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Xb9
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 09:59 pm: | 
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Bit of a hissy fit over the AMA allowing the XBRR in Formula Xtreme??
From superbikeplanet.com:
American Honda's Statement On The AMA's New Structure
'inability of ama to stand by own rulebook alarming'
by dean adams
Saturday, February 18, 2006
This just in from American Honda, noting they have now resigned from the AMA board.
Of special note may be the fifth paragraph down in regards to the legality of the Buell XBRR for the FX class.
For immediate release:
Torrance, CA:
For more than 30 years, American Honda has maintained a seat on the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Board of Trustees. Unfortunately, recent actions taken by the AMA have caused American Honda to question its continued participation on both the AMA Board of Trustees and the Paradama (AMA Pro Racing) Board of Directors. Ultimately, American Honda has made the decision to vacate both seats on these boards effective immediately.
Ray Blank, American Honda Senior Vice President, has served on the AMA Board of Trustees since 1989, and on the AMA Pro Racing board since Paradama's reorganization in the late '90's. No Honda representative will take Mr. Blank's place.
During the time representatives from American Honda served in AMA board-member capacities, the company played a significant role in many positive changes that have taken place in motorcycle racing; the rise of Supercross as a mainstream sport; improvements in rider safety across a broad spectrum of professional motorcycle racing classes; the building of Paradama as a solid business entity within the AMA organization; and sponsorship growth to a level that now supports more full-time professional motorcycle racers than ever before.
American Honda has supported the Paradama concept since it was conceived as a means to create a profitable corporation to fund a vision of what AMA racing should become, and what an AMA non-profit organization could become--a million member organization that fights for motorcyclists' rights, advocates keeping land open for responsible off-roading and maintains a vital Washington presence.
Recently, however, conflicting interests within the AMA organization have caused a division of ideology and a blurring of the vision that American Honda has always supported. Recent issues, including the departure of dedicated individuals from AMA Pro Racing and its inability to stand by its own rulebook with regard to recent Formula Xtreme considerations, have been particularly alarming.
Honda believes the rulebook is a sanctioning body's most important asset. When a governing body violates the sanctity of its rulebook, it loses credibility with everyone associated with racing--the teams, the riders, the sponsors and, most importantly, the fans who rely on sanctioning bodies to create racing environments which ensure fair, balanced and exciting competition. Honda believes the AMA and other sanctioning bodies must be responsible for coordinating the efforts of all participants to ultimately benefit the sport. Honda also believes that all manufacturers, through technical committees, must participate in, and collaborate on, development and harmonization of technical rules for each class of competition.
American Honda will continue its corporate AMA membership and will continue to support the AMA's all important, industry efforts in the areas of land use, riders' rights and the many other positive programs the organization spearheads.
American Honda will continue to compete in AMA sanctioned racing, and will continue to utilize its resources to build the sport and support more riders and teams. Today, Honda offers unprecedented support throughout the AMA professional paddocks.
Most importantly, Honda remains committed to providing new opportunities for customers to enjoy and race Honda products, and for fans to share in the unique passion and excitement of motorcycle racing. |
Xb9
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 10:05 pm: |
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Again from superbikeplanet.com:
AMA's "Response" To Honda Release
by staff
Saturday, February 18, 2006
This has got to be a record for press releases from the AMA in one day.
AMA RESPONSE TO HONDA ANNOUNCEMENT
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Dal Smilie, newly elected chairman of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Board of Directors, today expressed disappointment over the decision by American Honda Motor Co. Inc. to withdraw from participation in the AMA Board of Directors.
Ray Blank, Honda's representative on the AMA Board, announced his resignation at the Board's meeting February 18 in Indianapolis. Honda said that it will maintain its corporate membership in the AMA and continue to compete in AMA-sanctioned racing. The company has also pledged to support the Association's work to protect the rights of American motorcyclists.
Blank had served on the AMA Board since 1989. He also served on the AMA Pro Racing Board. At its meeting in Indianapolis, the AMA Board made the decision to replace the single AMA Pro Racing Board by a group of rulesmaking committees specific to each discipline of AMA professional competition.
