AMA at Daytona Road Race and Supercross **SPOILERS**

[squeezer]

2. Why are the little bikes running the 200 and not the Superbikes?

As noted above, they changed that a few years back, before DMG took over. It really was a safety issue. The liter bikes are just too fast and too heavy for 200 miles on the high banks. The riders started to talk boycott because they were convinced someone would die.

The problem now is that DMG still wants to pitch the very outdated 200 as "the most prestigious motorcycle race in America" (Sheheen obviously followed his instructions to say that over and over). And that explains why they keep trying to push the Daytona Sportbike class as the premier class -- first with last year's initial rule set, now this year by cutting prize money for the superbikes to near zilch and making the DS class the only one that might pay off for privateers.

Clearly, the fans, teams, and riders aren't buying into that. I don't expect DMG to give up, though.

[squeezer]

By the way, am I the only one who, every time he sees Scott Russell on camera, believes it's proof that the dead walk the earth?

[keepergale]

I really appreciate the explanation. I was pretty cranked about the no call while watching -- not because I thought his one foot move had any effect on a 200 mile draft fest, but because it looked like another example of DMG's arbitrary rule book.

So, okay, it wasn't. The rule was specified ahead of time. My anger is assuaged.

On the liter bikes: I've always liked rooting for Zemke. I figured his career was pretty much over. That was really fun to watch.

Ditto   Thanks to everyone for the rule clarification.

[DJStevieB]

Yes, thank you for the explanations.

I, too, was shocked to hear the announcers saying over and over again how prestigious the Daytona 200 is. Since when?   Maybe it was when it was held on the beach... Again, I apologize. I'm not a diehard fan of American racing (except the local guys).

It did look like a NASCAR race, though, with all the crashes.  

[Blunder]

DJ, in the late '60s and early '70s the 200 was just about the biggest motorcycle race in the world. The money, both prize and appearance, drew all the top racers and the bikes evolved from iron barreled Harley KRs and British Twins to Japanese 2 and 4 stroke GP bikes. Because it took place in early March there were no conflicts with other big events.

If you look at pics from that era you'll notice something else, too; there were people in the grandstands. Lots of people.

[Mr Sunshine]

and too heavy for 200 miles on the high banks.

Weight wasn't the issue at all.  What do you think the weight difference between a 1000 and a 600 is?  Its less than 10lbs.

[Orson]

DJ, in the late '60s and early '70s the 200 was just about the biggest motorcycle race in the world.

Yup.

When you could lure Agostini and Sheene from across the pond, you had sumthin. The Euros even tried their own variation with the Imola 200.

When the AMA changed over to production bikes, it lost its appeal for the Grand Prix riders, and it has never managed to recapture its past glory.

I always hoped they'd split it into two 100 mile legs and make it the opening round of the WSBK  

The problem now is that DMG still wants to pitch the very outdated 200 as "the most prestigious motorcycle race in America"

That's a travesty. As Jeff N says, everyone wants to see the superbikes. They must take us for a buncha NASCAR fans.

[DJStevieB]

Thanks, Jeff.

Back then, I was chasin' wimmens, trying all sorts of ganji weed..... well, I think I was.... I can't remember too much of the late 60's.

[Blunder]

Thanks, Jeff.

You're welcome.

Another thing that must be pointed out. Just like in F1 of the same era when they raced at Watkins Glen those pay envelopes didn't contain traceable checks. Oh no, those fat parcels contained good old American cash. Lots of cash. The Euros loved coming to race in America.

[Busy Little Whiner]

So none of the 600 supersports are designed to be race bikes either?  

Most 600 now a days are designed as race bikes... thats why some manufactures offer a less racy 600...  

[Busy Little Whiner]

So that 848 spec racing series in Germany doesn't exist eh?

It does exist... but the fact remains the 848 was not designed for racing...  

[Busy Little Whiner]

That's a travesty. As Jeff N says, everyone wants to see the superbikes. They must take us for a buncha NASCAR fans.

I agree... a travesty of biblical proportions... why my neighbor Marv (Mr.Kawasaki) won't even come over to
watch the Daytona 200 anymore...

[Blunder]

That's an I-4, innit Larry?  

[Busy Little Whiner]

That's an I-4, innit Larry?  

True... thats an I4 I had the pleasure modifying with a lot of custom machine work... don't you like the Ducati mirrors???

[phoenix]

does anyone know (for future reference) if they offered any sort of week-long or weekend pass to the track? With so much track and dirt racing, I'm thinkin that would be a good vacation trip. If there happens to be some spring breakers down there at the same time, it wouldn't bother me.  

[bogthing]

Not sure about nowadays Phoenix. Used to be we'd head down the week before, do some cornerworking for CCS, AHRMA etc, and we would be all set straight through to the next Sunday. The weird problem always was getting in for the motocross race, or something like that. Can't recall for sure, it was back then a 10 day straight fiesta...It's certainly a great vacation idea if you can manage all the traffic issues, the pirates, etc.

[bogthing]

By the way, am I the only one who, every time he sees Scott Russell on camera, believes it's proof that the dead walk the earth?

Yeah, what's the deal with him?, My wife walked into the room, looked at the screen, and wanted to know, "who the hell is that?"

[buls4evr]

 The Daytona 200?....The wrong bikes on the wrong track with nobody riders on them and a few pirates in the stands.

  The Daytona SX....What used to be the best , most unpredictable SX outdoors was made predictable somehow.

  The Daytona shorttrack....Ice racing on dirt tires. Drunken pirates in the stands. Great riders tolerating an impossible situation.

  Best racing of the wknd...   Big Buddhas 200 in, blown,nitrous hog vs.  Beemos turbo Busa at 3AM out in the burbs with 6K pirates watching. Biggest crowd of the wknd. It was free and no one checked your coolers.

   The real winners? Party store and bar owners.

[DogBoy]

Last year they were using video monitors on the first several rows and calling jump starts if there was the slightest "pixel movement" when reviewing the video according to what I've read. It was controversial and unfair because a) they didn't have enough equipment or people to apply this system to the whole field and b) how do you define "pixel movement" anyway?

The rules were changed for this year to only call a jump start if the bike moves before the red light goes off and continues moving forward. Of course, there is vague "AMA Pro Racing will decide" language in the wording.  

Eslick did stop moving forward and did not gain any advantage. He was fifth into the first turn on that start. I'm in the no harm, no foul crowd for this incident. Besides, if there is a red flag before the two laps are complete, the whole race is started again at full race distance. The red flag came out before the first half lap was complete. That lap never officially happened so there isn't much to penalize.

Yeah, I know only a fool quotes himself and I'm proving myself the fool once again. I deleted the 200 from my DVR but I was wondering if the jump was on the first, red-flagged start or the second start? I thought it was the first start, as stated above, but now I'm not sure. Anyone still have the race saved?

[DogBoy]

 The Daytona 200?....The wrong bikes on the wrong track with nobody riders on them and a few pirates in the stands.

  The Daytona SX....What used to be the best , most unpredictable SX outdoors was made predictable somehow.

  The Daytona shorttrack....Ice racing on dirt tires. Drunken pirates in the stands. Great riders tolerating an impossible situation.

  Best racing of the wknd...   Big Buddhas 200 in, blown,nitrous hog vs.  Beemos turbo Busa at 3AM out in the burbs with 6K pirates watching. Biggest crowd of the wknd. It was free and no one checked your coolers.

   The real winners? Party store and bar owners.

I'd agree with your comments except the "nobody riders" part.