what do you think....

[Chef]

From RRW...

one rider quotes another....

( ...) writes, that he has "no answers or suggestions" to remedy the seemingly unfair and inconsistent manner in which the AMA treats privateers. Well, for what it is worth, I have one. Don't support them. Don't ride in their races. Don't help them put on a show. Let the Factory guys race around alone for a few races.

Until the privateers stand as one and get the AMA's attention ($$$$), little if anything will change in the way they view and value your presence and participation. If they truly cared, they would not treat you with such disregard.

If they do not care, they will not care, until you make them care.


and another.....


I have been watching and reading in horror at the BS that AMA Pro Racing bestows on its riders. I could not imagine paying my hard-earned money to race for such a joke of an organization. What to do?

Maybe its time for the riders to just say "enough" and totally withdraw themselves for 2004. Yes, that's not going to be easy but maybe it's worth a try. Instead, go race FUSA or their local club - at least you could still race.


comments or thoughts..........???


soon to be
expert backmarker..
40

[smoke]

What is the ratio between factory and privateers on any race weekend?

They should stand up and fight but would it do any good?  As the factorys control the AMA.  

I think no changes will ever take place unless a privateer wins a champ..

[EX#996]

I read that too thinking that this would be an excellent way to get the AMA's attention.  However, pulling it off will be another matter.  There are too many out there who will put up with the BS just to race with the likes of Miquel, Bostrum, Mladin, ect.

I don't see it happening.

Dawn  

[Super Dave]

Well, there are far more privateers than factory riders...probably three to one if not four to one.

There just needs to be a change of heart from the manufacturers.  NASCAR rules with a proper fist.  The AMA certainly does not.

[tigerblade]

Not a bad idea, but would it work?  Would the AMA just tweak the rules so replacement riders could race?  Kinda like baseball strike?

[Super Dave]

I don't understand...

Replacement riders?

Riders enter AMA races just like we enter CCS races.  If only nine riders enter a CCS race...that's all you have.  Same would go for an AMA race, but the competitors must qualify for their positions.  So, if you have 105 riders attempt to qualify for a race, like we had in the early '90's for 600 Supersport, they only take the top 80.  

I think the 2003 Daytona Supersport race had like 54 guys...

[tigerblade]

Right.  What I'm saying is that if the top privateers who are currently qualifying sat out, wouldn't the AMA just change the qualifying percentage so they could fill out the field and nullify the effect of the protest?  Aren't there going to be plenty of riders more than happy to take their shot at running with the big boys?  Of course, that would piss off the factories since those guys would be slower...

Just conjecturing...

[GregR6]

I also read the article.
What's gets me is it's seemingly all about NOW (and $$$ of course). They don't look to the future when some of these privateers will more than likely BE the Factory guys. And the Factory guys in AMA will have either moved up (WSB, etc), retired, or otherwise.
The manufacturers should look at privateers as prospects, not "rolling chicanes", as I've seen worded before. I don't understand why they're not treated better.  IMO, the ego the factory guys get once earning that ride isn't helping matters.. :-/ The privateers is what MAKES racing IMO.  Most the Factory guys were once Privateers...why the continued BS? I really don't believe either that "not supporting them" by not participating in AMA is the right answer. The best answer IMO, whether or not it ever happens, is creating a more level playing field for the current classes, or separating them. Just like Am and Ex. The factory's to support another couple of riders each, to make for a decent grid, and then the privateers could have their own races to vie for that factory ride... Hell I don't know. I'd like to run an AMA race or two when I get to that level, but not if this is the way it's going to be...  :'(

[Chef]

I think it would be cool if us little people could find a way to come together and make our collective voice heard, not to make demands, but to even the playing field,
It's obvious that there are many fast racers who wont get a chance, but even some who will get close and even probably do better than some of those who actually get a ride if given a chance...

most of the
ama racers are as fast as those who get the machines to use and talk bad about a lapper as if their skill alone is THE difference...pulease!

i wanna race with miggie and the rest of the guys, but i wouldnt mind going FUSA in order to see some changes made...

just opinion...

[Super_KC124]

You are absolutly correct, Ike. Now go to bed! ;D

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

soon to be
expert backmarker..
40

I guarentee that won't be the situation for you Ike!  :)

[Super Dave]

I would doubt that you would see them open up the qualifying times.

Ok, here's a reality question.

You know the good privateers.  Which of them has offers to ride for which team?

The route to a factory ride isn't though being a privateer anymore.  

Livengood was AMA rookie of the year.  No ride.  Geoff May got it this year.  He'll be running in Macau with the help of Milwaukee's Greg Moon.  Hayden's came from dirt track.  How many guys have came from Austrailia.  Yates is from another time.  DuHammel had a good name to work with, as did Kurtis Roberts.  

Hy Howard would be my privateer pick.  Nice kid from Texas with a lot of dirt track experience.  But he can still only get on privateer teams and support packages.  Yet, somehow, over the course of several years, Hacking was able to destroy five million dollars worth of equipment for teams before finally getting his act together this year.

I believe that it all has to do with money.  Jason Curtis anyone?  If you've got money to buy a team around yourself, you can get in.