Forgive me in advance if I get something wrong in this short summary, and I am sure some knowledgeable reader will correct me. I haven’t been using a flow chart, but I have been reading most of the articles written about motorcycle roadracing next year here in the United States, and the involvement of AMA Pro Racing (now controlled by DMG), as well as a possible separate roadracing series involving the manufacturers, through, perhaps, the Manufacturers Industry Council (MIC).
Basically, here is what I understand. DMG has finalized its contract, and is now officially the owner, promoter and sanctioning body for AMA Pro Racing here in the United States next year. DMG has proposed radically different rules and motorcycle configurations for its 2009 roadracing series, which rules and proposed motorcycle configurations have been met with disapproval by most (if not all) of the major motorcycle manufacturers that support high level roadracing in the United States. Said motorcycle manufacturers may be involved in creating their own series through the MIC (or, at least, using the MIC as a base of communications). Roadracing promoters (involved with the various track venues where roadracing occurs) are concerned, in part, because the major motorcycle manufacturters represent major sponsorship dollars for events at their tracks, and therefore the promoters want to make sure the OEMs are involved in the racing. Oh, and one more thing . . . Mat Mladin says he is racing superbikes next year here in the United States.
What does this all mean? We are not really too sure at this point, but it looks like one of three things could occur. First, DMG could change its rules to be “OEM friendly” and lure them back into participation with AMA Pro Racing events in 2009. Second, the manufacturers, through MIC or some other vehicle, could run their own race series in 2009 (and, perhaps, that is what Mat Mladin was referring to). Third, the major OEMs will not be involved (at least, not all of them) in high-level, factory-backed roadracing here in the United States in 2009. Take your pick, unless you know something I don’t know. If you do, send me an email.
