Jamie Hacking suspended

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Mar 26 2009, 09:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>If you notice, DMG did NOT cite anything SPECIFIC but rather ambiguous general terms as reasons for "indefinite" suspension. (Think about this for a moment, when was the last time you heard of somebody threatened with "indefinite" suspension?) Now the guy has to apologize for what exactly? Amazing really, and Lex thinks the CEO (who is undoubtedly behind this iron fist of censure) to be generous, compromising, and generally egalitarian.

I said I couldn't care less that Hacking was suspended I didn't say his punishment was just. Besides he's not indefinitely suspended, if you read between the lines he's suspended until he bows down at the DMG altar and begs for forgiveness.

Believe me, I do not support the duration of his suspension or the mandatory apology demanded by DMG; however, if this was going to happen to anyone, it was Hacking. He has a history of terrorizing the youngins.

Even after a lopsided weekend at Fontana due to relatively poor parity rules, Hacking was still 12 points clear of Eslick and he had just beaten DiSalvo handily in both races. Why in God's name was he picking fights and talking trash when he had the championship lead?

Edmondson has definitely overreacted b/c he has not seen this type of bush league behavior in several decades Welcome to the AMA, Roger. Hopefully, cooler heads with prevail in both camps.

You have to admit though, watching a 38 year old man cuss out a couple of kids in their early 20s is about as bad as bad press gets.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 26 2009, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>You have to admit though, watching a 38 year old man cuss out a couple of kids in their early 20s is about as bad as bad press gets.

He looked so glum during those press conferences, if not for the leathers, one would think he no longer received good pay to race motorcycles.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 26 2009, 10:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I said I couldn't care less that Hacking was suspended I didn't say his punishment was just. Besides he's not indefinitely suspended, if you read between the lines he's suspended until he bows down at the DMG altar and begs for forgiveness.
Do you see why I call you schitzo? One minute your telling us how DMG are the anti-christ, the next you're casting sainthood, then revert to demigod.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Why in God's name was he picking fights and talking trash when he had the championship lead?

Look again at the tape Lex (and anybody else who thinks Hacking started this ....). The one from OnTheThrottle.com. I don't think he (Hacking) was "picking a fight". If you notice before Hacking is asked questions they start with interviewing Eslick. They then go to Hacking. While hacking is talking Eslick and DiSalvo have a brief conversation. EXACTLY the type that DiSalvo over reacts to and takes issue with Hacking later in the sequence! PLEASE anybody reading this thread, go and look at the video of the press confererence.

LINK

Notice then after Hacking didn't turn to DiSalvo and take issue, he just continued his interview. (Which BTW if very common in press conferences for riders not with the microphone to talk to eachother in low tones).

Now check out when DiSalvo gets the mic, you will notice when Hacking and Eslick turn to have a brief comment, DiSalvo takes issue IMMEDIATELY! Look at the initial expression of Hacking, its a bit of disbelief and almost concession, that is until DiSalvo pushes the issue! So who is picking a fight with who? Its NOT Hacking that makes a quip about respect, its DiSalvo grandstanding in tow from what the moderator says. Hacking is trying to shut up but DiSalvo eggs him on by saying, "Yeah, how about a little respect here." using a very condescending tone!


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>Edmondson has definitely overreacted b/c he has not seen this type of bush league behavior in several decades Welcome to the AMA, Roger. Hopefully, cooler heads with prevail in both camps.

Hahaha, lex you continue to speak form a caveman's perspective, what was the educated word you used again? It started with a T. Anyway, how can you say this since Nascar has one or several of these episodes almost ever damn race. And you know Edmundson is a Nascar guy right. Dude, talk about immature behavior from Nascar drivers, dude, you don't even need to catch one of the many Nascar shows to see the latest whobrabra between drivers because it even makes the mainstream evening sports news. WTF.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>You have to admit though, watching a 38 year old man cuss out a couple of kids in their early 20s is about as bad as bad press gets.

