As seen on www.amaproracing.com/ridersonly

General – All Classes

No. 02-1

Current rule: Official starting line for each starting row will be plainly marked, approximately 25 feet between each row.

Proposed change: The official starting line for each starting row will be plainly marked with approximately 30 feet between each row to form a grid. The starting positions on the rows will be staggered backward from the pole side of the grid resulting in slightly diagonal starting lines. Approximate stagger from position to position will be one meter. Each starting position will have a front and a rear grid mark, approximately 12″ apart, representing the area where the front tire contact patch (the area of the front tire touching the track surface) must be located for a rider to be properly staged.

Reasons for change: This style of grid is currently used by the FIM. It provides for a more equitable representation of qualifying positions than straight across starting lines. This configuration may also have advantages for grid personnel who must watch for jump starts.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-1


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No. 02-2

Current rule: Should a rider’s rear axle cross the designated front grid mark at the green light signal, the rider will be considered to have jumped the start and a penalty will be assessed.

Proposed change: Should a rider’s front axle cross the designated front grid mark at the green light signal, the rider will be considered to have jumped the start and a penalty will be assessed. This allows a rider virtually no movement before the start is signaled.

Reasons for change: This should result in more equal starts than allowing the “rolling” as in the past. Again, the grid personnel may be able to see jump starts easier as well.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-2


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No. 02-3

Current rule: Refueling after the warm-up lap at the back of the grid is permitted.

Proposed change: Refueling after the warm-up lap will not be permitted.

Reasons for change: This is an unnecessary procedure considering the length of our races, fuel capacities and fuel consumption of current motorcycles. It can also cause delays in the start, fuel spills and confusion on the grid.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-3


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No. 02-4

Current rule: Riders listed in the top ten in points of a particular class, currently or at the end of the previous season, will be permitted a total of one provisional start per season in that class.

Proposed change: Riders who are currently, or at the end of the previous season, listed in the top ten in points in one or more classes, will be permitted one provisional start per season in each of those classes.

Reasons for change: We have a number of riders that are eligible in more than one class for a provisional start. These riders will be allowed a provisional start in each class in which they are eligible rather than a total of one provisional in a season.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-4


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No. 02-5

New rule: Riders dropping out of a race on the same lap will be scored in the order that they last crossed the finish line.

Reasons for new rule: This occurs occasionally and is not addressed in the rule book at present. Clarification is needed to ensure consistency in scoring this type of situation.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-5


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Superbike

No. 02-6

Current rule: When a race is restarted following a red flag, a rider who was present at the starting grid but was unable to start or dropped out after the start, is permitted to restart on a back-up motorcycle using the following procedure:

(1) Rider must obtain permission from the Chief Steward or the Race Manager.

(2) Rider will be gridded on the last row of the restart grid.

Proposed change: When a race is restarted following a red flag, a rider who was present at the starting grid but was unable to start or dropped out after the start, is permitted to restart on a back-up motorcycle until two laps have officially been completed (leader has crossed the finish line to begin the third lap) using the following procedure:

(1) Rider or crew must obtain permission from the Chief Steward or the Race Manager.

(2) All back-up motorcycles must be staged on pit lane or designated area and identified to grid officials.

(3) Rider will be gridded on the last row of the restart grid in a position determined by scoring.

Reasons for change: The current rule is not restrictive enough to prevent its abuse throughout a long race or a race that has multiple red flags. In addition, the current rule does not specifically stipulate that back-up bikes should be staged on the pit lane.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-6


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No. 02-7

Current rule: A bright orange flag indicates that the pace car is being dispatched. All riders are to hold position in regard to passing other competitors, but are instructed to close up the distance on riders ahead of them.

Proposed change: The pace car flag will be changed to make it more distinctive and may be used in conjunction with a warning light/signage system. The procedures will also be changed to provide a longer warning period before the car is actually dispatched onto the racing surface.

