Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

An AMA rule designed to keep factory Superbike riders out of Thursday practice has snared privateer Brian Livengood, who is currently ranked 4th in AMA Superbike points. The AMA rule bans the top 10 riders in points from participating in Thursday practice.

“Give me a break,” said Livengood when asked how he felt about the ban. “It’s really hard for privateers to have one day to learn a track and set up their bikes.”

In a recent e-mail, AMA Pro Racing Director of Professional Competition Merrill Vanderslice stated that the rule was made to “protect factory teams from themselves.” But instead of specifying factory riders, the rule is based on points.

“I haven’t ridden many of the West Coast tracks and this makes it very difficult. At Fontana I had two practice sessions then went straight out to qualifying,” said Livengood.

Top 10 privateers campaigning more than one class will find the rule even more restrictive when they attempt to learn a track, and then set up two bikes. The rule does allow for other track testing, but not within the week before the race. Privateer riders like Livengood, (who relies on Team HSA for his transportation to the track), simply do not have the resources to set up or participate in independent test sessions like those held by factory teams.