That decision was part of a series of changes in the AMA's organizational structure designed to increase the responsiveness and transparency of the Association's work in its three key areas: rights, riding and racing.
"It is unfortunate that American Honda has chosen to withdraw from the AMA Board at this important time, when the AMA is embarking on a new era," Smilie said. "However, we respect Honda's decision and welcome their continued participation in the Association.
"I have worked with Ray for the past 17 years on the Board, and all of us appreciate his contributions," Smilie added. "Ray has informed us that Honda will be involved in the new pro racing committees that will lead to a more responsive approach to rulesmaking for all disciplines of AMA professional competition." |
Xb9
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 10:11 pm: |
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There's a bunch of info on the AMA restructuring:
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/newind.htm/ |
Diablobrian
| | Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 11:16 pm: |
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It is currently being discussed on the main XB board, but it probably belongs here. |
Xlcr
| | Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 12:47 pm: |
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Well, I've spent half the night running down leads, and I've come to a firm conclusion. The Buell may or may not be the super-trick ringer some believe, and it may or may not do well in the 200, but one thing is for sure, even if it never takes a starting flag it will have made history as the first motorcycle to start a revolution.
It has triggered nothing less than a palace coup! Apparently, the fight over the Buell's legality was far more than a mere disagreement in the ranks. It has brought down the entire structure of the AMA pro division. They aren't just replacing a few people, they are throwing away the old set-up and completely changing the way decisions are made and responsibility is taken. Even those of the losing faction that stay on board are likely to find themselves in positions where they can no longer make important decisions.
As far as the blood-letting goes, so far Hollingsworth, Harvey, and the Honda man Blank are gone. Blank left by choice, Hollingsworth seems to have been pushed, and I'm not yet sure about Harvey. And it may not be over. There are still some that are shell-shocked and confused, and it's hard to say when the fallout will end.
I do think it's irreversible. Like it or not, the pro-Japanese camp is out, which is why Honda resigned, and I don't really think they are coming back. It would take another complete reversal, and the firing of everyone who is now moving to the front.
I don't think there is any chance at all of the Buell being declared illegal now, not after this. Worse for fans of the current status quo, I suspect the rules are going to change as early as next season, and whatever they change to, the sensibilities of Honda and probably the other Japanese brands won't be the first consideration. Their influence has clearly been considerably reduced.
And even though no one anywhere has even mentioned his name in any of this except me, I still believe the big mover behind the scenes here is not Harley or Buell, but Bill France Jr. This has all the earmarks of his style. His family has had an iron grip on NASCAR and the Daytona track from the beginning, and they base their success on the show. He could care less about technical development or engine configurations, he wants a show that will fill the stands, and that means lots of brands and close racing. That should have happened after the last rules change, but instead the Japanese disappointed the AMA and the track owners by cherry picking, and the result was boring racing.
There are other track owners that are unhappy about the thin crowds, but France is by far the most powerful, and he's the one that has a huge biker meet happening at the same time as his race. A race most of those bikers don't bother to come to. To him I'm sure the idea of 50 Harley-powered racers sounded like manna from heaven, just the thing to fill up the fields with bikes people want to see.
But enough of this, let's just cut to the chase; from now on, NASCAR style, the first, last, and only important rule at the AMA will be;
Will it improve the show and bring in more people?
Everything else will come a distant second. |
Jima4media
| | Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 02:08 pm: |
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This dualing press release race is pretty funny really. It is all politics until the green flag drops.
Then until 30 minutes after the race is over, is the time that teams have to lodge a protest over the race or equipment. |
Blake
| | Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 05:02 pm: |
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Don't hold your breath. Listen closely now. The AMA has officially declared that the XBRR is legal for Formula Xtreme.
Repeating, slowly this time:
The AMA...
has officially declared...
the Buell XBRR...
LEGAL...
for AMA Formula Xtreme.
Get over it.
