrick to take that valve and measure it with another stock valve and just make sure that there was no material removed. What I call material is metal, actually metal shavings, putting it in a lathe and tearing metal off of it. Well, (Barrick) wasn’t gonna do it. He wasn’t having it. He said, ‘It doesn’t matter. They have marks on them.’

“Jim Barry went and talked to some factory mechanics and asked how do you do this (clean carbon off valves)? They came right out and said, ‘You put them in a drill. You spray some WD40 or some brake cleaner or whatever you’ve got on them. You put a little Scotch-Brite on them, and you knock off the carbon.’

“All I’m trying to do is get some redemption here. I tried to talk to these guys (the AMA). They don’t want to hear what I have to say. Since I’m the up-and-coming shop and we’re kind of doing fairly well, I don’t want to be known as the guy who got Chuck Chouinard on the podium after he tried all those years and got him kicked out because I built him a cheater motor. It’s not good for me. It’s not good for Chuck. It’s unfair because they branded him from the word go.”

Chouinard himself told Roadracing World, “I finished 16th in the Superbike race and went to Tech,” as he was required to do after AMA Tech officials reluctantly sealed Chouinard’s motor following Saturday’s 750cc Supersport race. “Mladin’s bike’s in there with Bostrom’s and Yates’ Superbikes and my Supersport bike. Nobody is looking at the three Superbikes, and I got three tech guys looking at my bike. They started ripping the thing apart. The took the head off. They took the valves out. They checked the bore. They checked the length of the rods. They checked the thickness of the head. They checked the thickness of the case. They took the transmission apart to make sure we didn’t put any kind of kit tranny gears in there. They looked at the crank.

“My bike was apart for like three hours with three different tech guys looking for something. The only thing they found was a mechanical cam chain tensioner which is illegal but isn’t a DQ’able offense. Ron Barrick said to Jim (Barry), ‘We can fine you for it, but we can’t DQ you for it.’

“So while they’re tearing my stuff down, this same tech guy comes over to me and says, ‘We were looking at your times and you’re pretty comparable with Miguel’s 600 times at this track.’ I told them that this was my home track, and that I’ve been racing since 1992. Anyway, Miguel DuHamel hasn’t done shit there in a couple of years ever since his crash. They said, ‘There’s no physical way that you could be comparable with these pro guys’ times with your size. What is your weight?’ My resume says 186. He says, ‘You’re well over 200 pounds. You know what? We’re tearing this down to the crank.’ He said it just like that. I said, ‘Fine. It’s supposed to be an AMA-legal motor, that’s what we told the guy to build.’ After three hours they couldn’t find anything, then they come up with this thing with the valves.

“I don’t know if the Attack guys put pressure on them Saturday after the race when they saw my mechanical cam chain tensioner, because Richie’s gonna be in (the Championship) for the long run. Maybe they’re (AMA) pissed off because they are fighting with the guy that owns the track, and I’m a Loudon guy. So maybe they figure they’ll fix the Loudon people by beating up on their so-called Loudon guy. I don’t know. I don’t know why any of this happened.

“I was out in practice with Eric Bostrom and his Kawasaki 600 was as fast as my bike was on the front straightaway gear-for-gear. He was doing 13.2s, and I was doing 13.4s. I know that I’m sporting some weight on him, but my bike makes 134 horsepower.”

Team Owner Jim Barry told Roadracing World, ” I feel like I’ve been pulled over by some small town Sheriff like you see in the movies. You know where the guy breaks your taillight after he stops you? I’ve been an AMA member for 19 years, and now I don’t want anything to do with the AMA”

Barry said that he was in the process of filing an appeal on the grounds that the valves were not altered, but cleaned in a common manner, and that Chouinard was discriminated against for his weight as if there was a predetermined lap time that someone could do for a particular weight.

Chouinard said he doesn’t feel that anything will change with the appeal. “It’s like a ‘kangaroo’ court. They are policing themselves. Nothing’s going to change,” said Chouinard.

This Just In: Young American Jason DiSalvo will not only ride as a 250cc wild card in the June 28-30 Dutch Grand Prix at Assen but now has also been named a 250cc wild card for the July 6-8 British Grand Prix at Donington Park.

