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Motorcycle groups explore advancement of road racing in U.S.
AMA, MotoAmerica and others talk cooperative future.
Published: Dec 13, 2014, 3:56 AM
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Representatives from the American Motorcyclist Association, MotoAmerica and seven regional and amateur road racing organizations met at AMA headquarters on Thursday, Dec. 11, to discuss ways they can work together to improve road racing in America.
"The AMA is committed to creating a brighter future for all levels of road racing competition," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "MotoAmerica is demonstrating exceptional dedication with respect to the professional national and continental championship series. This meeting was an important step to extend that level of collaboration to the grassroots level, where tomorrow's stars will get their first taste of competitive road racing."
MotoAmerica principals Wayne Rainey and Chuck Askland attended the meeting, as well as MotoAmerica Race Operations Manager Niccole Cox.
In addition to Dingman, the AMA was represented by Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey, Racing Director Bill Cumbow, Director of Pro Racing Relations Kevin Crowther and Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant.
Representatives from other road racing groups included Evelyne and Sean Clarke from WERA Motorcycle Roadracing; Kevin Elliot, president of ASRA/Championship Cup Series; Greg Nulman, owner, and Mana Claus, timing and scoring, with Moto West Grand Prix; Walter Walker, director of competition for the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association; Dana Wilson with the Utah Sport Bike Association; Jim Wilson, president of the Motorcycle Roadracing Association; and Berto Wooldridge, president of the American Federation of Motorcyclists.
"Our goal is to create a better path from the amateur ranks to national championship competition and, ultimately, to help American riders ascend to the MotoGP World Championship," said Rainey, a three-time world champion and an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer. "That work begins at the club level. The more cooperation and standardization that we can create across the board, the easier it will be for amateur racers to one day become pros in MotoAmerica."
Askland reported that the industry has expressed ongoing support for MotoAmerica's progress. He asked the other organizations in attendance to work closely with the AMA to build a framework for long-term viability.
'Creat value for the sport'
"We also want to create value for the sport," Askland said. "If all of our organizations can be aligned on key classes, develop standardized race procedures and work together to homogenize certain rules, the foundation will be in place for sustainable success."
Representatives examined several ways they can work together. In addition to classes and race procedures, discussions included license processing, technology sharing and racer promotions.
As part of its responsibilities as the sanctioning body for professional road racing in America, the AMA licenses riders and manages the advancement process. In addition, as the U.S. affiliate of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme and a member of FIM North America, the AMA administers MotoAmerica's FIM North America Continental Union sanction.
MotoAmerica, with consultation of the AMA, is responsible for maintaining a competitive and commercially viable class structure, drafting the rules of competition and event procedures, selling series sponsorships, negotiating with tracks, processing crew and media credentials, and engaging with fans.
The AMA will announce licensing criteria and procedures soon at www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
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