We abandoned coverage of U.S. road racing several years ago when, in our opinion, it began to be managed in a horribly disjointed, unprofessional manner, offering a confusing mish-mash of racing classes. 2015 is a new beginning for American motorcycle road racing. We haven’t talked much about MotoAmerica, but the concepts it brings forward are good ones, and we have to trust the Wayne Rainey-led team will do a far better job at both promoting and managing AMA road racing in this country.
At the bottom of this story is a video recently released featuring Wayne Rainey discussing MotoAmerica (courtesy of some Yamaha sponsorship).
Here is a list of the primary racing categories MotoAmerica will run next year, beginning with the round scheduled for April 10-12 in Austin, Texas (to be run in conjunction with MotoGP at the Circuit of the Americas venue). Keep in mind, the following does not include the additional class recently announced by MotoAmerica featuring KTM RC 390 motorcycles. The KTM RC Cup will allow participants aged 14-22, and will feature racing at some, but not all of the MotoAmerica events next year.
Superbike
- Chassis rules as AMA 2014
- Engine specs in line with the 2015 World Superbike Championship (gearbox as AMA 2014)
- Electronics as 2015 World Superbike Championship with a one-year option to run to AMA 2014 specs
- Use of two bikes will be allowed during each event
Superstock 1000
- Engine and chassis to be aligned with FIM Superstock 1000
- Brake system may be changed
- Superstock 1000 to run on slick tires
- Use of two bikes will be allowed during each event
- n.b. Superbike and Superstock will run together but will be scored separately
Supersport (formerly Daytona Sportbike)
- Chassis rules as AMA 2014
- Engine rules moved toward FIM World Supersport Championship specification
- Electronics as AMA 2014
- Supersport will be run on slick tires
- Use of one bike allowed during each event. Second bike may be built but not used until cleared by Technical Director
- Based on 600 class machines, including 675 triples
Superstock 600 (formerly AMA Pro SuperSport)
- Similar rules to 2014 AMA Pro SuperSport rules and aligned with FIM Superstock 600
Houston, we have re-established (video) communication…
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/motoamerica-races-will-be-broadcast-on-cbs-sports-network/
Hoping to get a few days away from the house in July to experience this with world SBK at Laguna.
For getting young back into things mechanical you have to get them to put their smartphones down first. It has to grow from within, a yearning, a desire.
Amen! Otherwise the youth are getting their “gearhead’ jollies by playing Grand Teft Auto, or Apocolypse, or whatever the heck kids are playing these days…
Think Virtual Reality is cool..? try REALITY!! Even better!
re: “try REALITY!! Even better!”
too scary…
I need the escape indulging in fantasy affords me. it’s only how I get through my day.
There in lies the rub…
I hope it works out! I used to love watching the AMA races on Sunday – Arron Yates on a GSX-R 600 – those were the highlight of the televised series. I think it started getting old when Matt Maladin started winning all of the races prior to DMG take-over. Hopefully they can figure out a format that allows more entries than the factory riders.
Maybe they could get some new announcers?? don’t dig up the same old guys
I get excited seeing the excitement in Mr. Rainey’s eyes. He is obviously jazzed!Best of luck. I’m looking forward to it!
It will be something to see, but I think the arrogance of the MotoGP will not be stifled enough. That one aspect alone will enhance the perception that the Moto America will be the trailer park trash of the weekend. They maintain a level of exclusivity that is reserved for those with fat wallets, or renound in the public profiles. If Rainey, et al, really are working on seomthing I hope there will be Synergy with the groups mentioned and maybe even a partnership with his nemesis Kevin Schwantz. Either way it does look like improvements are coming for the fans.
re: “It will be something to see, but I think the arrogance of the MotoGP will not be stifled enough.”
right then, lets do what we have to do and not spend ANY energy on thinking we’re going to alter this in any appreciable way.
re: “That one aspect alone will enhance the perception that the Moto America will be the trailer park trash of the weekend.”
maybe yes, maybe no, but lets see where this goes. the Aussies successfully run support races to MotoGP down under, so instead of looking at this as a problem…? let’s look at this as an OPPORTUNITY. see, the trick is to TRAIN people how they are going to treat you.
example… (Jules Winnfield voice)
Kevin’s approach was to serve responsible parties (or was it irresponsible?) with SUBPEONAS.
put their asses right in line didn’t it…?
Looking forward to the new racing series. It can only get better from the depths DMG plunged the series.
As for class structure:
RC390 cup – run 2 races each event, one Saturday, one Sunday
Stock 600 – street tires, stock exhaust, stock brakes, stock forks that can have new springs and oil but non-modified stock fork valving, stock engine, clutch, gearbox, no 5 angle valve jobs, aftermarket shock, run 2 races at every event, one Saturday, one Sunday
Stock 1000 – use the FIA superstock rules and run with Superbike
Superbike 1000 – WSBK superbike rules, run 2 races on Sunday at each event, just like WSBK
If they want another class it should be modeled off the FIM Moto2 class but I don’t see the money being there to support it.