Reasons for change: There were complaints by riders at Daytona this year that the orange flag was difficult to distinguish from the yellow flag and therefore caused confusion. A long warning period is needed to allow the field to settle down and regroup before the pace car actually takes to the track.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-7


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600/750 SuperSport

No. 02-8

Current rule: The original equipment airbox and air filter must be utilized.

Proposed change: The original equipment airbox must be retained but the air filter may be replaced with an aftermarket filter designed to exactly replace the original OEM filter.

Reasons for change: Aftermarket filters are normally less expensive than OEM filters and are accepted by the rules in other organizations such as WERA.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-8


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No. 02-9

Current rule: The original cooling system thermostat must be in place and not modified.

Proposed change: The original cooling system thermostat may be removed or modified.

Reasons for change: The thermostat is not needed and costs nothing to remove. A nonfunctioning thermostat could lead to overheating and possibly a fluid spill on the track.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-9


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No. 02-10

Current rule: The 750 SuperSport regulations currently do not allow exceptions for twin-cylinder motorcycles to have additional modifications or to be larger in displacement than 750cc.

Proposed change: The following displacement limits for twin cylinder four-strokes will be permitted:

600cc – 750cc four-stroke liquid-cooled twin cylinders

700cc – 1350cc four-stroke air-cooled twin cylinders

Twin cylinder four-strokes will be allowed the same modifications currently allowed in the Pro Thunder class with the exception of tires. The Pro Thunder minimum weight of 380 pounds will apply.

Reasons for change: This change will give the Buells and Ducati 748’s another program to compete in. Additional brands in the competition could enhance and individualize the class as well.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-10


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250 Grand Prix

No. 02-11

Current rule: Fluid containment fairings are required on all four-stroke motorcycles.

Proposed change: Fluid containment fairings will be required on all motorcycles.

Reasons for change: Two-stroke 250 Grand Prix motorcycles have been exempt from this rule. Experiences with oil and coolant spills this season have shown that two-stroke motorcycles should be equipped with the fluid containment fairings as well.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-11




2002 MOTOCROSS/SUPERCROSS PROPOSED RULE CHANGES

125 Class

No. 02-1

Current rule: The minimum weight requirement for 125 class motorcycles is 194 pounds. This also applies to the 250cc four-stroke motorcycles allowed in this class.

Proposed change: Any four-strokes larger than 125cc must weigh a minimum of 216 pounds.

Reasons for change: Our experience has shown that the four-stroke 250cc Yamaha’s race track performance is comparable to the 125cc two-strokes in most conditions. However, to maintain future competition parity and reduce or maintain costs, we propose this weight differential which approximates the current four-stroke 250 Yamaha’s race weight and is the same as the minimum 250 class weight.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-1


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250 Class



No. 02-2

Current rule: The minimum weight requirement for 250 class motorcycles is 216 pounds. This also applies to the 251cc-550cc four-stroke motorcycles allowed in this class.

Proposed change: Any four-strokes larger than 250cc must weigh a minimum of 224 pounds.

Reasons for change: As in the 125 class, our experience with 400cc-550cc four-strokes in the 250 class indicates that their race track performance is comparable to the 250cc two-strokes in most conditions. However, to maintain future competition parity and reduce or maintain costs, we are proposing this weight differential which approximates the current four-strokes’ race weight.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-2


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General – All motocross classes

No. 02-3

Current rule: Riders earn race points in each of the motos according to their respective finish positions. Winners are determined on the basis of total points earned in all motos, except qualifying and consolation motos. In case of a tie, the winner of the tie will be determined on the basis of points earned in the final moto.

Proposed change: Each championship event shall consist of two races per class. Riders will be awarded points according to their respective finish in each race.

Reasons for change: To simplify the current process of declaring a race winner and to broaden the appeal of the sport through television. Each moto as a stand alone race provides the opportunity to create 30 minute blocks of television programming, resulting in improved scheduling options. The change, while not affecting the current championship points structure, will provide more opportunities for teams, sponsors and participants to promote race victories.