DiSalvo will compete on his Cruise America Grand Prix team’s A-kitted Honda RS250.

From a Honda Press Release:

“Honda Racing Unleashes the Mighty T-Rex to Menace the Competition at Laguna Seca and Red Bud

“Torrance, Ca – Honda Racing and Universal Studios Consumer Products Group are teaming up this summer to promote Universal Pictures’ and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic Park III, the third installment in the studio’s most successful film franchise ever, scheduled for release on July 18, 2001.

“Jurassic Park III, with its breathtaking dinosaur effects, will provide a suitably stunning backdrop for Honda Racing at two popular races in July. It should come as no surprise that Honda’s race bikes and rider graphics will feature the voracious, Jurassic Park-inspired Tyrannosaurus Rex.

“Honda Racing’s Supercross and motocross hero, Ezra Lusk, will be hunting down the competition on his silver and red CR250R on Sunday, July 1 at Round 6 of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championships at Red Bud Track-N-Trail in Buchanan, Michigan.

“Honda factory road racing star Nicky Hayden and his T-Rex emblazoned RC51 Superbike will be tearing up the field on Saturday, July 7 at Round 6 of the AMA/Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship at the Honda International Superbike Classic Presented By Dunlop at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California.

“In both races, Universal Studios takes the primary team sponsorship position on the race bikes with Jurassic Park III graphics. Following the highly successful collaboration with The Mummy Returns, the record-breaking sequel that jump-started the summer movie season earlier this May, this is the second of four similar promotions in 2001 and 2002. With each effort, Universal Studios’ films will be showcased with special designs on the bodywork and uniform of a selected Honda motocross rider and road racing rider.

“‘The Jurassic Park franchise and Honda Racing are a perfect fit. They both deliver non-stop action that keeps you on the edge of your seat,’ said Elliot Lederman, vice president of licensing/sports, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. ‘We have been very successful with the top teams in NASCAR, Formula 1 and CART and it was natural to expand our motorsports program with Honda Racing,’ said Lederman.

Universal Studios also represents the merchandising and promotional rights to the Honda Racing Team riders, including jointly developed designs, such as the Jurassic Park III Honda Racing promotion. Announced in November 2000, the sponsorship agreement also features Universal Studios’ animated character Woody Woodpecker as Team Mascot for both the Honda Motocross Racing Team and the Honda Road Racing Team.

“About the film

“Jurassic Park III continues the series that began with Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Joe Johnston (October Sky, Jumanjii), who first collaborated with Steven Spielberg on Raiders of the Lost Ark, directs. Kathleen Kennedy and Larry Franco are the producers and Spielberg is executive producer. The wizards at Industrial Light & Magic and Stan Winston once again combine forces to create the dazzling dinosaur effects.

“The strong cast includes Sam Neill, returning in the role of Dr. Alan Grant, which he originated in Jurassic Park, William H. Macy (Fargo), Tea Leoni (The Family Man), Alessandro Nivola (Love’s Labour Lost), Michael Jeter (The Green Mile) and Trevor Morgan (The Patriot).

“Anxious to fund research for his new theory of velociraptor intelligence, renowned paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) is persuaded by a wealthy adventurer (William H. Macy) and his wife (Tea Leoni) to accompany them on an aerial tour of Isla Sorna. This infamous island, once InGen’s site B, has become both a primordial breeding ground for John Hammond’s magnificent creations and a magnet for thrill-seekers eager to encounter them.

When a tragic accident maroons the party of seven, Grant discovers the true reason his deceptive hosts have invited him along. In their perilous attempt to escape with their lives, the dwindling group encounters terrifying new creatures undisclosed by InGen, and Grant is forced to learn the dreadful implications of his raptor intelligence theory firsthand.

“A note to parents: Jurassic Park III has been rated PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned – Some Material May Be Inappropriate For Children Under 13) for ‘intense sci-fi terror and violence.’ Consult www.filmratings.com for further information.

“Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is a unit of Universal Studios www.universalstudios.com), a part of CANAL+, the TV and Film division of Vivendi Universal, a new global leader in media and communications.”