The only controversy remaining is in the minds of naysayers and whining petty childish competitors. |
Jima4media
| | Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 05:51 pm: |
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I wasn't talking about the XBRR, that was all in your mind alone.
I said the rules state that ALL protests need to be made within 30 minutes of the end of the race.
Lighten up Francis! |
Diablobrian
| | Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 08:58 pm: |
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Blake is just tired of hearing people question the AMA ruling on the RR. despite the clarifications to the contrary.
And Jim there are other posts here besides yours that could be seen as asking that very question. |
Clydeglide
| | Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 09:26 pm: |
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the first, last, and only important rule at the AMA will be;
Will it improve the show and bring in more people?
I've stated that here and elsewhere. It's all about filling seats.
Controversy can be a good thing.
Honda (and others) can do whatever they want. They don't run AMA and neither does Buell.
 |
Blake
| | Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 10:17 pm: |
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Please consider Francis justifiably admonished. ![: ]](http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/clipart/proud.gif) |
Whodom
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 09:16 am: |
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Anyone else find it odd that "Motorcycle Daily" (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/) STILL hasn't mentioned the XBRR nor posted the press release on its site, but they have posted all three new releases regarding Honda's hissy fit? |
Court
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 10:14 am: |
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I wrote them a nice note and offered to provide any info they needed. |
Jon
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 12:00 pm: |
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An example of good fly hunting... |
Blake
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 12:21 am: |
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"With its recent re-organization, AMA Pro Racing has said it will end secret rulings and will improve communication with the paddock."
Sounds like a positive development and something John Ulrich will support.
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=25100 |
Diablobrian
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 01:21 am: |
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That is definitely a step in the right direction.
Make for good pr too. |
Fbolt
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 07:15 pm: |
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the xbrr is legal? for what?? |
Diablobrian
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 07:37 pm: |
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AMA Formula Extreme |
Slaughter
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 08:24 pm: |
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FX is the big deal for the moment but for us mortals, the really big deal is the bike is legal for MANY regional/club racing classes. Screw the AMA, check out your local racing clubs for some FUN racing!
If it was only available 2 years ago when I was maxing my VISA and borrowing against my 401K to get a season underway... |
Ortegakid
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2006 - 07:48 pm: |
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Yea, allthough i'm almost glad it wasn't, i might have styed in cali and raced with you at willow! |
Captpete
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2006 - 11:52 pm: |
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Will it improve the show and bring in more people?
Well, how 'bout this thought: What's a really juicy pissing contest do for filling up the seats? |
Jima4media
| | Posted on Thursday, March 02, 2006 - 01:08 am: |
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This reorganization of AMA Pro Racing is going to be interesting. Almost everyone has been sacked or has quit.
Everyone who wrote the rules is gone.
If anyone should want to protest the rules or a manufacturer, or a bike, they would be doing it to someone in an interim position or someone yet to be hired.
That someone would not know why the rules were written in the way that they were.
If the AMA has any integrity they will stick with the rules as they are written now, and any changes would take place in the next calendar year.
It should be interesting to see how all of this plays out.
Jim |
Blake
| | Posted on Thursday, March 02, 2006 - 02:29 am: |
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If the AMA has any integrity... 
I trust John Ulrich. |
Jima4media
| | Posted on Thursday, March 02, 2006 - 11:38 am: |
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John Ulrich is no long with the AMA Pro Racing board...
I guess you missed this announcement...
AMA Thanks Pro Racing Board for Service
AMA Board Chairman Rick Gray today thanked the members of the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors for their service to the organization. The single Pro Racing Board is being replaced by a group of rulesmaking committees that will each focus on a single racing discipline.
The Pro Racing Board has been in existence since 1994. It currently consists of Chairman P.J. Harvey, along with members Cary J.C. Agajanian, Ray Blank, Mike Buckley, Paul Dean, Jeff Nash, Kevin Schwantz and John Ulrich.
