AMA Superbike (or, whatever they will call it!)

I haven't heard a thing about anyone. Last I heard Hayes wants to stay, Zemke wants to go, as did Hodgson.

Its Hayes and Bostrom on Superbike and Disalvo and Herrin on the 600's

When american bike racing was seemingly falling appart at the end of last season, a lot of people were telling the fans to expect an influx of American riders into european championships. From what i can tell this doesn't seem to be happening at all except for Spies, who was likely to be heading this way anyway. Does anyone have any news? Is Zemke or anyone else you can think of still looking to come to Europe? Although i'm sure its great for the American fans if its national racing scene can be worthwhile, i was quite looking foreward to having some top US riders over here.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Nov 17 2008, 03:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>When american bike racing was seemingly falling appart at the end of last season, a lot of people were telling the fans to expect an influx of American riders into european championships. From what i can tell this doesn't seem to be happening at all except for Spies, who was likely to be heading this way anyway. Does anyone have any news? Is Zemke or anyone else you can think of still looking to come to Europe? Although i'm sure its great for the American fans if its national racing scene can be worthwhile, i was quite looking foreward to having some top US riders over here.
Outside of the latest release from Yamaha, I haven't heard a thing. I get the feeling a lot of riders are changing their attitude on riding in the new AMA. Hayes was a guy who said on a few occasions last season that he was for sure going to Europe, either WSBK or WSS. Zemke hinted pretty hard that he would leave for a WSBK rider. Disalvo raced in some national championships in Spain and I'm pretty sure spent some time in Englad as well and mentioned returning. Mladin was quite critical of how the series was being handled and made some idle threats about returning to Australia. Hodgson was looking for anything in WSBK or BSB.

I'm still pretty in the dark on the whole thing but I think the vast majority of the current factory riders will remain in the states. Which is good and bad. The series needs its star power if it wants to survive. Yet at the same time I was excited to see some of these guys get to Europe and mix it up (particularly Zemke).

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Nov 17 2008, 09:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Outside of the latest release from Yamaha, I haven't heard a thing. I get the feeling a lot of riders are changing their attitude on riding in the new AMA. Hayes was a guy who said on a few occasions last season that he was for sure going to Europe, either WSBK or WSS. Zemke hinted pretty hard that he would leave for a WSBK rider. Disalvo raced in some national championships in Spain and I'm pretty sure spent some time in Englad as well and mentioned returning. Mladin was quite critical of how the series was being handled and made some idle threats about returning to Australia. Hodgson was looking for anything in WSBK or BSB.

I'm still pretty in the dark on the whole thing but I think the vast majority of the current factory riders will remain in the states. Which is good and bad. The series needs its star power if it wants to survive. Yet at the same time I was excited to see some of these guys get to Europe and mix it up (particularly Zemke).


I think many American riders made reactionary remarks last season about the new AMA. Many AMA riders have been out shopping and it seems nearly of them have realized the grass in Europe isn't as green as it looks.

That's no cheapshot at European road racing, I just think many AMA riders overestimated their marketability and earning potential outside of the United States. During this god-awful economy, race winnings handed out by the governing/promoting entity is a more secure source of income than relying on a guarantee and bonuses from sponsors with reduced marketing budgets.

The riders were pretty vocal at the end of 2008, but considering the recession and the mediocre offers from teams abroad, I think many racers will happily return for 2009.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Nov 17 2008, 10:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think many American riders made reactionary remarks last season about the new AMA. Many AMA riders have been out shopping and it seems nearly of them have realized the grass in Europe isn't as green as it looks.

That's no cheapshot at European road racing, I just think many AMA riders overestimated their marketability and earning potential outside of the United States. During this god-awful economy, race winnings handed out by the governing/promoting entity is a more secure source of income than relying on a guarantee and bonuses from sponsors with reduced marketing budgets.

The riders were pretty vocal at the end of 2008, but considering the recession and the mediocre offers from teams abroad, I think many racers will happily return for 2009.
You explained what I meant to. Thanks.

This is as i suspected. Seems like good news for AMA but a shame for euros like myself. Is Zemke still on for the Boulder Ducati wsbk ride?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Nov 17 2008, 04:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think many American riders made reactionary remarks last season about the new AMA. Many AMA riders have been out shopping and it seems nearly of them have realized the grass in Europe isn't as green as it looks.

That's no cheapshot at European road racing, I just think many AMA riders overestimated their marketability and earning potential outside of the United States. During this god-awful economy, race winnings handed out by the governing/promoting entity is a more secure source of income than relying on a guarantee and bonuses from sponsors with reduced marketing budgets.

The riders were pretty vocal at the end of 2008, but considering the recession and the mediocre offers from teams abroad, I think many racers will happily return for 2009.
Great post - and very true. There are riders here in Europe taking rides in a great many championship series without a wage. In fact last year the Sterlingarda team effort was partially funded by Xuas.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Nov 17 2008, 11:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I think many American riders made reactionary remarks last season about the new AMA. Many AMA riders have been out shopping and it seems nearly of them have realized the grass in Europe isn't as green as it looks.

That's no cheapshot at European road racing, I just think many AMA riders overestimated their marketability and earning potential outside of the United States. During this god-awful economy, race winnings handed out by the governing/promoting entity is a more secure source of income than relying on a guarantee and bonuses from sponsors with reduced marketing budgets.

The riders were pretty vocal at the end of 2008, but considering the recession and the mediocre offers from teams abroad, I think many racers will happily return for 2009.


That European grass wasnt green at all and the fact that when everyone was screaming defection,the rules did not include a factory Superbike class.It does know and although there is still some hard feelings,things seem to be falling in line.We still dont know about Kawasaki and Suzuki and Honda really hasnt made their intentions clear.The only one that is certain at this point is Yamaha.Still some weird .... going on though,saw this today and dont quite know what to make of it.

http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=35018

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (povol @ Nov 17 2008, 02:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=35018

I'll give you my take.