You mean that FIGURATIVELY right? Because as you can see there was NO "cussing" on the podium or the press conference and it was certainly NOT directed at any rider!

Lex, are you simply imagining and dreaming up your posts before you actually watch the videos and read the reports?

Again, NO CUSSING, Hacking was NOT PICKING A FIGHT, if anybody it was DiSalvo by overreacting over something he has just previous did. So you can see: HACKING IS BEING RAILROADED RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES! Let me as you this, do you think DiSalvo was admonished for talking during the moment that Hacking was being interviewed? How about told perhaps he was a bit overreacting by demanding Hacking to be quiet?

Again, I leave you with this question: WHAT EFFECT WILL THIS HAVE ON THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS OF AMA?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. Shupe @ Mar 26 2009, 10:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>He looked so glum during those press conferences, if not for the leathers, one would think he no longer received good pay to race motorcycles.

This press conference was immediately after the race. Which as soon as the race is done they ride their bikes to the podium, and then as soon as that is done, they walk over to the pressroom. This was the second race of the weekend, and if you look at the margin of victory, you will notice that Hacking was very close the second time around. What this says is Hacking was pushing very hard to catch up to Eslick and his Buell. He looked very exhausted when he came off his bike. But on top of that he was frustrated. Imagine yourself, being a very good rider and former champ in this particular class (well a shadow of what the class was) and you come very close but you can't quite make the pass for the lead. What state of mind might a person be understandably in at this moment? This is why he says he felt it was a "win" in his eyes. Now DMG take that personal and find a way to censure that kind of dissenting talk by saying he is being "detrimental to the sport" and "behavior" unbecoming of a professional. But you will see NOTHING in the tape that is disrespectful! He is frustrated and exhausted, and that is what you may be mistaking for ungracious "glum" my friend. These guys have their pride, and getting beat when you are trying to ride on the edge, risking life and limp, and you know you have to ride like this because the bike in front of you has 20 ponies on yours; now this a form of disrespect to him and his craft too, not to mention the man's safety. Money has very little to do with their mentality when in the heat of a race, they want to win. Anyway, I just wanted to give you my perspective on his disposition during the press conference. Take a look again, and you will see I may have a point my good friend.

i'm with you jumkie... hacking, hence kawasaki, are gettin ......! this is mud warning the others whats gonna happen if he don't like whats coming out of their mouths. hacking was sacrificed to show the others. also as you say it helps harley out.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Mar 26 2009, 11:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Do you see why I call you schitzo? One minute your telling us how DMG are the anti-christ, the next you're casting sainthood, then revert to demigod.




Look again at the tape Lex (and anybody else who thinks Hacking started this ....). The one from OnTheThrottle.com. I don't think he (Hacking) was "picking a fight". If you notice before Hacking is asked questions they start with interviewing Eslick. They then go to Hacking. While hacking is talking Eslick and DiSalvo have a brief conversation. EXACTLY the type that DiSalvo over reacts to and takes issue with Hacking later in the sequence! PLEASE anybody reading this thread, go and look at the video of the press confererence.

LINK

Notice then after Hacking didn't turn to DiSalvo and take issue, he just continued his interview. (Which BTW if very common in press conferences for riders not with the microphone to talk to eachother in low tones).

Now check out when DiSalvo gets the mic, you will notice when Hacking and Eslick turn to have a brief comment, DiSalvo takes issue IMMEDIATELY! Look at the initial expression of Hacking, its a bit of disbelief and almost concession, that is until DiSalvo pushes the issue! So who is picking a fight with who? Its NOT Hacking that makes a quip about respect, its DiSalvo grandstanding in tow from what the moderator says. Hacking is trying to shut up but DiSalvo eggs him on by saying, "Yeah, how about a little respect here." using a very condescending tone!




