superbike

New Superbike Structure In 2009
by staff
Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Well, it looks like they decided to fix some old problems first.

This just in from the AMA:

AMA TO ROLL OUT NEW SUPERBIKE CLASS STRUCTURE IN 2009

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (March 21, 2007) - AMA Racing announced today that it will implement a new class structure for the AMA Superbike Championship beginning with the 2009 season. The new class structure will feature three championship classes with accommodations in place to run developmental/support classes as part of the overall series. The new championship classes are as follows:


AMA Superbike
AMA Supersport
AMA Formula Xtreme


AMA Superbike will remain the series' leading class and continue to be based primarily on 1000cc equipment. In its new iteration, AMA Superbike pulls from existing Superbike and Superstock rules resulting in an all-new premier class. Supersport and Formula Xtreme will remain similar to their existing structure but will also be refined.


In making the announcement AMA President, Rob Dingman, acknowledged the dynamic nature of motorcycle development as well as the motorcycle marketplace. "We're seeing unprecedented gains in the levels of performance by modern motorcycles," said Dingman. "Also, as motorcycle sales have remained robust, the manufacturers have sought to accelerate their competitive advantages, not to mention market share, by improving key products even more."


Dingman added that AMA Racing's objective is to recognize and respond to these changes while considering such factors as rider safety, quality of competition, cost, and the overall health and growth of motorcycle road racing, among other criteria.


In developing its new class structure, AMA Racing officials looked outward. "We considered the class structure and rules packages of other leading sanctioning bodies worldwide as part of this process," said Dingman. "Ultimately, we need to do what is in the best interest of the riders, teams, manufacturers and sponsors competing in the United States but, at the same time, this cannot be done in a vacuum."


Dingman said World Superbike as well as leading national series like British Superbike, German Superbike and Australian Superbike were examined.


In 2006 AMA Racing adopted new procedures for rules development. In addition to a Racing Committee whose role is to determine and set strategic direction for all AMA Racing properties, separate rules committees were developed for each racing discipline. The new Superbike class structure was presented to the Road Race Rules Committee on March 21 at a meeting at AMA offices in California. Feedback provided by the committee will be used in determining final class structure details.


Specific equipment standards and technical rules remain under development and will be finalized in the near future. Additionally, AMA Racing is evaluating several options for developmental/support classes. A main objective for these classes is to create an improved process for the growth of younger riders and their ability to compete at the national level. As always, AMA Racing will continually monitor its class structure and rules packages and modify as necessary.


Dingman stated that strengthening the AMA Superbike Championship overall is at the core of these changes. "We see great opportunity for AMA Superbike to continue to expand," said Dingman. "Throughout 2006 and early 2007 we have made a number of changes to our organization and staff all in the name of improvement. We see this new class structure as part of that evolution. 2007 will be an important year as we prepare for our future."

ENDS