PROPOSED 2006 AMA SUPERBIKE RULES ANNOUNCED PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 3, 2005) — AMA Pro Racing has announced the proposed technical rule changes for the 2006 AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited. Proposed rule changes were developed by AMA Pro Racing staff with input from the AMA Road Race advisory board which is comprised of representatives from teams and riders. Proposed technical rule changes for the 2006 season can be viewed at www.amasuperbike.com. AMA Pro Racing licensed riders and credential holders may comment on proposed rule changes during a 30-day period beginning Thursday, Aug. 4 through Saturday, Sept. 3. Comments can be made via FAX, mail or through the AMA Pro Racing’s RIDERS ONLY website at www.amaproracing.com/ridersonly. At the conclusion of the 30-day period, AMA Pro Racing will review submissions prior to forwarding the package to the AMA Pro Racing Board of Directors for ratification. On May 26, AMA Pro Racing announced that 1000cc motorcycles would remain in AMA Superbike through the 2008 racing season. This announcement was followed up with another notification on June 17 that class structures for the AMA Superbike Championship were unchanged for 2006. The series is comprised of four classes. AMA Superbike is the premier class followed by three support classes: AMA Supersport, AMA Formula Xtreme and AMA Superstock. According to Merrill Vanderslice, AMA Pro Racing Director of Competition, bringing stability to the series has been a primary objective. “The manufacturers and top teams have asked us to provide them with as much lead time as possible so they could more easily formulate their planning,” said Vanderslice. “Announcing that AMA Superbike would be 1000cc-based for at least three more racing seasons is an example of that commitment.” Vanderslice also commented that the 30-day rules comment period was an important part of the rule-making process. “After AMA Pro Racing staff and advisory board members finalize the proposed rules for the upcoming season, the comment period adds another, vital level of input. In the past, comments received during this process have had a direct impact on the final rules package,” confirmed Vanderslice. (The rules proposals follow) The following rules change proposals were created utilizing input from AMA Pro Racing staff and the AMA Road Race Advisory Committee. AMA Pro Racing’s Board of Directors has given preliminary approval to submit the following rule change proposals for a 30-day comment period as required by our rules making procedures. The proposals involve technical and sporting aspects of various classes which make up the AMA Superbike Championship. Proposal 1 The maximum fuel tank capacity for Formula Xtreme motorcycles in the Daytona 200 is 19 liters (5.02 gallons) as determined by the AMA Pro Racing’s official testing equipment. OEM tanks must be utilized but may be modified to achieve the maximum capacity. Modifications to the fuel cap area for the installation of a single internal venting quick-fill coupler are also permitted. Fuel tanks modified in this manner may be used in all Formula Xtreme events throughout the season in place of the standard fuel tank. Aftermarket fuel tanks are not permitted. Twin-cylinder air-cooled motorcycles are allowed modified OEM tanks or an auxiliary tank to achieve the maximum capacity. This regulation is designed to help equalize the competition of the various brands of motorcycles competing in the Daytona 200. Proposal 2 In Superbike and Formula Xtreme, any modifications of engine components to alter the stock OEM firing order of the cylinders will not be permitted. This restriction will help reduce costs of equipment and help to maintain a level playing field between factory teams and support or private teams. Proposal 3 All road race motorcycles must be driven by rear wheel transmitted power only. Emerging technology involving front wheel drive could be detrimental to the balance of competition in road racing. Moreover, such equipment could dramatically increase the cost of racing. Proposal 4 A maximum of 36 riders will be placed on the grid at all Superbike final events except Daytona. Riders utilizing provisional starts per the rulebook procedures may be added to the back of the grid at the discretion of the Race Manager. This restriction will help ensure that only the most qualified riders will compete in the AMA Superbike Championship. Proposal 5 For timed qualifying events in Superbike, a rider’s best lap time must be within 108% of the fastest qualifying rider’s best lap time in order to pre-qualify for one of the available grid positions in the final. In the support classes, the qualifying limit will be 110%. The lowering of qualifying limits will help to build competent grids of riders and ultimately improve overall competition. Proposal 6 Each rider will be limited to two entries per meet. This regulation is designed to discourage riders from entering classes in which they have no intention of actually competing.
AMA Pro Racing Opens Comment Period On Proposed 2006 Rule Changes
AMA Pro Racing Opens Comment Period On Proposed 2006 Rule Changes
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