2012 Silly season for AMA Superbike

[rajflyboy]

1.   Who will ride for Suzuki?  Looks like Young is coming back.   Who else will ride for them?

2.   MJ    Will Bostrom and Roger Hayden remain?

3.   Will Kawasaki come back in to the Superbike series full time with the ZX10

4.   Honda ?    Will they ever come back?

5.   Will we see more races next year?   The schedule was a little small this year.

6.   Any other good news or rumors?

[motodog650]

Herrin to team with Hayes on Graves R1

Eslick pining hard for a SBK ride

This looks like a step in the right direction:

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=45939

[scottzilla]

I believe Eslick and Herrin are deserving of competitive Superbike rides.

I am so mad at T Hayden my head will explode.

[rajflyboy]

Herrin to team with Hayes on Graves R1

Eslick pining hard for a SBK ride

This looks like a step in the right direction:

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=45939

Graves R1 is gonna be good next year again.

[rajflyboy]

Tommy gun may end up on the 23 Jordan bike.

 

[ZZR12]

Tommy Gun lost the motor, when does that ever happen to a Yosh bike? But even if he didn't I think the result would have been the same, he just isn't aggresive enough. I think Kawasaki should give Steve Rapp a shot, he did damn good a NJ.

[rajflyboy]

I just hope Kawi comes back full time.  

[Tyrroneous]

Eslick on a SBK could be VERY entertaining indeed.  Personally, I'd like to see him on the EBR 1190.  

[DogBoy]

The only thing of value Ralph Sheheen added to the weekend was reporting JD Beach's comment that "Dunlop couldn't bring enough rear tires" for Eslick on a superbike.  

Good that Herrin is moving up the SB and Graves Yamaha is adding another bike. Would love to see Eslick in one of the top Superbike seats. Eslick was usually faster than Young when they were teammates at Matsuhima Suzuki back in their SuperSport days. Also would like Cardenas to find whatever is holding him back from being one of the Superbike front runners.

I'd like to see Bobby Fong return and join Cameron Beaubier in the best of DSB seats. Go NorCal!

[heinee]

The only thing of value Ralph Sheheen added to the weekend was reporting JD Beach's comment that "Dunlop couldn't bring enough rear tires" for Eslick on a superbike.  

Good that Herrin is moving up the SB and Graves Yamaha is adding another bike. Would love to see Eslick in one of the top Superbike seats. Eslick was usually faster than Young when they were teammates at Matsuhima Suzuki back in their SuperSport days. Also would like Cardenas to find whatever is holding him back from being one of the Superbike front runners.

I'd like to see Bobby Fong return and join Cameron Beaubier in the best of DSB seats. Go NorCal!

I would like to add Rapp on the Kawasaki, if Kawasaki could get their heads out ...... i.e, telling Sykes he may not have a ride in WSBK next year, even though for the past 2-3 years he's consistently been the top rider on the ZX10 ?!!?

[motodog650]

Tommy Gun lost the motor, when does that ever happen to a Yosh bike?

At Barber back in June. But yea, not the norm...

[scottzilla]

There is a lot of evidence to suggest the mfgs are looking for less factory involvement in Superbike racing.  The concept of having race teams pull from the same pool of factory parts and developing their machines at the team level could make for great competitive racing.  Plus the factories would save a bunch of money.
Yosh, for example, has been consistently great because of how their team is run coupled with having great riders, not just because Suzuki gives them proprietary parts.

[rajflyboy]

Its official

Tommy Hayden is out at Suzuki.  

Where will he go?   MJ motorsports?

[phoenix]

if they're only going to race 8 weekends, its kind of a "who cares" situation.

[rajflyboy]

if they're only going to race 8 weekends, its kind of a "who cares" situation.

 

[DogBoy]

Eleven race final schedule released by AMA Pro Road Racing.  
http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/news/index.cfm?cid=51577


I would prefer to see VIR rather than Homestead on the schedule but until VIR management gets their act together that won't happen. Would be nice to see more dates but I can't think of any track in the U.S. (save VIR) that is currently capable of hosting an AMA race that is that does not appear on this schedule. Looking forward to the season.

March 15 - 17, 2012
Daytona 200
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach, Fla.

April 20 - 22, 2012*
Road Atlanta
Braselton, Ga.

May 4 - 6, 2012
Infineon Raceway
Sonoma, Calif.

May 26 - 28, 2012
Miller Motorsports Park
Tooele, Utah

June 1 - 3, 2012
Road America
Elkhart Lake, Wis.

June 22 - 24, 2012
Barber Motorsports Park
Birmingham, Ala.

July 13 - 15, 2012
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Lexington, Ohio

July 27 - 29, 2012
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Monterey, Calif.

September 7 - 9, 2012
New Jersey Motorsports Park
Millville, N.J.

September 21 - 23, 2012*
Homestead-Miami Speedway
Homestead, Fla.

October 5 - 7, 2012*
NOLA Motorsports Park
New Orleans, La.
* Events promoted by M1 PowerSports

[Blunder]

Homestead? I thought we were rid of the rovals.  

