Manufacturers onboard for 2009 AMA Pro Road Racing!

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

Looks like the Motorcycle Manufacturers are onboard with a rules package similar to what was originally going to happen for 2009 AMA Pro Road Racing before DMG got involved, a couple changes are spec fuel and tires in American Superbike which will remain 1000cc bikes. Also looks like the 2009 Daytona 200 is going to be run under the lights for the 1st time ever.

Main article:
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34778

Spec tire article:
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34779

Spec fuel article:
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34780

Final 2009 AMA Pro Road Racing Rules article:
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34777

[LongDogRacing]

hoo-ray for parity!

[Jason748]

But are they really, or is it just Roger getting ahead of himself again?   http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34794

[LongDogRacing]

i guess he does have a tendency to do that, doesn't he!

[Team_Serpent]

I didn't see anywhere in any of those articles/announcements where the manufactures released their plans for 2009.

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

I didn't see anywhere in any of those articles/announcements where the manufactures released their plans for 2009.

I don't have any links for the articles, but I read for example that Kawasaki is sponsering the Infinion event in 2009 (if I remember correctly) and there were some other events where other Manufacturers were involved as well. As far as who their Factory teams will consist of - I don't know?

[JBraun]

hoo-ray for parity!

With Dunlop as the spec tire, there will be no parity.

[LongDogRacing]

JBraun,
Please elaborate!
Thanks,
--Justin

[Scotty Ryan]

JBraun,
Please elaborate!
Thanks,
--Justin

I don't want to put words in anyones mouth - But I think Jason's trying to say that with Dunlops past history of giving out special tires to special people - Things may not be as fair as they seem...

After running the Moto-St series for a while now - I think that people will be able to tell if Others have special tires... The competition should be much closer now with the new rules and specs - that we shouldn't see sooo many run away victories anymore - Not just in the SBK class - But across the board....

I know that I'm not too happy about the brand - But the concept of spec is very appealing to me.... For those of you that haven't raced - I'm sure that this may seem really bad for motorcycling in the U.S - But after spending an entire season in the AMA trying to compete with guys that got special parts and special tires..... It's very promising - Knowing that there are a few less things separating you from the Big Dawgs..... And in the end that should translate into more sponsorship on all levels and more promotion - Hopefully making things more main stream......

[XRacerX]

But now you'll be buying every single tire you use. If you did this last year, then no biggie. But for all those guys sponsored by the other brands and getting tires free, they are screwed. But it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Im hoping everyone ends up on the exact same tire, thats how it should be once they are playing by the spec tire rule... Good luck to ya... 

[Scotty Ryan]

But now you'll be buying every single tire you use. If you did this last year, then no biggie. But for all those guys sponsored by the other brands and getting tires free, they are screwed. But it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. I'm hoping everyone ends up on the exact same tire, that's how it should be once they are playing by the spec tire rule... Good luck to ya... 

I know exactly what you mean and this is the same boat I'm in right now - I have been on the phone discussing this topic trying to figure out what the game plan is for next season...  As far as buying the tires yourself - Well it all depends on weather one will be able to just show up to an AMA and race out of the back of their van - Who knows - they may have rules about sizes of teams and transporters.... Really it all comes down to the deal you have with your team - I mean are you paying to ride - Or are they paying you to ride.... There's even a middle ground in there somewhere....

But I agree 100% - Everyone should be on the same tires....

[Super Dave]

The tire thing is a crimp in everyone's budget except for those that have afforded buying their own tires.

So, that is a crimp on the bigger teams that had attractive programs to get full tire sponsorships.  Now, that has to be a line in the budget.

Manufacturers on board?

Anyone see contingency made available? 

Kawasaki is the advertiser for an event at Infineon?  Well, I think they sponsor a lot of things not even related to motorcycle racing.  It's just business.  Doesn't show they are committed to racing.  I mean, Kawasaki wasn't involved during a lot of the 80's in road racing even. 

Parity?  With no dyno limit, you've still got to do as Jim Rashid says, "Build the best bike you can."  For some, the amount that can be spent on that is only a little.  Others, it can be quite a bit.  Seemingly infinity compared to others budgets. 

I think there's an opportunity for change.  But has this program allowed a Scotty Ryan or a Jeff Wood to have a better footing in a series that has been skewed a little toward the 15% of the field that has major money and parts coming in from a route that is non standard?  I'm unsure as of yet. 

I think there's still a great opportunity for contingency racing and money making at the club level based on years of previous manufacturer exposure.

