Here is my two cents on what is happening to AMA racing. I will be brief. One of the key elements to production based racing is that the race results give you an idea of who is building the best machine. Two problems with the current proposal 1. They are not using the fastest bikes in the premier class. This is such an obvious and stupid error that it defies reason. These people certainly know how to promote but they do not understand motorcycle racing. This idiocy can not stand. 2. With their rule structure they intend to manipulate the performance of various machines so that they can compete in the same “premier” class. With this type of manipulation the race results become meaningless for determining which manufacturer builds the fastest machine. The factories spend big money on pro racing to demonstrate how good they are at making motorcycles. Under these rules a manufacturer could make a turd and the rules will artificially allow it to be on par with a GSX-R750 or 848. These guys are used to a fan base that does not care about the machinery but the personality of the driver. I do like most of what they are doing but this 600cc “premier” class crap has got to go. Rob Kasten Ft. Myers, Florida FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Chip Spaulding might not be very tall, but he sure has a mighty pen. I too, have been observing the maneuvering involved with the DMG changes, and just like Chip, at first I was encouraged and excited, but then I started wondering where RE got his acute case of foot-in-mouth disease. Add to that the internet rumor mill, and the sharks are circling. I’ve heard both positive and negative things discussed regarding the upcoming changes, from people involved in every area of the sport. Unfortunately the latest involves more negative than any thing else. I’m a fan, former racer, parent of a racer and on the service side of the industry. I want and need this sport to survive. We need balance and cool headed thinking to create a viable series. I would like to see RE and the DMG lend an open ear to the input of others. That does not mean they need to govern by committee. However it should create a positive avenue for communication to make AMA racing the best this country has to offer. I’m still taking a wait and see attitude, I hope it’s worth the price of admission. Alexa Krueger Spyder Leatherworks West Allis, Wisconsin FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: All That DMG Has to Do – Use 2009 AMA Superbike proposed rules that manufacturers agreed upon. This is the premiere class. – Keep 600 Supersport class as is (great manufacturer support, great racing. This is currently a great class) – Drop Moto-ST and develop a privateer-based support class on 600s. Keep the “factory” teams out and make this a big draw for the up and coming riders – just like the Nationwide Series in NASCAR. – Spec tires, fuel, ECU and dyno limits are great if enforced. This alone essentially levels the playing field. – Improve AMA Pro Racing marketing, promotion and overall efficiency at events. This is why you’re here and why the AMA has suffered over the years. – Don’t be afraid to address problems head on, but also be aware of the rider’s fear of trusting you at this exact moment in time. Build the relationship. Don’t dictate it. Start there, make tweaks along the way and damn–the AMA might just be a phenomenal series one day. It may not seem like drastic change, but it really would be. Eddie Kraft Macomb, Michigan FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: MIC’s breakaway proposal is a bad idea. 1) MIC does not have the expertise to conduct a racing series. 2) It is late in 2008 for manufacturers to change directions to a new series 3) Tracks will be hard to get since I am sure DMG will lock the current tracks up pretty tight contractually to prevent a breakway series that can compete with DMG. 4) What makes MIC think they can do any better than AMA or DMG? Everyone has their perspective and MIC perspective is refective of the MFRs wants and desires and not those of the riders or the fans. AMA was more focused on legal issues and seemed oblivious to the everyone else. DMG is more concerned with putting on a show that they can sell ad space in. So given the different perspectives and goals, which will probably be more successful? My money is on DMG. I don’t like what DMG’s rules package but I believe they can bring the sport along further than anyone else can. George Leavell Gilroy, Callifornia FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: The MotoGP Way As two powerful groups, DMG and the MIC, move their agendas along, I wonder if either has taken a look at the working model of what is unquestionably the most successful motorcycle racing series in the world…MotoGP? I just ask that everyone slow down for a minute and look at how MotoGP brings it all together. Rather than just one governing body, MotoGP utilizes the expertise of numerous bodies to make its series work. Those include (1) the FIM as sanctioning body; (2) IRTA representing the teams and riders; (3) Dorna managing the commercial aspects and (4) The Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers’ Association (what we call the “OEM’s” ). These guys are able to sit down and work things out for the common good and there must be something that can be learned that could be applied to America. No one wants World War III. The fans want racing at its best and the industry needs you all in racing. Now is the time to get it right. Don Emde Laguna Niguel, California