Hahaha, lex you continue to speak form a caveman's perspective, what was the educated word you used again? It started with a T. Anyway, how can you say this since Nascar has one or several of these episodes almost ever damn race. And you know Edmundson is a Nascar guy right. Dude, talk about immature behavior from Nascar drivers, dude, you don't even need to catch one of the many Nascar shows to see the latest whobrabra between drivers because it even makes the mainstream evening sports news. WTF.



You mean that FIGURATIVELY right? Because as you can see there was NO "cussing" on the podium or the press conference and it was certainly NOT directed at any rider!

Lex, are you simply imagining and dreaming up your posts before you actually watch the videos and read the reports?

Again, NO CUSSING, Hacking was NOT PICKING A FIGHT, if anybody it was DiSalvo by overreacting over something he has just previous did. So you can see: HACKING IS BEING RAILROADED RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES! Let me as you this, do you think DiSalvo was admonished for talking during the moment that Hacking was being interviewed? How about told perhaps he was a bit overreacting by demanding Hacking to be quiet?

Again, I leave you with this question: WHAT EFFECT WILL THIS HAVE ON THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS OF AMA?

First of all, you are right about Hacking not picking a fight. I've seen the footage but I remembered Hacking being more confrontational. The profanity was evident though and it was in a media setting/press conference even if it was off the record.

I know people (especially herd creatures) love to think that these little interpersonal spats are important----that the flow of respect and the essence of a man's actions is more important than the systems and incentives written with in the rule book, but these minor interpersonal problems are more entertaining than damaging.

DMG is crafting rules properly and creating proper incentives within the sport that should benefit the AMA in the long term. Rider confrontations and the vain overreactions by the governing body are more entertaining than anything.

This suspension is like throwing a stone into a stormy sea. Net long term effect=0. Besides DMG know how the herd works, they follow conventional wisdom or they rally behind a likable leader. The damage can be reversed in 5 minutes.

Besides, DMG's overreaction lends credence to my analysis of Hacking. He has been a chronic problem especially when it comes to his treatment of younger competitors. It is likely that DMG feel the same way. They idea that they are targeting Hacking because they have no one else to persecute is a work of herd fiction. Hacking's reputation precedes him.

Perhaps the punishment is unjust but Hacking is probably not undeserving.

Holy ...., I guess you don't hear anything I'm saying.


Lex, you crack me up brotha. However, my parting words are (as if I didn't make it clear before); I've learn something from this exchange--that you simply make up .... and when its there to see, you simply ignore it. Again, Hacking was EXITING THE ROOM AS HE SPOKE TO HIS WIFE muttering profanity in frustration TO HER. I WAS THERE! How and why you keep insisting it was IN a press conference setting is beyond me. They are railroading this guy! You think its like throwing a rock in a sea storm, haha, dude perhaps that's why you don't have a problem with the erosion of civil liberties and censure, because you think it has no effect. Well it does, it has a chilling effect on dissenting voices. Hacking is a fairly secure man with a secure job and a history of success on the track; his personality and record give him standing to speak out. Now they have censure this voice, what hope do you think a younger or less assertive rider has against the strong-arm tactics of DMG?

Ok, forget it. I'm done. End of (find some other sucker to play ball with).

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Mar 26 2009, 12:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Holy ...., I guess you don't hear anything I'm saying.


Lex, you crack me up brotha. However, my parting words are (as if I didn't make it clear before); I've learn something from this exchange--that you simply make up .... and when its there to see, you simply ignore it. Again, Hacking was EXITING THE ROOM AS HE SPOKE TO HIS WIFE muttering profanity in frustration TO HER. I WAS THERE! How and why you keep insisting it was IN a press conference setting is beyond me. They are railroading this guy! You think its like throwing a rock in a sea storm, haha, dude perhaps that's why you don't have a problem with the erosion of civil liberties and censure, because you think it has no effect. Well it does, it has a chilling effect on dissenting voices. Hacking is a fairly secure man with a secure job and a history of success on the track; his personality and record give him standing to speak out. Now they have censure this voice, what hope do you think a younger or less assertive rider has against the strong-arm tactics of DMG?

