Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I have read with interest the comments made by Mike Ciccotto and Bill Martin on the idea of opening up the Formula Xtreme class.

As an European motorcycle dealership owner and an avid racer, I find it extremely annoying that in both the AMA and Formula USA it is very difficult to run a privateer effort. Simply, unless one has a huge budget to run Ducati or Aprilia Superbikes there are no other classes in which to enter.

Formula USA might argue that there is their Superbike class allowing Ducati 748s up to 800cc. Same as running Ducati 998s–prohibitively expensive to be competitive. Or the Thunderbike class allowing Ducati 900SS, Buells, Moto Guzzis etc.–hardly a premier class, with a very small purse.

I think opening up the FX class is a great idea and it is high time the AMA or any of the organizations consider the other marques besides the Big Four.

My rider and I have since the beginning of the year scrutinized the various rules and have failed to come up with any viable options. Unless there are changes for 2004 I will have to consider running a Japanese bike even though 99% of my business is European-bike-related.

There is of course the new Triumph Daytona to consider but there is nothing like running a big European V-Twin. As the sayin’ goes, “win on Sundays, sell on Mondays.”

Regards,
Neville Hall-Reace
AHRMA# 565
CCS# 80
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida


I agree with Buells in Formula Xtreme, RE: Ciccotto Wants Buells In 2004 Formula Xtreme.

I just finished reading his plea to have Buells added into next year’s rule change. He made some great points, the bikes would compete but not domminate the class, and it would also bring more fans/spectators to AMA events. If there is a way for you at Roadracing World to contact the AMA and present this to them, because I don’t think my e-mail would mean anything to them please do so. Thank you in advance.

Chris E Smith
CCS Novice #81
Lansing, Michigan