Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

An FIM representative will inspect Road Atlanta this month and will discuss requirements for FIM World Championship homologation with track officials.

Speaking at last Sunday night’s WERA Awards Banquet, AMA Pro Racing’s Ron Barrick told members of the audience that they should write to Road Atanta and encourage track officials to make the necessary changes–including significant improvements in run-off room–to gain FIM homologation.

FIM homologation is required before a racetrack can host a World Championship event.

Road Atlanta has run-off problems in several areas, requiring extensive use of Air Fence.

The 2.52-mile road course is lined with concrete walls installed during Bob Barnard’s brief tenure as Road Atlanta’s General Manager, circa 1997-1998.

The inspection is likely to be conducted by FIM’s Claude Danis.

Road Atlanta’s address is 5300 Winder Highway, Braselton, GA 30517.

According to Barrick, while the use of Air Fence has proven effective, ultimately the best way to improve rider safety is to increase run-off room. Competition from a number of new racetracks being built to FIM spec–including the Barber track near Birmingham, Alabama–could help influence existing tracks like Road Atlanta to make run-off improvements, Barrick said.