Ok, forget it. I'm done. End of (find some other sucker to play ball with).

Why are DMG railroading Hacking?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Mar 26 2009, 12:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Take a look again, and you will see I may have a point my good friend.

Yeah, you do. Maybe I overreacted, given the impression Hacking has given from past press conference videos, particularly after race 1, where he was wiping off his leathers into the microphone, and Mid-Ohio last year. And there were the "Rossi" jabs during Laguna '07.

Not that I think Disalvo is an angel either. I can see the possibility of bad blood there; wasn't there an incident between the two during the Daytona supersport race in 2006? Like Disalvo passing Hacking and waving at him?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 26 2009, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Why in God's name was he picking fights and talking trash when he had the championship lead?
I would guess because if it wasn't for the rules package he would have had two wins and an extended lead. It would frustrate me too. I also think it's a little bit of exaggeration to say Hacking is always picking on the kids. Sure, he's done his fair share of criticisms but I get the feeling they were likely warranted. I find it very hard to believe that Hacking is this notorious terrorizer of younger riders when his closest friend in the paddock was Ben Spies.

Hacking reinstated after paying fine.Maybe we are being heard.Im sure it probably had more to do with Kawasaki probably not showing up at Road Atlanta than anything.


http://superbikeplanet.com/2009/Mar/090327hacking.htm

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <div class='quotemain'>but any violations of his probation in that event or any other on the 2009 schedule will result in the immediate enforcement of the one-event penalty, in addition to any other fines, penalties or suspensions related to the infraction.superbikeplanet.com

Need I say more?


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 26 2009, 04:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Why are DMG railroading Hacking?

(Yeah, I know you don't get it lex, but buddy, I don't have the patience to explain or draw you pictures)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (povol @ Mar 27 2009, 01:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Hacking reinstated after paying fine.Maybe we are being heard.Im sure it probably had more to do with Kawasaki probably not showing up at Road Atlanta than anything.


http://superbikeplanet.com/2009/Mar/090327hacking.htm

I'm not gloating, I'm not gloating, I'm not gloating

They suspended him indefinitely because indefinitely sounds awful but it can be reversed whenever they want to reverse it.

Too bad it ended so soon, these conspiracy theories were getting good.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 27 2009, 07:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>I'm not gloating, I'm not gloating, I'm not gloating

They suspended him indefinitely because indefinitely sounds awful but it can be reversed whenever they want to reverse it.

Too bad it ended so soon, these conspiracy theories were getting good.
Actually it was one weekend minimum with an indefinate after that. They reinsted him because Kawasaki was making noise about not going cross country with 1 rider that is not in the title hunt.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (povol @ Mar 27 2009, 05:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Actually it was one weekend minimum with an indefinate after that. They reinsted him because Kawasaki was making noise about not going cross country with 1 rider that is not in the title hunt.

Yes, but I was quite certain they had been caught by the letter of their own stupid rules. I had full confidence they would reinstate him immediately after he apologized. I guess technically I was wrong because he only paid the fine. That sounds more like DMG though, why pick a fight publicly when you can discretely screw with people's wallets?

The rules also said they were going to run Supersport on Sunday, but they made up some garbage about the impending rain and no rain tires (expect more lies in the future). Hopefully, it is becoming blatantly obvious to everyone involved that DMG are actually on the side of the competitors. They always have been. The rules package was designed to impress corporate stooges and advertisers so the venue holders can make some money.

