Travis Pastrana's Great  Divide Biking Adventure

http://www.travispastrana.com/#/en/CURRENT/News/The-Great-Divide/The-Great-Divide/

When the sun broke over the Rocky Mountains this morning, Travis, along with his friends Special Greg and Eric Roner, set out to conquer the "Great Divide Trail." The 2,493 mile trail begins in Montana and continues South along the Rockies before ending in New Mexico. Pastrana will ditch the familiarity of his motorized vehicles for a full-suspension mountain bike supplied by Giant Bicycles.

The trip will take approximately 39 days and Travis will make scheduled stops at post offices along the way. New gear, supplies and underwear will be exchanged for autographed postcards from Travis to randomly selected fans. Yes, you heard correctly, Travis will be sending out postcards to fans selected from his Facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/travispastrana). Disconnected from technology, Travis has reverted to the old school methods of "snail mail" to communicate with fans throughout his journey.

Follow Travis's journey by checking out www.travispastrana.com for updates.

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THE 2009 LUCAS OIL INDY MILE  A NIGHT TO REMEMBER       Kenny Coolbeth, Bryan Smith and Jared Mees share the podium. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 30, 2009) - Defending AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Champion Kenny Coolbeth (No. 1 Harley-Davidson Motor Co. / Screamin Eagles Harley-Davidson) came away the big winner of the Lucas Oil Indiana Mile as Round 7 of the Grand National Twins Championship came to the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company / Screamin' Eagle backed Coolbeth led the 25-lap National wire to wire. This weekend's victory was Coolbeth's second National win of the year, and coupled with the points from his Dash win, the three-time Champion was propelled to a four point lead over Jared Mees (No. 21 Blue Springs Screamin' Eagle / Rogers Lake's Harley-Davidson).   The Expert Twins Line Up    "Everybody was fast today," Coolbeth said. "The best way to handle that is to just get out front, put your head down and try to get away.  I don't worry about the points when I'm racing.  If I can keep winning, the points will take care of themselves."   #1 Kenny Coolbeth and #42 Bryan Smith   While Coolbeth pulled to a comfortable lead, Mees was locked in a race-long battle with yet another Screamin' Eagle rider, No. 42 Bryan Smith and his Moroney's Harley-Davidson. Smith took second by the slimmest of margins, keeping his Championship hopes alive.  #21 Jared Mees lost the point lead at Indy. The race in the distance behind Coolbeth was divided into pairs. Besides the Mees / Smith duo, No. 14 Jake Johnson (SuperTrapp / F&S Harley-Davidson) and No. 43 Sammy Halbert (Halbert Family / Kings Kustoms) were having a great race until Halbert slid down on Lap 20. 2008 Winner  #4 Chris Carr settled for a 5th this year.   Another three seconds back, No. 4 Chris Carr Racing's Chris Carr and No. 33 Memphis Shades / Parts Unlimited's JR Schnabel fought over fifth, with the edge going to Carr at the wire.  The last dueling pair was No. 3 Joe Kopp (Latus Harley-Davidson / Screamin Eagle) and No. 17 Henry Wiles (KK Motorcycle Supply / Mike Adkins).  Kopp was able to hold off a hard-charging Wiles by the end of the race. Harley-Davidson of Wausau's No. 59 Willie McCoy was a lonely ninth over the Nation Cycle / Reiman's Harley-Davidson backed No. 26 Brandan Bergen. The first attempt to start the 25-lap National was short lived, as four riders quickly tangled. No. 44 Brandon Robinson, No. 69 Jethro Halbert, No. 28 Shaun Russell and Wiles were involved in a Turn 1 incident.  Only Wiles was able to make the restart, riding his backup Harley-Davidson. #1 Kenny Coolbeth took the $1000.00 and 5 points in the dash to lead the Expert Twins Point Standings going into Springfield.   Under the new points system, the Dash has taken on great importance, as the points garnered from the 5-4-3-2-1 bonus system can add up fast. Coolbeth was able to take the five points for the win tonight, with last year's race winner Carr finishing second. The short, four lap races are packed with action every week.   #95c JD Beach leads the first Pro Single Heat   The Pro Singles Main event was another "barn burner" as Red Bull / Team 95 / American Honda's No. 95C JD Beach backed up last week's Peoria TT win with a solid performance tonight. Although Beach would lead all 12 laps, he was under constant attack from Vans Yamaha / Stevens Racing's No. 24P Jeff Carver. #24p leads eventual winner #95c JD Beach, at this point in the race they had no idea #17m Brad Baker was on his way to the front from the third row.   As Beach and Carver dueled away, current Pro Singles points leader Mike Velasco / Brothers Powersports' No. 17M Brad Baker closed in and grabbed second on Lap 19, setting the podium. Grove City Mile winner  No. 10J Stephen Vanderkuur brought his new Dallas / Fort Worth Honda home in fourth over Weirbach Racing / Barnett's James Rispoli, who in turn made a last lap pass on No. 80B Corey Crawford (Mom & Dad / Priestley Racing) for fifth. Results and additonal photos go to: www.amaproracing.com THE KING, KENNY ROBERTS THE DOCTOR, VALENTINO ROSS WERE ON HAND AT THE INDY MILE         1975 INDY MILE WINNER KENNY ROBERTS HAD THE FANS ON THEIR FEET AS HE SHOWED OFF THE TZ750 BIKE HE RODE TO VICTORY! AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines.  From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization operates and manages AMA Pro Road Racing, which includes AMA Pro American Superbike, AMA Pro Daytona SportBike, AMA Pro SuperSport and AMA Pro SunTrust Moto-GT.  AMA Pro Racing also manages and works closely with the day-to-day operational organizations of the AMA Pro Flat Track Championship and the AMA Pro Supermoto Championship Series in addition to other two-wheel and ATV series.  Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com SPRINGFIELD, IL    SHORT TRACK & MILE   THIS WEEKEND SEPT 5-6  www.illinoismda.com  SEASON FINALS  Pomona, CA    5/8 Mile  OCT 24 www.californiabikeweek.com/cbw09   GRAND NATIONAL NATIONAL HOT SHOE  Schedule   --------------------------------- Feb 28  Savannah, GA   March 4    Daytona Beach, FL 5    Daytona Beach, FL   May 23   Springfield, IL 24   Springfield, IL 30   Quincy, IL    June 6     Lamonte, MO 14   Peoria, IL 20   Bulls Gap, TN 27   Lima, OH   July 4    Frederick, MD 24   Elkins, WV 25   Hagerstown, MD   August 3    Sturgis, SD 4     Rapid City, SD 16   Grove City, OH 23   Peoria, IL 28   Gas City, IN  29   Indianapolis, IN   September 5    Springfield, IL 6    Springfield, IL   October 24   Pomona, CA    RED  Grand National BLK   National Hot Shoe   Sponsors   CONTINGENCY SPONSORS  QUICK LINKS AMA PRO RACING AMA GRAND AM

