The BMW North America-backed San Jose BMW team is convinced that MOTO-ST’s recent rules clarification banning the use of center-lift stands for the upcoming Daytona 8-Hour is part of a conspiracy aimed directly at lead rider Brian Parriott and the team’s trick new center-lift stand, built by Kosman Specialties in Windsor, California, north of Santa Rosa. MOTO-ST boss Roger Edmondson denies the charges and says the organization didn’t know anything about San Jose BMW’s center-lift stand at the time the rules were changed. Edmondson also told roadracingworld.com that BMW consultant Udo Gietl complained that the now-illegal stand cost $17,000 to build and has threatened to sue the organization for not allowing it to be used. Sandy Kosman told roadracingworld.com that while the San Jose BMW team’s total bill at his shop was $17,000 it also included prototype design and fabrication of captive wheel spacers, caliper mounts, brake lines and other parts, as well as installation of ceramic wheel bearings. “Anybody could build that stand for $1000” if they did it themselves, Kosman said, adding that Kosman Specialities had completed 186 billable hours of work on the project, plus parts. BMW North America has contributed to funding the San Jose BMW effort, including paying Gietl to consult with the team on preparing the bike and running the effort. Besides Californian Parriott, Nate Kern of New Jersey and Stephan Mertens of Belgium will ride the San Jose BMW at Daytona. In an Internet post on the issue, Edmondson wrote: “In the original September 8th letter we sent to every team who requested an entry, we made it clear that we were still fine tuning and editing the rules. We stated that the final rules would be posted on September 25th and that subsequent changes would be in the Supplemental Regulations which would be mailed to each entered team on October 10th. “The rule changes regarding the use of separate, inexpensive, and readily available stands were made on the 25th. In fact, if you look at our web site and check the Sporting Regulations, the ones listed were there since September 27th. The idea that this change represents our ‘caving’ to a manufacturer or some attitude we may have towards BMW of San Jose, other than respect, is ludicrous and offensive. It is offensive to accuse other MOTO-ST teams of lobbying for favor. It is offensive to accuse us of giving favor. Those who know me and know my record know that while I have proper respect for people, I am not a respecter of persons or powers when it comes to the rules and their enforcement. “There is quite an uproar about last minute rule changes, particularly coming from the BMW camp, but not one of those complaints revolves around the rule change we made at their request, in respect to their rear hub. This was a reasonable request, appeared to address an inequity, and was put into effect in the very same bulletin that has created so much angst. “Finally, the intent of the battery power tools rule and the stand rule is to keep the need for trick and special stuff (= cost) to a minimum. Everyone has access to battery powered tools at relatively low cost. Not everyone already has or needs air powered equipment, but if one has it, all really need it to be competitive and it adds nothing to the racing or safety. Those who think battery powered tools create too much of a fire hazard should use hand tools. They are also allowed. “The stand on the BMW was never mentioned to me until this weekend. The first person to argue the stand rule was Keith Perry and he got the same answer the BMW team is getting…..NO! “It makes no sense to me that anyone would build a stand that cost more than the motorcycle it is supporting, but it was represented to us that the stand in question cost $17,000.00. Maybe true, maybe not. If so, one must question the value judgements used to allow it to be built. If not, one must suspect every other argument brought forth by the individuals using their high investment as reasons we should say yes. “To all of you, I am pleased that you are interested enough to discuss the new series and new programs. I promise you this…..the first race will be the worst one we ever run and we will be on a program of continuous improvement. That is how businesses are supposed to serve their customers and that is our mission.” Read more about it here: ~http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=180511~ ~http://insider.speedtv.com/viewtopic.php?t=124813&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15~