FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: The general reactions I’ve seen so far from AFM racers regarding DMG’s intent to race at Infineon in the rain can be best described as disbelief and outrage. I’ve raced at Infineon since 1993 and even though the recent track improvements are fantastic and we greatly appreciated the time, money and effort spent by the track to make those improvements, the reality is that nobody can modify the actual geography of the track and move public roads (like Highway 121 just outside Turn 10!), therefore the AFM does not race there in the rain. It is far too dangerous to take such chances and no amount of money from ticket sales could offset the tragedy and bad publicity the track would get if there was a fatality. While Mr. Edmondson mentions lots of other organizations who choose to race in the rain, I don’t believe any of those organizations override the riders’ wishes and forsake their safety in the name of “profit” or “TV contracts” or any other excuse. I believe that many U.S. road racing fans were anxious to see what sort of improvements could come from a fresh set of eyes and great levels of expertise from the DMG staff, but I’m afraid many of us are becoming disillusioned and disappointed, particularly with the dictatorial and adversarial stance taken towards the riders and manufacturers who have supported U.S. road racing for so many years. I’m not sure we need to throw out the baby with the bathwater or at the very least the public perception should not be that DMG is driving a wrecking ball through the entire series. I’m convinced that while Mr. Edmondson may be very good at his job of running a race series, DMG is in dire need for a far more tactful spokesperson who may be able to handle public relations without the inflammatory tone and language. Regards, Alex Florea AFM #49 AFM At-Large-Director Los Gatos, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: “Infineon Raceway has been a leader in our sport in their efforts to deal with motorcycle racing related issues and other racing organizations have used the track in wet conditions without significant problems.” While I’ll agree with the fact that Infineon has made outstanding changes to the track since 2000, the facility still has multiple issues. The worst is T10 where several Supersport racers were seriously injured at the 2006 AMA National when a light rain began falling in the first few laps of the race. Contrary to Mr. Edmondson’s e-mail you posted, the AFM does *not* race in the rain at Infineon Raceway. Jim Race Former AFM #250 Gold River, California