John Ulrich, publisher of Roadracing World, also fields a race team and is a member of the AMA board. He wrote a lengthy editorial about all of the problems the AMA has been having with racing rules and regulations and the difficulties of getting necessary changes made. He lists a number of things he is trying to accomplish, dispels a few rumors, and in general, makes a number of interesting points. He also describes the frustration he’s experienced with the current organization. Very enlightening.
Among the many points he raised was this thought on Formula Xtreme, which has been in some turmoil this year with the Buell XBRR situation:
Homologation requirements for Superbike and Formula Xtreme should be loosened. The “Formula” part of Formula Xtreme should be emphasized, with AMA Pro Racing allowing in all manner of diverse machines. If one type of machine becomes an overdog, it should immediately be required to carry more weight. Additional machines that should be allowed in the class include Triumph 675cc Triples, 850cc liquid-cooled 4-valve Desmo Ducati 748s, 1100cc air/oil-cooled two-valve Desmo Ducatis, 1200cc air/oil-cooled pushrod 4-valve BMWS with shaft drive, etc. This class should be used to address the common fan complaint that, all the bikes in all the classes look and sound alike.
The inclusion of bikes like the Triumph 675, the Ducatis and the BMWs are exactly what a number of comments here at The Kneeslider have suggested. He covers tires, fuel, traction control and many, many other topics. Great editorial and I truly hope John can get some of what he’s working for moved through the organization and into practice.
C. J. Luke, III says
It’s good to see him come out in the open with what he thinks should happen. In my mind, it’s not important if you agree with him or not, what is important is that we don’t have a batch of “hidden or private” agendas that are the driving force behind the AMA. It would be really good if the AMA and World Super Bike could come close enough together to allow some kind of “final” competition (think superbowl). And I agree with him completely that there should be “open” classes that allow a large spectrum of equipment and racers in as well as “restricted” classes that minimize the modification of “stock” bikes.
The good news is that it seems that the AMA might finally be getting their “head screwed on straight”.