From a Marlboro Yamaha press release regarding team tests at Catalunya June 18-20:

“BIAGGI AND CHECA LEARN MORE BEFORE ASSEN

“Marlboro Yamaha Team riders Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa stayed on at Catalunya this week to evaluate upgraded engine and chassis parts. After scoring second- and eighth-place finishes in Sunday’s Marlboro Catalan Grand Prix, the pair believe their findings will help them perform even better at next week’s Dutch GP.

“Biaggi only rode on Tuesday, after returning from Italy, where he had played in a charity football match on Monday night. Checa started testing on Monday and stayed through to Wednesday, when he tested new Michelin tyres. Both men concentrated on their YZR500s, leaving development work on the Yamaha’s new YZR-M1 four-stroke GP bike to the factory’s team of test riders.

“‘We gained some useful data from these tests,’ said Marlboro Yamaha Team Director Hiroya Atsumi. ‘Both riders have been testing different cylinder specifications, as well as new chassis parts and new front forks. Some of the parts worked very well, others not so well, but that is what testing is all about.

“‘I’m confident we can have a good race at Assen next week. Max’s confidence is on a high and although Carlos had some problems last weekend, we fixed them sooner than expected during these tests. My only worry for Assen is the weather, it rains too much there!’

“Biaggi was satisfied with his day-long session. ‘At a Grand Prix you only have four hours of track time but today we had a full day to play with set-up,’ said the Italian. ‘We’ve been fine tuning things, and once again I think we’ve improved our settings. I’m looking forward to Assen, it’s one of my favourites, the track should be good for us. But I think the next race at Donington will be the turning point of the season.’

“Checa was also happy, after curing the chatter problems that hindered him at his home GP. ‘Tuesday was a good day, we stopped the chatter,’ he said on Wednesday afternoon. ‘We’ve been working to improve overall machine balance but I’m still getting a bit of front-end push, so I want a little more weight on the front and less on the rear. We stayed on today because Michelin wanted us to test some new front and rear tyres. It’s been good, now I hope we can have a good set-up for Assen.’

“Biaggi, delighted with Roma’s Italian league success on Sunday, got to play a major game of football in Genoa on Monday evening when he teamed up with a group of F1 car stars to raise aid for Africa. ‘There were about 80,000 fans at the game, it was a fantastic atmosphere,’ said the former 250 World Champion whose team drew 1-1.

“Practice and qualifying for next Saturday’s Dutch GP gets under way on Thursday June 28. The event is round seven of this year’s 16-race MotoGP series, the final 500 two-stroke World Championship before big-bore four-strokes are introduced in 2002.

“Lap times
“Max Biaggi (Marlboro Yamaha Team) 1:46.4
“Carlos Checa (Marlboro Yamaha Team) 1:46.8”

Copyright 2001 Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

NHIS Motorcycle Safety Director Jerry Wood said Tuesday that he was shocked that AMA officials did not allow riders to take a short practice prior to starting the rain-delayed 600cc Supersport race at Loudon on Sunday. The resulting argument over five laps of practice kept 600cc Supersport regulars in the paddock while AMA officials ran the race with 12 mostly-local riders.

Wood spoke in a phone interview from his shop in Searsport, Maine.

“I was leading around the jet-blowers and as I was driving the truck along I was figuring that the next thing we do is practice,” said Wood. “So when I came in I told (AMA Superbike Operations Manager) Ron Barrick that the track was ready for a short practice session. And I was baffled when he told me that there wasn’t going to be any practice session. I couldn’t believe that was their decision, to come up with no practice. That’s just not right.

“A practice is a common-sense thing. Because the track has been rained on all day, we’ve dried it off, and short practice will burn the line in and get rid of any residual moisture that’s left. I was really disappointed.”

The decision to refuse rider requests for a short practice session was made by AMA Pro Racing Director of Competition Merrill Vanderslice. When rider Grant Lopez, (who desperately wanted to ride) tried to mediate the dispute and convince Vanderslice to allow five laps, he was angerly rebuffed by Vanderslice, who said of the riders, among other things, “They don’t run the AMA, we do” and “It’s us against them.”

