From a press release announcing an FIM rule change which will allow American Rick Murray to compete in the Superside Sidecar World Championship after all:

Friday 22 March 2002 – Age Ruling Overturned

FIM amends maximum age limit rule

Breaking News!


Age Ruling Overturned

FIM amends maximum age limit rule

The Superbike commission has issued an amendment to the 2002 Rulebook which states:

1.10.1 ELIGIBLE COMPETITORS

To amend the 4th paragraph as follows:


(…)
(START REMOVED TEXT)
The limit for the maximum age finishes at the end of the year in which the rider reaches the age of 50.
(END REMOVED TEXT)

Riders aged over 50 years must attach to their rider’s licence request a certificate of medical fitness (including a normal exercise tolerance electrocardiogram) issued by a doctor recognised by their FMN.
(…)


Superside Manangement is extremely happy with the decision, which paves the way for entry by teams such as Team RGM from the U.S. and Vince Biggs from the UK.

“We are very delighted with the decision, and happy that the FIM has amended this rule. We hope to continue our close working relationship with the FIM in the future for the betterment of the sport”, commented Superside General Manager, Gary Francis.

(Editorial note: Murray was surprised when he arrived at the first race of the season, at Valencia, and was told that due to a last-minute rule change, he was too old to compete. This revision corrects that obvious case of age discrimination.)