[Super Dave]

But now you'll be buying every single tire you use. If you did this last year, then no biggie. But for all those guys sponsored by the other brands and getting tires free, they are screwed. But it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Im hoping everyone ends up on the exact same tire, thats how it should be once they are playing by the spec tire rule... Good luck to ya... 

I'm betting that there will be specific tires with no really unique stuff available.  I mean, to what end would that provide?  A Dunlop winner?  A Dunlop looser?  It's a required Dunlop field, so it's not a huge concern.  You pretty much have to sort out your bike, your riding, build your bike the best you can.  Even if ChenShin were making the tires and were the series sponsor, they would be the winner, right?

What kind of is the trick is that it breaks up the relationships that racers develop with the race distribution chain.  Those are important to up and coming racers and the market place as a whole. 

If you're a young racer that's good and fast, but not particularly wealthy or in the company of wealthy friends/family, your opportunities to move into the big show are certainly more limited in your purchasing power for tires outright.  The availability is "the same", but the number of availability might be limited. 

Additionally, support below the AMA level for riders might be only based on performance levels through contingency alone vs rider development as a well developed rider will only go into a spec series. 

But a manufacturer could use club level racing to really generate new marketing opportunities at that level on a national campaign where there is actually competition. 

So, I think there are a lot of things to think about.

[Scotty Ryan]

I have actually had conversations concerning all of these topics - With people directly inside the industry.... And most of these topics were and are being taken into consideration - On all levels from the bottom up....  We'll all know in good time - Hopefully sooner then later........

[Super Dave]

We'll all know in good time - Hopefully sooner then later........

LOL!  Right!  Hopefully, all the information will be known as everyone is driving to Daytona.

[Scotty Ryan]

LOL!  Right!  Hopefully, all the information will be known as everyone is driving to Daytona.

But isn't that part of the excitment of Daytona? In 07' I went down there without anything - Not knowing if I would even have boots to use....

Now that's some good excitment :)

[Super Dave]

Oh, it is exciting.   

I think Daytona is always easier to deal with if you always assume that it's going to be that way, which is usually pretty close to the truth. 

You and I both know, seldom are things ever close to perfect.

[MegRyan]

Oh, it is exciting.  

I think Daytona is always easier to deal with if you always assume that it's going to be that way, which is usually pretty close to the truth. 

You and I both know, seldom are things ever close to perfect.

I think the easiest way to deal with Daytona AMA is from your couch watching it on TV... But for those stupid people like myself that feel the need to race the 200 each season - It's hard to do from the couch...... The advantage to the couch is that you don't beat the H#ll out of your breastbone after the 200 miles is up.....

[Scotty Ryan]

Damnit - I did it again..... That was my post - I keep forgeting that both Meg and I use these computers..........I'm just helping her smite count I guess....

[tzracer]

I think Mehgan has padding to protect her breast bone, not that you would know anything about that.

[Super Dave]

I think Mehgan has padding to protect her breast bone, not that you would know anything about that.

I think they are going to get married, aren't they?

[Team_Serpent]

I think they are going to get married, aren't they?

They are? 

So what, that's like public knowledge?

No one told me 

[Super Dave]

Well, haven't they been going out for like eight years?  Maybe they were betrothed.

[Scotty Ryan]

They are? 

So what, that's like public knowledge?

No one told me 

Sorry J - Yup - I proposed and she has a ring on her finger now....

[Team_Serpent]

Sorry J - Yup - I proposed and she has a ring on her finger now....

Congrats to you both!

[Burt Munro]

Sorry J - Yup - I proposed and now I have a ring in my nose....

Fixed it for you Scotty!!!!

[Scotty Ryan]

Fixed it for you Scotty!!!!

Gee - Thanks.... You knew what I meant to say :)

[Scotty Ryan]

Congrats to you both!

Thanks man

[JBraun]

JBraun,
Please elaborate!
Thanks,
--Justin

Pretty much what Scotty said.
Dunlop is basically the spec tire for superbike already, at least at the sharp end of the field. So not much has changed there.

Special tires for special riders is a good way to put it. To give a local example, look at Matt Hall, he went rediculously fast this year, battled with Jeff Wood during several ASRA rounds, placed well in AMA stuff, and he rides on Dunlops.
If Matt walked up to Jim Allen and asked for the tire that Ben Bostrom uses, Jim would fall over laughing.
The factories help Dunlop develop this stuff, and they don't want them sharing it with everyone. I don't see that changing.

Dunlop isn't alone in that regard, but they're the worst by far.

[Super Dave]

Pretty much what Scotty said.
Dunlop is basically the spec tire for superbike already, at least at the sharp end of the field. So not much has changed there.