From a press release issued by Rausch Creek Motorsports Park:

“Rausch Creek Motorsports Park will not be open in 2001 for spectator events.

“To avoid further confusing announcements about the opening of the road course, the management at Rausch Creek has decided to cancel the remainder of this year’s events.

“Originally slated to open in May of this year, Rausch Creek has experienced a variety of events that factor into the decision to postpone what was to be the inaugural year. Our original construction schedule had us paving the
road course in the fall of 2000. Serious safety issues had to be addressed prior to the commitment of a final design, and those issues prevented us from paving at that time. Then, with the long winter, we realized we would be very hard pressed to meet the date for our May opening. A variety of smaller delays, including smaller design changes and machinery breakdown, have also contributed to the postponement of our inaugural year.

“Andrew Stutzman, General Manager, had this to say, ‘We found ourselves pressured by the original dates we had set to open, and felt as if we may be making small compromises just to get the track open. The last thing we want to do is compromise anything, let alone the safety and longevity of Rausch Creek, so we decided to back off from such ambitious goals, and allow ourselves the time to complete the project so that it exceeds our expectations, instead of just meeting them.’

“Quinn Lickman, Construction Manager for Rausch Creek, added, ‘We are maintaining close to the same pace (construction) we have all along, only slowing down to make sure all the small details are completed. We honestly just underestimated the amount of material we had to move to build the track. The actual time it will take to pave the track is relatively short compared to the time needed to complete the construction of the verges and safety zones. In addition, we must be very careful how we address the drainage issues for the track. It is important that we find the perfect balance between providing more than adequate run-off, and draining the water away from the track properly. While the racers and spectators will enjoy the elevation that Rausch Creek has to offer, it does increase construction difficulties.’

“The construction is still proceeding and we are looking forward to having the surface paved by late summer. This will allow us to host some practice days and official testing that are required to hold larger, future events in 2002.”

In response to the above release issued by Rausch Creek, track designer Alan Wilson of Wilson Motorsport Inc. sent this letter:

“You have received a press release from Rausch Creek Motor Sports Park concerning the delay of racing activities until the start of the 2002 race season.

“The reason for my letter is to address the statement that part of the delay was due to ‘serious safety concerns’.

“This is not true.

“Delays to this project were many, although the biggest problem was not in the time taken to build the facility but in unrealistic expectations as to when it would be completed. In fact, the time taken to design and construct is very much in line with that required for any of the other facilities in which I have been involved. (Typically 18 months from start of the design process).

“In this case, inexperience on the part of the track management has lead them to suggest that safety problems, among others caused the delay. Their reason for this was well intended in that they chose to use ‘safety’ as a reason so as to ensure their customers that the track was being built to the highest possible safety standards and that attention to this resulted in the delay. (They obviously hoped this would reduce some of the inevitable criticism that may result from the cancellation of events in 2001.)

“Unfortunately, in their inexperience they did not realize that any reference to safety concerns could, and most probably would be taken by many to suggest that Rausch Creek may have safety issues when in operation.

“This is very definitely not the case.

“As you may be aware, I have designed several tracks used extensively for motorcycle events, including GingerMan, Carolina Motorsports Park, Pikes Peak and Las Vegas, and I am very proud of the safety record that each of these facilities have been able to maintain. I have also designed the new Alabama circuit which has already received high praise from FIM Safety officials for its safety features. Consequently I am extremely concerned that Rausch Creek could be tarnished before it even opens by any suggestion that it may have safety issues.

“In designing a track I always require that the minimum safety zone alongside the edge of the track be at least 100 feet, with more required as necessary by high speed approaches, fast corners or downhill braking zones. I also require that all safety zones have grades similar to the cross and longitudinal grades of the track in order to eliminate downhill runoff areas that contribute to loss of control. (In fact, the Alabama track is probably the first in the world where all run-offs meet this criteria). I have also specified that all my new tracks incorporate emergency access roads along the outer edges of the safety zones so that no ambulance or emergency vehicle need ever run on the track surface or in the verge close to the asphalt.