"These individuals have volunteered their time and effort for years to help improve the AMA's professional-racing program," said Gray. "Much of the progress we have made in gaining wider exposure and recognition of our sport is directly attributable to their contributions."
In coming weeks, the AMA will announce the members of the new committees that will develop equipment standards and rules for AMA pro competition in road racing, motocross/supercross, flat track, supermoto and hillclimb.
John Ulrich remains a member of the Board of Directors of the AMA, the parent organization of AMA Pro Racing / Paradama, but for how long?
(edited Ray Blank - no longer an AMA board member)
(Message edited by jima4media on March 02, 2006) |
Davegess
| | Posted on Thursday, March 02, 2006 - 03:59 pm: |
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Merril Vanderslice ??? not sure on that name is the guy who will likly make the ruling and is likely th eguy who said the Buell was legal in the first place has quit and will be gone by the end of March. It seems he will still be running the show at Daytona.
This is all speculation as I know nothing. |
Blake
| | Posted on Thursday, March 02, 2006 - 04:12 pm: |
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Jim,
Saw it.
I trust John Ulrich. |
Bomber
| | Posted on Thursday, March 02, 2006 - 04:40 pm: |
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me, I'm thrilled that Buell's in the 200!
I agree this seems rather France-like -- keep in mind this is the family that turned a race series that drew no one north of the Mason Dixon Line, and not many of them, into the darling of the entire freakin country --
call it good marketing, good racing, call it what you will, I believe it will result in more butts in seats (be interesting to see a corelation between race attendance and HD participation -- I know Buell isn't an HD, but it's part of the family, in so far as many spectators will be concerned)
if they can get 5% of the Rat's Hole crowd into the stands, it's a success |
Jssport
| | Posted on Sunday, March 05, 2006 - 03:25 pm: |
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There's a quote from chris Carr (AMA #1 flattrack) in "Flat Track Illusrated" on the recent departure of AMA's pro racing Scott Hollingsworth.
It's something to the likes of,
"Sometimes when you're flushing, you just have to hold down the lever a little longer to make sure you get it all"
Obviously the dislike for the late AMA pro racing group is felt from more than just the roadracing groups. Although I've never heard on any discorse from the motocross crowd?
Let's hope this new structure improves racing for fans, racers, suppoters and factories.
JimS |
Blake
| | Posted on Monday, March 06, 2006 - 12:09 am: |
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Yikes! That is a very strong statement. |
Alstroker
| | Posted on Thursday, March 09, 2006 - 09:34 pm: |
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Actually the motocross crowd doesn't care for them either. Their rulings are often inconsistent when it comes to rules infractions. |
Tommy_2stroke
| | Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 04:55 am: |
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Professional motorcycle road racing in the U.S. has never achieved anything near the success it deserves. It languishes in the background, and it will stay there indefinitely. Unless...
If there were some way to revitalize the sport by transferring to it some of the immensely successful NASCAR management strategy, would that be such a bad thing? I don't know about you, but I'd be willing to sell my soul to the Frances if American bike racing were a tenth as popular as Nextel cup racing. |
Curtyd
| | Posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 06:31 pm: |
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I agree with the "flush em" statement above. AMA roadracing needs an overhaul, hope they don't "flush" Erik and Co., the way they did him in the 1980's with his two stroke racebike. Twice burned, what a bummer that would be. Lightning NEVER strikes twice in the same place, right? Don't underestimate the persuasive power of the greenbacks of Mr. Honda, etc. But then Willie G. is also pretty cash flush these days, so who knows what's coming next, heh? |
Jscott
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 02:14 pm: |
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Thank God for people like John Ulrich
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=25263 |
Bud
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 03:12 pm: |
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just a small observation from a Noob,
i looked at some pictures off the stands at daytona...
they look very empty to me,
to empty iff you ask me.
you should think that the whole FX & AMA series would embrace a new challange with buell putting up the glove's to kick some 4IL butt
and bringing some people to the stands |
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XBRR Threads Consolidated Here! »
American Honda's Statement On The AMA's New Structure - Reaction to XBRR Approval??