Sunday, July 12, 2009
AMA Pro announces F-450 as 'defacto' class in 2010
AMA Pro Racing Announces Interest in 450 Singles Class for Future AMA Pro Road Racing Seasons
MONTEREY, Calif. (July 5, 2009) - AMA Pro Racing announced today its interest in a 450cc singles class for future AMA Pro Road Racing seasons. The purpose of the class would be to provide a gateway for young regional riders to ascend to the national ranks of professional motorcycle racing.
Over the coming months, AMA Pro Racing officials will begin the process of testing the concept for performance, competition and safety characteristics as well as viability and interest in the marketplace. Preliminary plans call for the entry-level professional class to feature an arrive-and-ride format utilizing a single, yet-to-be-determined manufacturer and 450cc single-cylinder motorcycles prepared by a single tuner. Entries in the class would be restricted to riders between the ages of 16 and 21, supplanting the requirements for AMA Pro SuperSport presented by Shoei.
With the inclusion of the new class, the age restriction on AMA Pro SuperSport would be lifted, allowing the class to continue as an option for young riders while permitting older entry-level riders an opportunity to enter the ranks of AMA Pro Road Racing.
"Combining close competition with affordable equipment provides a win-win situation for fans and riders alike," said AMA Pro Racing President Roger Edmondson. "The parity in performance brought with a single manufacturer and tuner puts America's young talent at center stage and helps them to refine their riding skills for advancement through the ranks."
The new class would borrow from Gavin Trippe's inspiration of repurposing the large, readily-available pool of 450cc four-stroke dirtbikes present in America for entry-level road racing competition. AMA Pro Racing is exploring the advancement of that vision and the potential to work with grassroots and national amateur motorcycle racing organizations to create a pipeline for young American talent that would culminate with an entry point to professional racing in AMA Pro.
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization operates and manages AMA Pro Road Racing, which includes AMA Pro American Superbike, AMA Pro Daytona SportBike, AMA Pro SuperSport and AMA Pro SunTrust Moto-GT. AMA Pro Racing also manages and works closely with the day-to-day operational organizations of the AMA Pro Flat Track Championship and the AMA Pro Supermoto Championship Series in addition to other two-wheel and ATV series. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.
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For additional information contact:
AMA Pro Racing Communications, (386) 492-1014, communications@amaproracing.com
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2 comments:
DeFacto 450 – blind corner?
Sure, kids need a way in and 16–21 year-olds could use an easy path to get on pavement. But, does the format deserve relegating to little more than a training bra - profitable for a designated supplier? The idea, it seems, should be to provide an affordable way for privateer builders to use their skill set to field make/model identifiable bikes with blueprint production engine/frame/suspension/brakes and just enough allowed in the way of accessory tires/wheels/skin to make them road racers. And, likewise, to be the affordable gateway to new riders – not just kinder – into the limelight.
Given the generous frame dimensions, there’s a virtual guarantee the rider doesn’t have to be Willie Shoemaker or sixteen years old. (hint, hint – a weight minimum is a good idea, but a starting grid weight handicap is a better one – fat guys can race, too!) Given the mechanical near parity of class across at least five manufacturers (with the prospect of more), a nice inventory of core stock (with the prospect of more!!), and reason (not rationalization) based specs, the adept privateer is more than just grid-filling cannon fodder. This speaks to who participates and who’s welcome.
In terms of who watches, consider the prospect of someone identifiable riding a recognizable bike, not a future-famous flyer on a mega-bucks bit of unobtanium. It’s attractive and marketable. It will sell beer in the stands and on TV. It also might sell me into fixing a 450 to replace my streetwise ex-desert 650 thumper. There are a lot of us. Doubt it? Well, poll the thumper ranks, vintage and current. Or look around you on your daily commute. Thumpers are how a lot of scooter people graduate to a motorcycle – or at least aspire to do so. Thumpers are how a lot of people get around.
So, why not put the kindergarten out with the crowd? They won’t bite, and the kids will learn plenty. Hell, they’ll probably win. The manufacturer money will certainly find its way in as contingency and reduced cost for spares/replacement. The kids will find competitive rides and move into higher pro ranks. Consumer product sponsors will find their faces. And the audience (there will be one!) will love it. They may even stick around for your superstars. Lord knows, right now, that’s a “so what?” for most who would come aboard.
"Combining close competition with affordable equipment provides a win-win situation for fans and riders alike," said AMA Pro Racing President Roger Edmondson. – RIGHT!
"The parity in performance brought with a single manufacturer and tuner puts America's young talent at center stage and helps them to refine their riding skills for advancement through the ranks." - WRONG! (pretty much says their only hope is uber-pro status – and that privateer builders don’t belong)
“The new class would borrow from Gavin Trippe's inspiration of repurposing the large, readily-available pool of 450cc four-stroke dirtbikes present in America for entry-level road racing competition.” – WELL… what Trippe said was that a lot of people would get into road racing and progress to high levels of proficiency by this route and he’s right.
Just think about what folks with an affinity for enduro, moto, flat track, supermoto, and roadracing get in transfer effect – one identifiable motorcycle to cheer for in four sports and proof that someone other than the elite factory teams has a place there. It’s not as amateurish as the elite would make it. And it would make our sport grow.
AMA Pro is cornering itself yet again, all for lack of imagination. Can you say “side-valve 45”?
Appreciate your thoughts...,Just need to get the ear of those in charge, but the squeaky wheel does get oiled in the end!!
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