“It is these three elements which added complexity to the construction of Rausch Creek. This track has many different grade changes, each of which has necessitated particular attention to cut and fill, grading and drainage to ensure that my standards are met. Rausch Creek management have been extremely cooperative in undertaking the work required, much of which was not recognized when the project was first begun (and when track rental commitments were first made).

“This project has grown far beyond its initial scope and promises to become one of the most challenging, enjoyable, and I hope, best motorcycle road racing courses in the country. I can assure you that it will be as safe as we can possibly make it and that it will serve as an example to other facilities of how to incorporate safety and the racing needs of motorcycles into a difficult, challenging and interesting terrain.

“I have included a disc with a number of photographs taken during my most recent visit to Rausch Creek (June 12). This will show the current state of construction which is far more advanced than it may look, especially when compared to some of the original terrain (I have included some early pictures for comparison). I will gladly discuss these pictures with you to help you get a better understanding of the layout, the construction challenges that have had to be faced and our expectations of how it will look when complete.

“Finally, I would like to congratulate you on the efforts you have made with regard to the Air Fence program. Although I try to design my tracks so that Air Fence is not necessary, I recognize the vital role it can play and applaud your efforts. I was however disappointed to note in the current edition of Roadracing World that some tracks have proved less than co-operative in installing Air Fence (at least without direct AMA involvement) on the grounds of liability. In my opinion this is not a valid reason for failing to install a proven system. I would be interested in learning which tracks have not co-operated as I may be able to help in persuading any with whom I may also work in my role as Safety Consultant to the SCCA and through my very close relationship with the major insurance companies.

“I hope that you will understand my concerns that the safety elements of the design of Rausch Creek are not an issue and that integrating the basic safety standards that I have designed (and will continue to detail) into the project is an ongoing and normal part of the design/construction program.

“I would be happy to discuss this matter and any other safety issue related to track design or safety system installation with you, at your convenience.

“Sincerely

“Alan Wilson, President”

---

This just in from the AMA:

“MLADIN FINED AND LOSES LOUDON POLE POINT FOR DETRIMENTAL CONDUCT

“PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Yoshimura Suzuki’s Mathew Mladin has been fined $5,000 and penalized a Superbike championship pole position point for detrimental conduct during a post-qualifying press conference at New Hampshire International Speedway on Saturday, June 16.

“When asked a question about his record-setting qualifying run, Mladin instead opened the press conference using profanity at times to criticize New Hampshire International Speedway, an AMA Pro Racing official, a newspaper reporter and fellow competitors.

“AMA Pro Racing deems Mladin’s actions in the press conference as inexcusable. The public form (sic) of a press conference is not the place to raise personal issues with AMA Pro Racing officials, newspaper reporters, fellow competitors or use foul language.

“Mladin leads the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship with 230 points.”

On Monday at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire, AMA Pro Racing Director of Competition Merrill Vanderslice banned former AMA Pro Racing Safety Director Dan Lance from hot pit access at future AMA Pro Racing events and ordered him not to talk to any AMA officials, according to Lance. Six hours prior to post time, Roadracingworld.com contacted AMA Media Relations Contractor Larry Lawrence at Loudon and asked him to comment. Lawrence said he would check on the situation and call back. But at post time, Lawrence had not called back.

Lance, who is currently a representative for Alpina Air Fence, Factory Pro Tuning, Motion Pro, and Braking USA, said that he was told by Vanderslice in the paddock during Monday’s rain-delayed race program at Loudon that Lance would no longer be given access to any “hot area” at an AMA race.

Vanderslice is apparently upset over a Letter To The Editor written by Lance and published in the July issue of Roadracing World, which is critical of the delay on the part of AMA Pro Racing in obtaining and deploying Air Fence, along with posts Lance made on the www.wera.com BBS.

In a phone interview with Roadracing World, Lance said “(Vanderslice) told me, ‘You are AMA bashing, and I’m tired of it. From now on, don’t expect any hot access; you won’t have it. I don’t have to work with you, and you can’t talk to any AMA officials.’ Then he went into a little tirade about me shutting the f—k up, in so many words.”

Lance, known for his large, waxed mustache, continued, saying, “He wanted to throw me out then, but he couldn’t because I was working for the racetrack and had credentials through them.”