Special tires for special riders is a good way to put it. To give a local example, look at Matt Hall, he went rediculously fast this year, battled with Jeff Wood during several ASRA rounds, placed well in AMA stuff, and he rides on Dunlops.
If Matt walked up to Jim Allen and asked for the tire that Ben Bostrom uses, Jim would fall over laughing.
The factories help Dunlop develop this stuff, and they don't want them sharing it with everyone. I don't see that changing.

Dunlop isn't alone in that regard, but they're the worst by far.

Well, I'll redirect on this a little.

First, since the entire field is going to have to be supplied with tires, the choices will be limited because of production numbers necessary to maintain the entire field.  And, this has to be recognized, a Dunlop rider will win the race.  So, it does come down to riding, set up, choices, etc., but since it's not necessary to ensure that your top flight team wins, like Yosh over Jordan, there isn't the need even to provide something like that.

[Scotty Ryan]

Looks like Yamaha is in for sure - Glad Josh is finaly getting to ride a big bike. Hope he kills everyone....

[Super Dave]

Looks like Yamaha is in for sure - Glad Josh is finaly getting to ride a big bike. Hope he kills everyone....

Yeah, that would be cool. 

Does Mladin have an existing contract?

[Scotty Ryan]

Yeah, that would be cool. 

Does Mladin have an existing contract?

Nothing that I've heard of - But then again I don;t hear everything.... I would hope so...... I would like to see what would come of everything ....

[Super Dave]

Nothing that I've heard of - But then again I don;t hear everything.... I would hope so...... I would like to see what would come of everything ....

Ah, here we go...

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=30854

From November of 2007:  "Mat Mladin, the only six-time AMA Superbike Champion, will also focus his efforts on AMA Superbike and has recently re-signed with Suzuki for 2009."

He should be obligated to provide his services to Mel Harris. 

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

I had heard Spies hadn't made it into MotoGP and was going to World Superbike for 2009, now he's back to racing AMA in 2009 -  .

[Scotty Ryan]

Ah, here we go...

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=30854

From November of 2007:  "Mat Mladin, the only six-time AMA Superbike Champion, will also focus his efforts on AMA Superbike and has recently re-signed with Suzuki for 2009."

He should be obligated to provide his services to Mel Harris. 

Well - We know how it could play out - Contracted rider is obligated to preform services for length of contract - Said rider doesn't perform services for entire length - Rider's salary is prorated for services rendered.

I know this has happened before - But I would think much less of everybody's "favorite rider" if he jumps ship now.... Not that I would be sad to see him go at all - But I would really lose the little respect that I do have for the guy.

[Scotty Ryan]

I had heard Spies hadn't made it into MotoGP and was going to World Superbike for 2009, now he's back to racing AMA in 2009 -  .

In road racing, the Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Race Team will again field the championship-winning 2007 team. Ben Spies, two-time AMA Superbike Champion and 2007 AMA Superstock Champion, will only race AMA Superbike in 2008. Mat Mladin, the only six-time AMA Superbike Champion, will also focus his efforts on AMA Superbike and has recently re-signed with Suzuki for 2009. Tommy Hayden, two-time AMA Supersport Champion, rounds out the impressive team line-up. Spies, Mladin and Hayden will race Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbikes in the premier class, and Hayden will also race the Suzuki GSX-R600 in the AMA Supersport class.


I don't see anything in there about Ben riding AMA this season - I know that he is competing in WSBK for Yamaha this upcoming season....

[Super Dave]

I had heard Spies hadn't made it into MotoGP and was going to World Superbike for 2009, now he's back to racing AMA in 2009 -  .

Where did you hear he was going back to the AMA?

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

Where did you hear he was going back to the AMA?

My bad, I didn't realize that article you linked to was from over a year ago, I thought it was a new article so I wasn't paying specific attention to the dates and assumed it was talking about next season (2009).

[Super Dave]

My bad, I didn't realize that article you linked to was from over a year ago, I thought it was a new article so I wasn't paying specific attention to the dates and assumed it was talking about next season (2009).

LOL!  I was just trying to figure out Mladin's last contract stuff. 

[tug296]

I might renew my AMA membership.

[Jason748]

He we go again.... 
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=35052

[Super Dave]

Cry babies they are.  Anyone else heard that DuHamel is racing for Buell in 2009?

[khanson]

Yes Mladin is the only one signed to Suzuki currently for 2009.  That deal was done over a year ago.

Everything else is getting sorted out right now.  This is such a crazy year.....everything is way behind schedule.

[Super Dave]

This is such a crazy year.....everything is way behind schedule.

LOL!

Well, it's always behind schedule, this year it's more behind behind schedule. 

[tug296]

What would Mr. Soichiro Honda say?