Implementation: January 1, 2002

Comment on this rule: 02-3


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No. 03-1

Current rule: There are no restrictions on modifications or replacement of forks and shocks in motocross.

Proposed change: The current 125 Supercross suspension rule will be adopted for motocross. Replacement and modification of forks and shocks will be limited to the following:

(1) Forks and shocks must be either stock or aftermarket units listed on the Approved Equipment List. This list is available from the AMA office or at Tech Inspection.
(2) Originally approved inner and outer fork tubes, axle lugs, cartridge, and piston rod must be retained but may be modified. All other fork parts may be replaced.
(3) Originally approved shock body, shaft, and reservoir must be retained but may be modified. All other shock parts may be replaced.
(4) AMA must receive written notification from the manufacturer of any superseding of controlled parts before those parts may be utilized in competition. A current manufacturer’s parts list reflecting the superseded part must accompany the notification.
(5) Approved forks, shocks, and superseded parts must be available in the U.S. through dealers or distributors to AMA Pro-licensed 125 class riders for the entire current season. Legitimate orders accompanied by a 50% deposit must be filled within 15 days of receipt by the dealer or distributor. Failure to fill a legitimate order may result in the canceling of the component manufacturer’s eligibility.
(6) Retail prices of approved forks and shocks may not exceed the following:
Both forks (less triple clamps) $3,500.00
Shock assembly $1,000.00
Reasons for change: These regulations were originally enacted in Supercross to reduce costs and provide more equality in equipment between private/support teams and factory teams. This should be carried over into motocross for the same reasons plus it eliminates the need for teams to develop two completely different types of suspension components.

Implementation: January 1, 2003

Comment on this rule: 03-1


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No. 03-2

Current rule: 250 Class Engine Displacements – 150cc-250cc 2-strokes, 251cc-550cc 4-strokes

Proposed change: The maximum displacement for four-strokes will be 450cc.

Reasons for change: In accordance with our agreement with the FIM and the manufacturers for worldwide consistency in motocross class displacements, the maximum displacement of 450cc for four-strokes was determined to be acceptable by most parties. In addition to consistency, continuing parity as four-stroke technology advances and clear separation from 500 class motorcycles are the goals. The FIM decided that 2003 would be the implementation date and AMA Pro Racing agreed.

Implementation: January 1, 2003

Comment on this rule: 03-2

Motorcycle races that have not been cancelled due to 9/11 attacks: Road Races WERA Regional, Roebling Road Raceway, Faulkville, Georgia RPM/WERA Regional, No Problem Raceway Park, Belle Rose, Louisiana CRA Regional, Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd, Minnesota AHRMA National, Second Creek Raceway, Denver, Colorado FIM, World Championship Endurance 24-hour, Bol d’Or, France Other Races Formula USA National Dirt Track, Sacramento, California AMA U.S. Hillclimb Championship National, Middlebury, Indiana Motorcycle races that have been cancelled: Road Races AMA Pro National, Willow Springs Raceway, Rosamond, California CCS Regional, Gateway International Raceway, Madison, Illinois CCS Regional, Phoenix International Raceway, Phoenix, Arizona In other racing cancellation news: NASCAR officials announced today that they would postpone and reschedule the Winston Cup race scheduled for this weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire. Grand Am has postponed the season finale scheduled to take place at Daytona International Speedway this weekend. IRL called off the Indy Racing League Northern Lights race planned to run this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. Also called off is a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race and other activities, including a motorcycle jump attempt by daredevil Robbie Knievel, supporting the IRL event.

From a press release issued by the FIM:

After consultation with all FIM Sporting Commissions’ Presidents and FIM Promoters, President Francesco Zerbi has confirmed that no FIM event would be either cancelled or postponed as a result of the tragic events in the United States of America. Mr. Zerbi stated: “It would only be a confirmation that terrorists have been successful in destroying, terrifying and intimidating the world.”

