| Author | Message | ||
     Crusty |
From SuperbikePlanet.com: The Daytona 200, formerly part of the AMA Superbike Championship, will now utilize Formula Xtreme equipment. According to Scott Hollingsworth, AMA Pro Racing CEO, this change is being made in response to many of the concerns that have arisen regarding Daytona. "Daytona is a unique place and requires a unique approach. At the same time, Daytona and the Daytona 200 are treasured icons in the racing world," said Hollingsworth. "To keep that event viable while acknowledging the realities posed by modern, 1000cc Superbikes, we will run the Daytona 200 as a Formula Xtreme race. AMA Superbikes will continue at Daytona but now as a sprint race, consistent with the rest of the Superbike events that comprise our championship." Hollingsworth stated that the future direction of the Daytona 200 has been discussed for some time and has included input from manufacturers, riders, team principals, tire companies, as well as Daytona International Speedway and International Speedway Corporation. "In meetings dating back to last year, it became clear that a course change and reducing sustained speeds of the 200 were two primary areas that needed addressing," said Hollingsworth. "There were many innovative ideas put forth but the notion of running Formula Xtreme machinery in the 200 while still showcasing Superbikes was the one idea that had the most merit. From a marketing standpoint, the winners of either race earn plenty of bragging rights because a 200 mile win or a Superbike victory at Daytona are tremendous accomplishments. Another option that was given strong consideration was that of racing Supersport bikes in the 200. However, it's no secret that Formula Xtreme equipment may one day form the basis for Superbikes. This possible ?peek into the future' was the ultimate factor in determining the best long-term solution." Hollingsworth stated that these changes, as well as the track reconfiguration that was jointly announced yesterday by AMA Pro Racing and Daytona International Speedway, are examples of the responsiveness shared by both organizations. "Together we have examined the issues, listened to all viewpoints and created a strong direction for the future," summarized Hollingsworth. Along with the Daytona AMA Superbike race and Daytona 200, AMA Supersport and AMA Superstock events will also be featured during Daytona Bike Week beginning on Wednesday, March 9, 2005. Now Buell has a legitimate chance to win the Daytona 200! Wouldn't that be the cats •••? (Message edited by Crusty on August 15, 2004) | ||
| Imonabuss |
Oh yeah! | ||
| Coolice |
Win on Sunday, sell on Monday! GO BUELL! It will be the year to be at Bikeweek, Buellers be there! | ||
| Crusty |
I think it's pretty neat. Erik was kinda robbed when the AMA changed the premier class to Superbike back in the '80s. Now, the premier class is changing again, this time to FX, where Hals and Kosco have shown that XB based racers can be competitive. As Jose has pointed out, a competitive FX Buell can be built for less than half the cost of a competitive Honda. Hopefully, a lot of privateers will realize this, and there'll be a field that's rich in Buells. I'll be in the stands next March. | ||
| José_quiñones |
I'm making plans to be there. People will complain that it's not the "Premier" Superbike Riders/Bikes but the fact is that Superbikes and the Superstock bikes are too heavy/fast for the tires at that track, even with the reconfigured course. It should be safer and the FX bikes will have plenty of speed and put on a good show. The AMA will be happy not only due to the "Safety" aspect but because this will increase manufacturer interest in this new class, thus getting more factory bikes and riders into FX instead of Supersport, which would finally leave that class for the privateers to shine. Will Suzuki be able to convince Mladin to race a 600? Will Ducati Put EBoz on the 749R along with DC? Will the Yamaha and Kawasaki factory teams abandon Supersport and jump into FX? Will the Buell teams "borrow" the old HDVR1000 quick change hardware or get something newer, or just do the whole race on the same set of tires? Start you practice Pit Stops! | ||
| Blake |
No quick change hardware... http://venus.13x.com/roadracingworld/scripts/NewsInsert.asp?insert=10366 |