NOLA looks a little like Miller in that there are multiple layouts possible. Could be interesting.

[DogBoy]

I hear ya. Two rovals in Florida. I realize that its probably impossible to get Daytona off the schedule but Homestead is nothing to get excited about. Does anyone race bikes there? I've watched Grand-Am races from there but never thought about it being an acceptable track for motorcycles. I don't remember the layout being as "Mickey Mouse" as Fontana. Maybe CMS_Sprint can chime in?

[Blunder]

CCS is racing at Homestead this weekend and I know Kawasaki has used the track for press intros, but still...

[squeezer]

I didn't know there was a track Nawlins.

[motodog650]

Hell Yes !! My home track (Road Atlanta) back on the schedule after a one year absence. April date could be a bit iffy weather wise but I'll be there rain or shine...  

[Kneescrubber]

I didn't know there was a track Nawlins.

It's new. Opened late last year I believe.

[Shmoo]

I'm curious to see how KTM does.  

I wish there was more money for this group...just seems so thin.

[motodog650]

I'm curious to see how KTM does.  

I wish there was more money for this group...just seems so thin.

I was to. Not gonna happen. so thin indeed :

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=46772

[Shmoo]

I was to. Not gonna happen. so thin indeed :

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=46772

Aww dude what the hell.  They would have been top 10!  

On top of that, if Fillmore can't defend his HD title next year...man.

[BashamR6S]

Where can I find a CCS schedule for 2012?

[Shmoo]

Where can I find a CCS schedule for 2012?

Haven't seen the schedule yet.  Hope to be racing in the MA region in 2012.

[DogBoy]

Am I missing something?

The CCS website has 2012 schedules posted right on the home page.

http://www.ccsracing.us/

[BashamR6S]

My bad...
Bash

[Shmoo]

Am I missing something?

The CCS website has 2012 schedules posted right on the home page.

http://www.ccsracing.us/

d'oh.  lol thanks.

[rajflyboy]

Where is Tommy Gunn gonna end up?

[motodog650]

Where is Tommy Gunn gonna end up?

Good question. Not much left to choose from  

[Shmoo]

We're still going backwards...

Hayden still out
Eslick out
Cardenas back to 600 series (?!!!)

[motodog650]

We're still going backwards...
Hayden still out
Eslick out
Cardenas back to 600 series (?!!!)

So easy to focus on the negative...

Cardenas will be on JU's superbike again this year except with GEICO money onboard.

Eslick working on SBK ride as I'm sure T. Hayden is as well...

[DogBoy]

Cardenas is going to be racing DSB for Chris Ulrich's team with Geico sponsorship in 2012. http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=46676

John Ulrich had posted on the WERA board that a certain sponsor wants a presence in the DSB category and that is why Eslick stayed there for so long. Suzuki is obviously cutting back so that may be Cardenas best (only?) opportunity to ride for a winning team and get paid. Bummer because Cardenas should be on a liter bike.

[Shmoo]

If you have the time:

http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/ama-sbk-broke-class-warfare/

A lot of it is common sense, but there is some insight as to why DSB is raking in some riders.  It's tragic.

[DogBoy]

I disagree with the article on a few points:

1) The manufacturers want to market both 600s and 1000s in a very high profile manner. I've also complained about the old formula of two 600cc classes and two 1000cc classes but at least I understood why they existed and why superbike riders we're paid huge money to race 600s. The OEMs will pull back even more if there is no showcase and no TV for the 600s they want to sell in big numbers.

2) No way would I agree with less TV time. Making the two classes equal is foolish, but find me someone who really thinks 600ss aren't a stepping stone to superbike. Casual fan or pro rider, no one thinks the classes are "equal".

3) Moto2 has enhanced Dorna's product not detracted from it. You are going to have fluctuating participation in the top class. Especially when it gets more expensive. Having another class that provides more consistent fields is very important. Not a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket.

4) His comparisons to stick and ball sports are irrelevant. Compare road racing to AMA SX/MX and AMA Flat Track. Both have heavily promoted junior series and the 250 SX/MX TV time does not detract from the 450 class. Same would be the case for Flat Track if they could get a decent TV contract.

[motodog650]

Cardenas is going to be racing DSB for Chris Ulrich's team with Geico sponsorship in 2012. http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=46676

John Ulrich had posted on the WERA board that a certain sponsor wants a presence in the DSB category and that is why Eslick stayed there for so long. Suzuki is obviously cutting back so that may be Cardenas best (only?) opportunity to ride for a winning team and get paid. Bummer because Cardenas should be on a liter bike.

Crap, was looking forward to seeing him battling for SBK podiums. I obviously didn't look at the article closely enough      

[motodog650]

Buy one on get one free ticket promo going on for 2012 events at Road Atlanta, Homestead Miami & New Orleans. Details at:

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=46901  

[motodog650]

Eslick signs to race EBR1190RS in AMA SBK:

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/...?article=47020

[DogBoy]

Good news. I think JD Beach was quoted as saying that "Dunlop couldn't bring enough rear tires" if Eslick rode a superbike.     AMA Superbike just got even more entertaining.    




