Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIM rules restrict track time for “riders contracted to compete in the Championships” during the six days prior to a World Superbike race (on the track the race will be held on) but do not mention restrictions on wild card riders and allow specifically exemptions.

The exemptions include “Official practice sessions of a National Championship event organized by the FMN which issued the rider’s license.”

In the case of Laguna, the involved FMN (or National federation) would be the AMA.

Which means that even if the restrictions are applied to wild card riders at Laguna Seca, practice for the AMA Superbike race is not included in the restrictions.

Leaving one to wonder, what was World Superbike Race Director Roberto Nosetto talking about in the first place, and never mind which year he was talking about!