As a gesture of compassion and solidarity with the victims of these acts, President Zerbi has given instructions to arrange it so that during all the remaining 2001 FIM events, a one-minute silence be observed by riders and spectators at an appropriate time before the start of the events, and to cancel the traditional opening of champagne on the podium which will contribute towards keeping the prize-giving ceremony as sober and dignified as possible.

Racer John Hopkins and girlfriend Deseree Crossman have escaped from Newark, New Jersey where they had been stranded awaiting a flight back to California.

The couple was on a Continental flight from Lisbon, Portugal to Newark on Tuesday when the World Trade Center towers were attacked and the flight was diverted to Bermuda.

On Thursday they were able to fly from Bermuda to Newark, where they were told they could have to wait another three days and stand by to get on a flight home to San Diego.

Many readers in the Newark area called and e-mailed with offers of assistance for the couple. With help from Louis Fellman of Team Pro Motion, the pair got on an Amtrak train out of Newark Friday morning.

An international press introduction for the 2002 Buell XB-9R, scheduled to take place October 7-8 in Valencia, Spain, has been cancelled.

“It’s just a matter of logistics,” said Buell Communications Manager Paul James, speaking in a phone interview Thursday, September 13. The problem, according to James, stems from the FAA shutdown of air travel within the United States and Canada as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. “Not only can I not get people to Spain, I can’t get bikes there. We are still building the bikes, and we cannot get some of the little parts like oil coolers and wiring harnesses.”

James said that he was considering splitting the launch, holding one intro in Europe and another in North America. The North American press launch would most likely be held at a racetrack in California or Nevada to minimize travel for the majority of the American motorcycle press, according to James.

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

The now-cancelled CCS regional race scheduled for September 15-16 at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Illinois was the last event where Suzuki Cup points could be earned in order to qualify for this year’s Suzuki Cup Finals, and Suzuki may change qualification rules as a result.

“Yes, we are aware of that situation, and we are working on something because we’ve had a couple of Suzuki Cup events canceled this year,” said American Suzuki’s Matt Ellis on Thursday. (The other cancellation was the September 1-2 WERA National at Memphis Motorsports Park.) “What I am doing now is tabulating all of the Suzuki Cup point standings so that we know what we are dealing with before making a decision. Most likely what will happen is that we will call the Suzuki Cup point season complete and maybe lower the minimum amount of points required to qualify for the Cup Finals so that no one gets left out. I should have that ready by the beginning of next week, and I will give you guys the information so that you can post it for everyone to see.”

Originally, American Suzuki was requiring that Suzuki racers accumulate at least 10 Suzuki Cup points to qualify for the Suzuki Cup Finals.

For more information about the Suzuki Cup system, see the related roadracingworld.com August 8 posting or go to http://www.suzukicycles.com/racing/racers.htm. On the Suzuki site, click on Contingency, click on Road Race, scroll down, and click on Details On The Suzuki Road Race Contingency Program.

Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Team Oliver Yamaha’s Rich Oliver says cancelling the AMA Superbike National at Willow Springs was the wrong thing to do.

Coming into the penultimate round of the AMA Chevy Trucks Superbike National series there were 26 riders with mathematical chances of winning one of the six AMA class Championships. With the cancellation of the race at Willow Springs, the total number of points available drops from 76 to 38 and the number of Championship hopefuls drops from 26 to 15 including new 750cc Supersport Champion, Jimmy Moore, who was crowned by the cancellation.

One of the class Championships affected is MBNA 250cc Grand Prix, with pre-Willow-Cancellation-potential Champions including possible Corbin Yamaha’s Jimmy Filice, Oliver and PJ1/Team Turfrey/Tech Star Industries’ Michael Hannas, II. Oliver trailed Filice by 14 points coming into the Willow Springs weekend.

“I’m a little disappointed. I had my season pulled out from underneath me,” said four-time AMA 250cc Champion Oliver in a tape-recorded September 13 telephone call to Roadracing World. “I was very impressed with the decision-making process (dealing with the Willow Springs race) at first. I think the right thing to do was to postpone the race with this national tragedy, with these animals attacking our city of New York and most of our riders are stranded and can’t get to the event nor could the officials anyway. Air travel has just opened up a little bit today.

