A Federal District Court judge in the Central District of Florida has ruled against the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) in its continuing legal battle with AHRMA co-founder and Team Obsolete owner Rob Iannucci. AHRMA has already been denied damages in its lawsuit against Iannucci and has been denied attorney’s fees as well. The ruling means that AHRMA members will have to pay an estimated $250,000 the association has spent to prevent Iannucci from using the class name BEARS. The court did rule, however, that Iannucci may not use the class name in the future.

Observers note that the battle over the term BEARS is akin to two racing organizations battling over the terms Supersport or Battle of the Twins.

As part of its ongoing dispute with Ianucci, the AHRMA Board of Directors revoked Iannucci’s membership and has banned racebikes he sponsors from participating in AHRMA events, with one notable exception: Daytona International Speedway officials have made participation by Iannucci’s team a condition of allowing AHRMA to hold an event at the speedway each March. Iannucci and his team are not allowed to participate in other AHRMA events.

The legal battle is expected to continue on other fronts until Iannucci is re-admitted as a member of AHRMA or loses big in the the courts.