Better to show an uninformed event sponsor a pretty list of rules and cheap skyboxes so the AMA can secure the sponsor. If the weekend is a bust, DMG can always return the money and apologize. You can't even get your foot in the door without a "guarantee" that the event will be run on time.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 26 2009, 11:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Why are DMG railroading Hacking?
There is an old saying we have in business specifically sales and that is "the new broom sweeps clean". Now what that is saying is that they have no bad habits or attitudes towards the common goal. With that said think about hacked and especially Mladin. Those dudes are an easy prediction to win the race and have a stinkin attitude towards the new guard. Therefore it is easy to give the old dudes a hard time to drive them out so new guys can come in and fall in line without question. Plus they more importantly are controlable. They do not rock the boat since they need the support from everyone whereas those two old guys could give a .... about their evil adgenda at DMG.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 27 2009, 07:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Yes, but I was quite certain they had been caught by the letter of their own stupid rules. I had full confidence they would reinstate him immediately after he apologized. I guess technically I was wrong because he only paid the fine. That sounds more like DMG though, why pick a fight publicly when you can discretely screw with people's wallets?

The rules also said they were going to run Supersport on Sunday, but they made up some garbage about the impending rain and no rain tires (expect more lies in the future). Hopefully, it is becoming blatantly obvious to everyone involved that DMG are actually on the side of the competitors. They always have been. The rules package was designed to impress corporate stooges and advertisers so the venue holders can make some money.

Better to show an uninformed event sponsor a pretty list of rules and cheap skyboxes so the AMA can secure the sponsor. If the weekend is a bust, DMG can always return the money and apologize. You can't even get your foot in the door without a "guarantee" that the event will be run on time.
Dude, I think Jumkie may have been right. You are going schizo. Here you've pointed out how seedy DMG have been towards riders and fans yet you continue to argue that DMG really are on the competitors side. How can you possibly see it this way? I'm honestly baffled, Lex. Like I said in another post, you're better than this.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Mar 29 2009, 08:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Dude, I think Jumkie may have been right. You are going schizo. Here you've pointed out how seedy DMG have been towards riders and fans yet you continue to argue that DMG really are on the competitors side. How can you possibly see it this way? I'm honestly baffled, Lex. Like I said in another post, you're better than this.

You go to the doctor and he tells you he's going to heal you but cutting you open, sawing your ribcage in half, then sewing you shut. You might be afraid but you don't question the logic because you have been educated about surgery and you've seen the results.

You go see a fitness professional. He tells you you're too fat and he suggests that you run around in circles for an hour until you feel like you're going to vomit. You don't like it, but you don't question the effectiveness of exercise because you're informed and you've seen results.

I sound schizo because I'm educated in political theory, economics of public/private governance, sociology, and leadership/management theory. I'm not an expert by any stretch, but I'm informed compared to the general populace.

How can a man who is seemingly rotten to the core be good for motorcycle racing? People dislike his racing products, but they don't understand that product differentiation not ideology craft the products he designs. Edmondson favors low barriers to entry, equipment parity, low cost, and ownership by the participants. Most of DMG's tyrannical behavior is due to susceptibility caused by their own rules packages. They don't let the manufacturers invest in the sport b/c the manufacturers ruin everything so DMG is always weary of being overthrown or forced out. DMG rely on powerful team owners, racers, dedicated fans, and mega-sponsors to insulate them from the influence of manufacturers; but keeping them all happy is delicate work. DMG use high profits, low-costs, and seemingly unlimited growth potential to keep people interested.

Fans are worried about the vanilla personalities NASCAR has created, but you can't market people if you don't allow personality variance. NASCAR is on the decline b/c they enforce personality control. Obviously, strict social controls imposed by an overbearing authority make everyone the same. It destroys cultural richness and economic richness.

Hmmm..........that's a good life lesson as well. Why do we let 500 elected officials make all of our decisions. Life is exponentially more complicated than in the past and it changes more rapidly. It is going to take the creative resources of 300 million people to improve the greater good.

DMG also believe they must utilize the resources of sponsors, fans, team owners, venue owners, and racers. Each one must be working in their own self interest, but since AMA is a private business, there self-interested behaviors cannot upset the delicate balance of power that keeps DMG safe from the manufacturers. Because DMG only bring the rules, they are only as powerful as the participants allow them to be. It's not that scary really.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mylexicon @ Mar 29 2009, 01:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>You go to the doctor and he tells you he's going to heal you but cutting you open, sawing your ribcage in half, then sewing you shut. You might be afraid but you don't question the logic because you have been educated about surgery and you've seen the results.