“But to go ahead and cancel the event, it’s just completely taken away all of the peoples’ opportunity to earn money, to earn Championship bonuses, and I think that’s absolutely the wrong thing to do. It’s too late in the season to pull 50% of the points-paying races out from underneath everyone. There’s so much money in testing and time and effort put into this whole year to then just take away half of the races at the end of the year. I think it’s the wrong thing to do, and I’ve never seen it done before.

“I want a fair fight for my Championship right to the finish. I’m sure that Jimmy Filice, the (250cc Grand Prix) points leader, would like to win the Championship the right way and not back into it. I don’t want it to be a tarnished season. I don’t want people to think, ‘What if, and what if?’ I want it to be like, this is the Champion for this year in every class. The manufacturers have spent a tremendous amount of money fighting for the 600 Supersport titles or for their Superbike titles, and there’s a lot bigger fish than me that have spent a lot more money than me trying to win a title, which is a very difficult thing to do in this series. It’s just not the right thing to do to cancel the race.

“If there’s no way to re-schedule it, I think if anything you pay double points at Virginia (International Raceway, September 28-30) to allow people with at least a mathematical chance at their Championship to go ahead, and if their results earn them the points, and still win the Championship. It’s like Major League Baseball. They’ve canceled quite a few games now, and I’m sure that they will have to make those games up. Otherwise, the playoffs and the World Series would all come under suspicion as far as not being fair. I just want it to be fair.

“I think the fairest solution would be to make a second round happen at some location. I would even be agreeable to making Virginia a double-header for every class and do two races for every class. I think that would be even fairer than double points.

“It would be difficult, but it was difficult to be in the World Trade Center Tuesday. Why can’t we be flexible? Why can’t we buckle down? Why can’t we work even harder to make this a fair series for everyone involved? Why do we just throw up our hands and give up and forget about Willow? That’s not American, man! That’s not the right attitude to have. The right attitude is, ‘Hey, whatever it takes, we’re going to make everything work out for all of those involved, not just the people that happen to be leading the points.’ There are other people that care where they finish the Championship.

“I think we can make adjustments to have a complete series. I don’t mind having to drive across the country in a week. I’ve done it many, many times before. We used to have to drive from Laguna Seca to Mid-Ohio and have to be there Wednesday. It’s nothing new. I don’t think that’s a reason why we shouldn’t schedule one race right after the other. I also don’t understand why we couldn’t race later on in the year in November. What’s the difference? It’s still not anywhere near the start of the 2002 season in Daytona in March. And the weather only gets better out at Willow later in the year.

“I’m sure that there are more people who are upset by this decision. Sure, everyone has a vested interest in their Championships, and it would be nice to have a huge points lead and just be crowned Champion now like Jimmy Moore. I lose the opportunity to race and win at Willow Springs, to make my bonuses, to make my contingencies. I count on that money to make my house payment. For them to just rip away one tenth of my earning potential, plus it takes away all of my Championship bonuses and the money that I have assigned to those results if I win the 250 Championship, it seems like an awful rash decision to make over the course of few hours. Why don’t we try to negotiate and find a date that works for everybody? Why does it have to be completely done and over with within a day or two of these world events happening? I don’t think that’s a decision to be made quickly or lightly.

“Last year was different when we lost Sears Point (to rain). We still had many rounds left after that one. This is different because this is the second-to-last round, within a few weeks of the last round. There are so many people that have worked so hard.”