In addition to his job as a product and sponsor representative, Lance was working as part of the safety crew at Loudon, the same track where Lance started his 15-year passion as a safety worker for motorsports. In that career, Lance has worked as a safety official with CART, IRL, NASCAR, SCCA, WERA, and most recently with the AMA. “He told me, ‘The AMA makes the man. The man doesn’t make the AMA. You would probably not be a recognized person in this industry if it were not for AMA Pro Racing.’ If you look at my resume that (working for the AMA) was my last job, not my first job,” said Lance.

Lance held his full-time position as the AMA’s highest safety official for four days before quitting this Spring. Lance says the fact that the AMA opened his mail, while offensive, wasn’t what motivated him to quit. “They had told me that they were going to purchase Air Fence for this season,” explained Lance. “They told me that I would have it by Sears Point. Then they said it would possibly happen later this year or next year. I told them that if they couldn’t raise the money for Air Fence, that I could and you’re not gonna be happy.

“I have no allegiance to the AMA. My only allegiance is to my associates that are the racers, the mechanics, and the men in the industry that work for the sport. I won’t be held back for saying the truth. What I do, I do for these guys. I owe it to them. It was when I lost Jamie (Bowman) at Laguna last year. I promised him, as I loaded him into the helicopter, that this is what I would do. He was a good friend. I no longer wanted to call a parent to tell them that their son isn’t coming home, or can you come visit your son for the last time.”

Vanderslice also accused Lance of “AMA Bashing” in an e-mail Vanderslice sent Lance following a series of posts on wera.com, Lance said.

“I was never reprimanded,” stated Lance. “I have letters of recognition and ‘thank yous’ from racers, racers’ families, and promoters saying ‘We’re glad to have Dan Lance with the AMA’ and one guy saying thank you for saving my brother’s life. Stuff like that.” According to Lance, when he told AMA Pro Racing Superbike Operations Manager Ron Barrick of his banishment Monday afternoon at Loudon, Barrick told him, “That’s too bad. I really appreciate having you around with your experience.”

“I don’t know where I f—ked up except when I quit when they lied to me and said that they were going to get Air Fence,” said Lance. “I do not believe I have said any untruths in any of my comments, which (Vanderslice) believes are AMA bashing because they’re contrary to his views. I still stand in front of everyone and say that if I have said an untruth to bring it forward. I’m willing to stand and be counted as making a mistake, but I don’t believe that I’ve said anything yet that is an untruth.

“There’s other inside sh-t, that is general knowledge in the paddock, but the AMA reading public, from the press, has no clue. They think the AMA is telling the truth when we in the paddock know that certain programs were not going forward and being dragged around.

“I called (AMA Pro Racing CEO Scott) Hollingsworth and told him that I’m going to go forward and protect myself,” said Lance of a voice mail message that he left Hollingsworth Monday. “I’m not going to lose any credentials or access at the racetrack. I told him that I couldn’t legally be denied. I don’t believe (Vanderslice) can restrict trade in our workplace, which may be an AMA-sanctioned race but is still a workplace for vendors and also for contingency sponsors. I told them that unless Merrill says something by the end of the day (Monday, June 18) that I’m going to talk to my friends in the Press.

“I’ve always said the truth as I see it. I won’t be bullied, and I won’t shut up. It’s my right as an American to have free speech and free access. F–k the sons o’ bitches. I’m willing to go balls to the walls. I can’t see how he can refuse me. If I have to hire a lawyer and do an ‘Edmondson’, I will. “

The AMA and AMA Pro Racing (a.k.a. Paradama) recently settled a lawsuit by paying former joint venture partner Roger Edmondson $3 million. U. S. Federal Courts ruled in that case that the AMA had converted, or stole, Edmondson’s half of the AMA Pro road racing business.

The AMA has steadfastly maintained that Edmondson was a contract employee, not a joint venture partner, despite the courts finding otherwise. In final settlement negotiations, AMA lawyers asked that neither side comment on the settlement until the legal papers were signed several days later. But the AMA then immediately issued a press release again claiming that Edmondson had been a contract employee.