The November 20 AMA Pro Racing press release announcing the 2002 Superbike Series schedule included the following statement:

“Absent from the 2002 schedule is New Hampshire International Speedway. AMA Pro Racing has asked noted track designer Alan Wilson to consult both AMA Pro Racing and NHIS regarding modifications to the facility that would allow the return of AMA Superbike racing in the future.”

But in a letter to NHIS Motorcycle Safety Director Jerry Wood, AMA Pro Racing Director of Competition Merrill Vanderslice said that the AMA’s objections to running at the Loudon, New Hampshire track had to do with the owners and not the facility itself, according to Wood.

Wood told Roadracing World that, in the letter, Vanderslice said that what he considered poor treatment of AMA Pro Racing officials by track owner Bob Bahre and his son Gary were behind the decision to not return to the track.

In an e-mail to roadracingworld.com, Vanderslice said the post characterizing the contents of his letter to Wood were “inaccurate, as usual,” but neither Vanderslice nor Wood have provided an actual copy of the letter to roadracingworld.com.

Reached by phone at his Colorado headquarters, track designer Wilson said that he had not had any contact with NHIS officials. “The AMA is setting a meeting up,” said Wilson. “I’m waiting for them to set up a meeting.”

In the meantime, NHIS has made a deal with Formula USA to replace the traditional June AMA date with a Formula USA National.

“We don’t know anything about that,” said Formula USA Director of Road Racing Bill Syfan when asked about the AMA press release. “But the NHIS people sound excited to be working with us, and we’re excited to be working with them. We’re looking forward to being part of the Loudon Classic in 2002 and beyond.”

Asked about the AMA press release and if NHIS officials had agreed to make modifications to the road course, and if so, if the new deal with Formula USA would be for the 2002 season only, New Hampshire International Speedway spokesman Ron Meade said, “To my knowledge, the communication from AMA regarding any of this has been non-existent, including with the Bahres. We’ve had no contact with Alan Wilson. Alan is well thought-of from his four-wheel days. As far as our plans, we’re very close to making that announcement, and it fits in very well with our seven weekends of amateur motorcycle racing, which is CCS.

“I think everyone will be pleased with it. I can guarantee that the Loudon Classic will be back for the 79th edition (in 2002) and will be better than ever.”