The conflict within the AMA is not so much between the Japanese and the AMA as much as it is between the American Distributors and the AMA.

Edmonson wants spec bike or high equipment parity. The Japanese have shown some interest recently in running series with high equipment parity; notably the approval of the 600cc GP class.

While the circumstances/motives involved in running a spec 600cc GP series are significantly different than those in the AMA, I believe Edmonson is going to Japan to increase direct participation by the factories so he can go around the American distributors that have caused him so much consternation.

I'm glad you posted this article. It has renewed my hope that Edmonson is displeased with the compromises demanded by the American distributors. Even though I'm not a big fan of Edmonson, I know he has a vision for reforming/rebuilding our national series. I think our national series needs to be rebuilt, regardless of whether or not it pleases the hardcore fans, because the United States needs more motorcycling awareness. The AMA could also use some more funding to help make America a better place to ride.

Road bikers get their own lane. Motorcyclists should have their own road system. All of the roads should have high speed limits and no straight sections longer than 500 meters.

Think outside the box people. It could happen if we built a big enough lobby group.

I was hoping we would get some answers soon. Dunlop and Pirell usually run a couple day tire test in Daytona at the beginning of December. All the riders are usually there.
I've forgotten who is supplying the tires this year since it went to a spec class but I would imagine they would still have a test.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tom @ Nov 17 2008, 12:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>This is as i suspected. Seems like good news for AMA but a shame for euros like myself. Is Zemke still on for the Boulder Ducati wsbk ride?
I haven't heard anything in quite some time regarding Zemke or Boulder Ducati.

Johnny, the spec tire is Dunlop.

There are two ads for full-time race mechanic positions advertised on soup, the company listed is Buell. So, a Daytona Sportbike effort with XBRRs? Or an American Superbike team with the 1125R?

Edmondson could make a difference, but he must be careful to set the France family arrogance aside this time. I think the decision to keep the 1000s saved the series from a Grand-Am-like fate. Roger and DMG could do some great things as long as they keep in mind that road racing fans are not like NASCAR fans. The machines are important just like the people behind them.

Don't insult fans' intelligence and tell them you're giving them superbikes in the '200, when what you're really doing is renaming Formula X-treme.

You're in a position to revitalize the AMA championships, Roger. Don't make the Daytona Prototype mistake again.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. Shupe @ Nov 17 2008, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Johnny, the spec tire is Dunlop.

There are two ads for full-time race mechanic positions advertised on soup, the company listed is Buell. So, a Daytona Sportbike effort with XBRRs? Or an American Superbike team with the 1125R?

Edmondson could make a difference, but he must be careful to set the France family arrogance aside this time. I think the decision to keep the 1000s saved the series from a Grand-Am-like fate. Roger and DMG could do some great things as long as they keep in mind that road racing fans are not like NASCAR fans. The machines are important just like the people behind them.

Don't insult fans' intelligence and tell them you're giving them superbikes in the '200, when what you're really doing is renaming Formula X-treme.

You're in a position to revitalize the AMA championships, Roger. Don't make the Daytona Prototype mistake again.

I said it when this first came out.The 600 Superbike class was a thinly vailed attempt at making an American Vtwin competitive in American racing to draw the Bike Week crowd to AMA racing.Edmondson knows for a fact that they will never come close to competing against the litre bikes so hence the 600 rules.And no,it is not FX 600's,the American Vtwin has alrerady tried and failed miserably to compete with the FX 600's.This is Supersport with a new name. A factory FX bike would push in the neighborhood of 140-145 Hp.The new 600 Daytona Superbike is limited to 120 hp at 360 lbs or 1 hp per 3 lbs,up to 140 hp at 420 lbs.That last figure falls perfectly into the new 1125 Hp and weight range. It was so obvious what was going on.Edmondson thinks with the right rider the new Buell will be near the front and he even left the rule book open to tweak in case they are not.He wanted that as his showcase but the fans and factorys saw thru the ruse and put their foot down.As it should be,the 1000's will still be the showcase event at AMA events.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (tlrwinder @ Nov 26 2008, 08:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Soup drops a hint on Zemke.

Dang, looks like there won't be a super-cool Cali Dude riding on a Super Cool Italian bike in World Supers
I can't believe he'll be with Erion again. Hasn't the guy proven he deserves a factory ride? He's the only man to win a race without the surname of Spies or Mladin since 2005. Full respect to Duhamel, he's a great guy and can ride like hell but I really cannot understand American Honda going with him over Zemke. I'd really like to see what he could do with a Yosh ride. Jake Zemke is the most underrated rider in the AMA.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Nov 27 2008, 10:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I can't believe he'll be with Erion again. Hasn't the guy proven he deserves a factory ride? He's the only man to win a race without the surname of Spies or Mladin since 2005. Full respect to Duhamel, he's a great guy and can ride like hell but I really cannot understand American Honda going with him over Zemke. I'd really like to see what he could do with a Yosh ride. Jake Zemke is the most underrated rider in the AMA.

I bet Erion pay better. They have a brand name to protect and Zemke has carried the flag very well for them in 2008.

I know it's not technically a factory effort, but if you're Zemke and you know there are new rules on the way that may allow you to win regardless of whether you have full factory support, you'd probably stay with a California based company that is willing to pay you big bucks to continue their legacy. Furthermore, you know Erion will be in the sport no matter what the American distributors do.

I could be wrong, but a successful California rider riding for a deep pocketed California outfit (full factory of not) seems to suggest marketing. Where there is marketing, there is $$$$$$. Zemke is 32, time to cash in.