600 SS should be dropped, same with the 600 SS that runs with WSBK. A spec Moto2 class (all the same chassis and electronics and each MFR can use their own engines) should replace the 600 SS. Moto2 is a better stepping stone than 600 SS.
re: “600 SS should be dropped, same with the 600 SS that runs with WSBK.”
re: “Moto2 is a better stepping stone than 600 SS.”
for whom…?
A, those with talent enough to RACE the kit…?
or
B, those with talent enough to engineer and MANUFACTURE the kit…?
Re: “600 SS should be dropped, same with the 600 SS that runs with WSBK. A spec Moto2 class (all the same chassis and electronics and each MFR can use their own engines) should replace the 600 SS. ”
Acquisition cost of a custom, small run race bike (moto2) is astronomical. Production 600cc sportbikes are dirt cheap by comparison. The reality of AMA racing today is that outside of the top-5 teams, virtually everyone is a “privateer” and for US road racing to grow, it must be financially accessible.
You both misunderstood me or maybe I was not clear enough:
600 SS is a stepping stone to nowhere.
600 SS should be replaced by a 600 Stock class.
600 Stock is cheaper and easier to compete in than 600 SS and thus should provide better racing and more opportunity to privateer racers.
600 Stock are plenty advanced enough to be very competent racebikes.
600 Stock play more directly to the “win on Sunday, Sell on Monday” marketing.
600 Stock will highlight talent over machine prep and thus the most talented riders will prevail.
600 Stock lends itself to financial controls as well much better than 600 SS. A claiming rule could be used to control costs. Spec tires (already used in 600 SS) could be used to control costs.
IF (a very big IF) the sponsor $ appear at some time in the future AND they want to add a “more advanced” 600 class, then they should add a Moto2 series and not a 600 SS.
They have Moto2 series (CEV) in Spain and in Europe and if they can do it there, we should be able to do it here, IF the sponsor $ appear. The European CEV Moto2 series uses stock CBR600 engines and prototype frames.
IMO, a Moto2 program is a prime opportunity for a major mfr to sponsor the series. They could contract with Yamaha to sponsor the Moto2 series for the next 3 years and everyone uses R6 engines.
However, that time is NOT now, the time to do a Moto2 series is after MotoAmerica has pulled the national championships out of the hole they are in and actually gets it promoted with a TV deal and more sponsor $ commitments to the OTHER classes first.
re: “maybe I was not clear enough”
lil’ bit.
re: “600 SS is a stepping stone to nowhere”
600SS is a stepping stone to your local dealer keeping his lights on.
you DO remember your local dealer don’t you…? I thought so. (Hit Man for Mr. Wallace voice)
re: “600 Stock are plenty advanced enough to be very competent racebikes.”
not for pros, that’s why there’s 2 classes.
re: “600 Stock will highlight talent over machine prep and thus the most talented riders will prevail.”
exactly, pros would run ROUGHSHOD over amateurs. it’s not fair, hence those holding a pro license with experience greater than X years are excluded from competing in stock 600. it’s the “kiddie pool”.
My first exposure to a Superbike was in the early 80’s when I drove through the front gate at Brainerd. As I drove over the bridge, off to my right, two bikes came screaming, sliding and bucking underneath me. Rainey and I think Schwantz, blew through underneath me and headed north to the last corner. I don’t remember if I soiled my drawers but I know I sought comfort in a few icy cold ones. I couldn’t believe what I had just witnessed, I was hooked forever.
I hope this leads to better TV coverage for US racing.
In the 80’s and 90’s, we had a great time at Road America, spectating the Superbike races in June. I agree….drop the “Super” and good luck Wayne! I am excited and hopeful.
Keep it simple, superbike, 600 superstock and rc cup nice big grides like the 80’s & 90’s. Sad to say but I don’t think we’ll see a North America world champ on 2 or 4 wheels for a while. It’s just so expensive. I wish him good luck!
To say I hope this will be a big success would be a massive understatement. That said, is it cool that the guy/legend running this just made a Yamaha commercial? I guess so. Good luck to all involved, I will support your series!
Clearly, what they need is a combination announcer / writer / spokesperson. By happenstance, I happen to be available!
I’m really glad you posted this.
why…?
’cause you just saved me the trouble.
America has to do something about its road racing program if any American rider ever hopes to ride in the big show again. Wishing Mr Rainey and his crew the best of luck, and hope to see another American dominate the sport in my lifetime.
If everything is “super” then nothing is super. Take the “super” out. I’m not 10 years old.
fairplay.