Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail:

Effective immediately, quick-change equipment should be banned from the Toyota 200. Because only a few teams have access to the costly equipment. The AMA has already seen the problem and taken the initiative by disallowing its use for the Daytona 200. WSMC should do the same with the Toyota 200.

Today Stephanie Huth said the decision to ban the equipment was made due to time constraints. She went on to say there was not enough time for the teams to respond to the rule change. She was very forthright in accepting blame and said the mistake rested squarely on her shoulders.

Not enough time? I would understand if the decision were reversed. If all of a sudden quick-change equipment were to be allowed, several teams would not be ready. Additionally it is doubtful if the great majority of teams have the financial resources to acquire the prohibitively expensive equipment. For that matter, the most teams would find it difficult to justify the expense for a once a year event.

If the decision were made today that only conventional tire changes would be allowed, everyone could make their changes the old fashioned way. That, in my opinion, is fair.

If all race teams were to change tires conventionally, everyone is in the same boat.

As it is now, you have a few racers with deep pockets, or assistance from factory teams that have access to specialized equipment. That is unfair for the majority of racers.

You are a champion of the underdog–-a voice for the little people. I challenge you to rise up in defense of the privateer and fight for what is right and fair!

Tommy McComas
AMA SuperMoto #65
Los Angeles, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

By John Ulrich
Roadracing World

We are in favor of banning quick-change equipment. We are not in favor of banning quick-change equipment just five weeks before an annual race that has allowed it (and has been billed as “run what ya brung”) from its inception. Quick-change equipment should be banned for the 2005 Toyota 200, not now, especially since several privateer riders have been accumulating quick-change equipment and wheels for over a year.