BTW, JD Beach will be riding an R6 for a new team in DSB.

[Tyrroneous]

Just came here to post the news about Eslick on the Buell.  He was exciting to watch on the 1125RR and will be even more so on the 1190.  Can't wait!  

[squeezer]

Eslick signs to race EBR1190RS in AMA SBK:

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/...?article=47020

 

That's double good -- Eslick finds a job and Buell finds sponsorship to run a second bike. Gotta love that.

[DogBoy]

New team making a big splash in DSB and Supersport. Co-owned by one of the founders of Twitter. JD Beach, Jake Gagne (Both are MotoGP RedBull Rookies Cup champs) will race DSB. Hayden Gilliam and Tomas Puerta will race in supersport. All on Yamaha R6 race bikes.

Even with Eslick and Herrin moving to Superbike, DSB is still going to be stacked with talent. Go JD Beach!

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=47113

[squeezer]

New team making a big splash in DSB and Supersport. Co-owned by one of the founders of Twitter. JD Beach, Jake Gagne (Both are MotoGP RedBull Rookies Cup champs) will race DSB. Hayden Gilliam and Tomas Puerta will race in supersport. All on Yamaha R6 race bikes.

Even with Eslick and Herrin moving to Superbike, DSB is still going to be stacked with talent. Go JD Beach!

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=47113

According to Speed, they're putting together a pretty good team, including Cardenas' former mechanic. Red Bull backing.

Of course, JD Beach in DSB means he's not riding the Cycle World Attack Kawasaki in Superbike. Is that team going to run this year?

[motodog650]

Of course, JD Beach in DSB means he's not riding the Cycle World Attack Kawasaki in Superbike. Is that team going to run this year?
[/quote]

Steve Rapp rode the bike at round one WERA West a few weeks ago but it don't look good for them doing the AMA series.

I think at this point of JD's career a 600 will suit him better anyway. Will be great seeing Gagne out there. Thought it was a shame he sat on the sidelines last year after winning the Red Bull rookies cup in 2010...  

[Shmoo]

Season is right around the corner!

Tommy Hayden still hasn't gotten a ride, huh.  I wonder if the name could carry him across the pond.

[squeezer]

Tommy Hayden still hasn't gotten a ride, huh.  I wonder if the name could carry him across the pond.

It helped get Roger Lee that WSBK ride with Pedercini Kawasaki, but I can't see Tommy settling for a back-of-the-grid team.

I'd love to see him in WSBK or WSS, though.

[DogBoy]

Beast Rides Beast!

Eslick testing the EBR 1190 at Jennings in FL.

[DogBoy]

KTM officially back in AMA Superbike for 2012.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=47246

At least nobody will be able to say all the bikes look alike.  



-signed RC8R fan.

[BashamR6S]

KTM officially back in AMA Superbike for 2012.

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=47246

At least nobody will be able to say all the bikes look alike. 



-signed RC8R fan.

Bad ass!!

[ceilingcat]

Not too sure what AMA pro racing is doing.  They seem to be doing everything possible to produce a good racing series but somehow screwing it up at the same time.

With respect to VIR - I doubt there will be AMA racing there until after chapter 11 has been filed.  Last time I was there (early Oct of 2011 in my M3) the track was in dire need of maintenance.

[DogBoy]

Jake Zemke just announced he will be racing Daytona Sportbike this seaon on a Ducati 848 for DucShop. Zemke is the definition of a class act and fast rider. Good for him. Can't wait for the season to start.

[squeezer]

Jake Zemke just announced he will be racing Daytona Sportbike this seaon on a Ducati 848 for DucShop. Zemke is the definition of a class act and fast rider. Good for him. Can't wait for the season to start.

Glad to hear he's got a job. That's a guy I love to root for.  

[BashamR6S]

http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/ama-dsb-disalvos-triumphant-return/

Bash

[Blunder]

Not too sure what AMA pro racing is doing.  They seem to be doing everything possible to produce a good racing series but somehow screwing it up at the same time.

With respect to VIR - I doubt there will be AMA racing there until after chapter 11 has been filed.  Last time I was there (early Oct of 2011 in my M3) the track was in dire need of maintenance.

What's the AMA done this time? These past few years they seemed to have gotten their shit together. The VIR mess is of the track management's making. After years of hosting a successful event they decided to take over the promotion and organizing themselves and promptly made a dog's breakfast of it.

[Kootenanny]

Eslick signs to race EBR1190RS in AMA SBK:

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/...?article=47020

Yeah!  A reason to watch the AMA SB series as well as the DSB this season.  I hope they continue to televise the races in the evenings (WSB and MotoGP races are usually shown in the middle of the afternoon out here...I don't wanna sit inside on a sunny Sunday, but I don't have a PVR as yet...)