You go see a fitness professional. He tells you you're too fat and he suggests that you run around in circles for an hour until you feel like you're going to vomit. You don't like it, but you don't question the effectiveness of exercise because you're informed and you've seen results.

I sound schizo because I'm educated in political theory, economics of public/private governance, sociology, and leadership/management theory. I'm not an expert by any stretch, but I'm informed compared to the general populace.

How can a man who is seemingly rotten to the core be good for motorcycle racing? People dislike his racing products, but they don't understand that product differentiation not ideology craft the products he designs. Edmondson favors low barriers to entry, equipment parity, low cost, and ownership by the participants. Most of DMG's tyrannical behavior is due to susceptibility caused by their own rules packages. They don't let the manufacturers invest in the sport b/c the manufacturers ruin everything so DMG is always weary of being overthrown or forced out. DMG rely on powerful team owners, racers, dedicated fans, and mega-sponsors to insulate them from the influence of manufacturers; but keeping them all happy is delicate work. DMG use high profits, low-costs, and seemingly unlimited growth potential to keep people interested.

Fans are worried about the vanilla personalities NASCAR has created, but you can't market people if you don't allow personality variance. NASCAR is on the decline b/c they enforce personality control. Obviously, strict social controls imposed by an overbearing authority make everyone the same. It destroys cultural richness and economic richness.

Hmmm..........that's a good life lesson as well. Why do we let 500 elected officials make all of our decisions. Life is exponentially more complicated than in the past and it changes more rapidly. It is going to take the creative resources of 300 million people to improve the greater good.

DMG also believe they must utilize the resources of sponsors, fans, team owners, venue owners, and racers. Each one must be working in their own self interest, but since AMA is a private business, there self-interested behaviors cannot upset the delicate balance of power that keeps DMG safe from the manufacturers. Because DMG only bring the rules, they are only as powerful as the participants allow them to be. It's not that scary really.
I appreciate you spelling it out for me because sometimes I get lost trying to understand where you're coming from, so thank you. Here is my rebuttal. You used the example of a doctor and surgery as well as a personal trainer and exercise. Yes, the process to heal these ailments do not sound fun but we are educated enough to know that these processes will yield the results we wish. That's all well and good, I understand that. Here is my problem, I don't believe RE has the capabilities to achieve the goals road racing has. There is no beaten path for road racing to go down in order to fix itself so we need to trust someone, I understand that. But from my understanding, the only reference point we have on RE is his involvement in Grand Am. At least from my perspective, Grand Am was a series with a reasonable amount of exposure in the mid 90s and I haven't heard anything about it in at least a decade. Maybe I'm misinformed.

All I'm trying to say is from the information I've gathered, the only time RE operated on a series like the AMA, he infected the patient with a dehabilitating disease.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Austin @ Mar 30 2009, 02:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>But from my understanding, the only reference point we have on RE is his involvement in Grand Am. At least from my perspective, Grand Am was a series with a reasonable amount of exposure in the mid 90s and I haven't heard anything about it in at least a decade. Maybe I'm misinformed.

The 90s saw IMSA, PSCR, USRRC, and eventually ALMS on the scene. The Grand-Am championship (the name Grand-Am is an old one, I want to say from the 60s(?)) didn't come on the scene until 2000. From 2000-02 the series ran with a 5-class structure, making it similar to the 90s IMSA and the ALMS. It looks like Edmondson didn't begin seriously working on the series until 2002, when he drafted the Daytona Prototype rules, which were implemented in 2003. Edmondson stayed the course and took quite a bit of flack for his vision. The series has attracted a lot of support from competitors (some would say this is due in part to sponsorship incentives from big brother nascar) but has arguably failed to increase the sport's profile and attract a large audience.

The sports car racing you saw in the 90s is more closely related to the ALMS than Grand-Am.