AMA Point Standings Following Pike’s Peak:

Superbike:
1. Mat Mladin, 359 points
2. Eric Bostrom, 344 points
3. Nicky Hayden, 303 points
4. Doug Chandler, 292 points

600cc Supersport:
1. Eric Bostrom, 261 points
2. Miguel Duhamel, 230 points
3. Anthony Gobert, 229 points
4. Tommy Hayden, 214 points
5. Josh Hayes, 191 points

Formula Xtreme:
1. TIE Damon Buckmaster/John Hopkins, 229 points
3. Grant Lopez, 200 points
4. Jake Zemke, 197 points
5. Josh Hayess, 191 points
6. Aaron Gobert, 182 points
7. TIE Mark Miller/Roger Lee Hayden, 160 points

750cc Superport:
1. Jimmy Moore, 278 points
2. Ben Spies, 225 points

250cc Grand Prix:
1. Jimmy Filice, 284 points
2. Rich Oliver, 270 points
3. Michael Hannas, II, 225 points

Pro Thunder (before worst two finishes are dropped):
1. Thomas Montano, 242 points
2. Jeffrey Nash, 219 points
3. David Estok, 190 points
4. Mike Ciccotto, 184 points

Pro Thunder also has another round remaining at Road Atlanta October 28 after the round at Virginia International Raceway.



Reader comments follow:

From Reg Kittrelle of Thunder Press:

I’m sure Rich Oliver’s comments are taken out of context, that he’s been misquoted, that his dog ate his homework, that…At least I hope so.

I’m finding it difficult to generate anything resembling sympathy for his cause.


From Gordon Lunde Sr. of the Wegman Benefit Fund:

I agree with Rich Oliver that little planning was done to get this round in. There has to be some way to get this important round of the series into the championship. Be it some extra travel, double points or double races at Virginia. I believe a bit more negotiation and planning could have found a solution to the problem. Why just give up so quickly?

From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment:

AURORA, Ill. – (September 13, 2001) – The Sacramento Mile, round eight of the Drag Specialties National Dirt Track Series will continue as planned for this Saturday night, Sept. 15th at Cal Expo. Clear Channel Entertainment announced that in honor of the victims and families affected by the tragedies, a donation of $5000 from the event will be contributed in conjunction with Drag Specialties to benefit the ClearChannel.com Relief Fund, a newly established fund that has already exceeded $100,000 created by Clear Channel Worldwide.

Clear Channel will also work with local Sacramento fire department and police department officers to accept donations to the fund. The fund will initially benefit the American Red Cross and appropriate New York and Washington, DC Police and Firemen Department funds.

Clear Channel Entertainment, a subsidiary of Clear Channel Worldwide, is the promoter of the Sacramento Mile, a 20-year traditional motorcycle race at Cal Expo featuring America’s best racers on Harley-Davidson powered motorcycles. Fans can still get tickets for the event by calling
916-766-2277.

In light of the week’s tragedies, Clear Channel is hoping to use entertainment to begin the healing process and will look to its other performances over the next several weeks to add to this relief fund. Just last night, the Lynyrd Skynyrd and Backstreet Boys (Clear Channel Entertainment promoted) performances in Raleigh, North Carolina and Toronto, Ontario, respectively, were held as originally scheduled and the groups each announced donations to contribute to the Clear Channel.com fund. Clear Channel Radio announced today a $100,000 donation from their contest fund money and began the promotion on their stations this morning.

The ClearChannel.com Relief Fund was launched officially today and will be accessible to anyone wishing to make any size donation by visiting ClearChannel.com or by mailing a donation to: ClearChannel.com Relief Fund, PO Box 659512, San Antonio, TX 78265.

About Clear Channel Entertainment (formerly SFX):
Clear Channel Entertainment, the world’s largest producer and marketer of live entertainment events, is a subsidiary of Clear Channel Worldwide (NYSE:CCU), a global leader in the out-of-home advertising industry. Clear Channel Entertainment currently owns, operates and/or exclusively books 135 live entertainment venues, including 44 amphitheaters in the U.S. and 28 venues in Europe. Each year, more than 62 million people attend approximately 26,000 events promoted and/or produced by the company, including live music events; Broadway, West End and touring theatrical shows; family entertainment shows; and specialized sports and motor sports shows.

In addition, Clear Channel Entertainment owns leading, independently operated talent management businesses, which specialize in the representation of athletes and broadcasters. Clear Channel Entertainment is headquartered in New York City.