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The Institute for Advanced Motocross Studies - Five Year Plan

8 / 3 1 / 2 0 0 9
by Rupert X
American Professional Motocross – A Five Year Plan

Table of Contents

Background: Discussion: SAFETY: NECK BRACES: FLAGGERS: TRACKS: RIDERS SAFETY COMMITTEE: PROFESSIONAL MOTOCROSS RACING CLASSES: WEEKEND SCHEDULE: WOMEN’S PRO RACES (“WMA”) : TIMED QUALIFYING: NOISE ISSUES: INCREASED COMPETITION: PRIVATEERS: PRO LICENSES: THE TWO STROKE DILEMMA: RACE FUELS: WORKS BIKES: OPEN PRO PITS: FREEDOM OF THE MOTOCROSS PRESS: FAMILY VIEWING AREAS: RESTROOM (TOILETS) FACILITIES: CONCLUSION: The FIVE YEAR OUTLOOK: About the INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED MOTOCROSS STUDIES:
Background:

While motocross racing has been active in America for better than forty years, it really started to become very popular in the 1970s, subsequently, the professional side of the sport became increasingly organized and managed in the 1980s. Today, this activity has developed into a professional motorsport business that attracts both fans and corporate interest, with venues scattered across the many American states - with mostly summertime dates from May through September.
Although this athletic contest – a mixture of man and machine, originating in Europe and labeled as the “original extreme sport” - has attracted thousands to its rural locations, it has not had the occasion to be well represented on television. Additionally, the lack of services and accoutrements available “out in the country” have limited the access and availability of the size of crowds, that might quite well overwhelm the facilities, yet propel the sport of motocross to an entire other level of interest and acceptability - within American households.
Accordingly, over the years, we have had a mixed bag of success with crowds ranging from a reported twenty to fifty thousand fans attending – on any given Sunday. Television coverage has been sporadic – in both frequency and quality over the years, with tape-delayed races often missing important parts of the contests – or sometimes entire individual “motos ”. The reality is, that oftentimes the spirit and fury of live motocross racing - to the fan on the fence, has not always translated well to the medium of television, although increased awareness by the producers and, the recent development and widespread availability of HD (High-Definition) television, has definitely added to the appeal , charm and brutal realism that motocross provides.

Since the 1970s, many policies and procedures have been mandated and executed in the best interest of safety, fairness of competition, comfort and, the overall management of motocross and its facilities.
Oftentimes, these decisions have been popular with the riders, the teams and the fans, as well as within the overall spirit of motocross, although many, sadly - have not. In many occasions, this has been most unfair to the those without a loud voice in the sport – the fans and the “privateer” riders. Many believe that – over the years, so many fine traditions of the sport have been either completely taken away, or replaced with less-than-acceptable substitutions for previous features. Many cite the removal of “works” bikes as a major step-down for the sport, as do traditionalists that remember the forty-minute plus two lap races that were reduced, ultimately - by ten minutes.
The 500cc class, leaving in the early nineties- was another bitter pill for some to swallow, as was the more recent decline of the economical two-stroke machines in favor of the more ecologically sound – four stroke bikes. Controversy follows the four-strokes too, as while they have changed the fashion and feel of motocross, they have also managed to bring a strong distaste for their increased maintenance costs and high-level of traveling sound- that
they emit from the mufflers. Also, for many of the grassroots fans of the sport, the missing aroma of the pungent race-fuels and two-stroke oils has been a source of minor grumbling.
The very recent switch to Saturday editions of professional motocross has been an incredibly controversial experiment, with organizers arguing it’s a better situation for television production and the teams, with most traditionalists arguing that Sunday is the wiser option.
Even more irritating to many fans – is the removal of the traditional qualifying races, both on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings, which permitted the locals to watch their familiar regional heroes compete against the world’s best – these motocross races have been replaced by a stopwatch, as timed qualifiers are now in place, reducing the level of competitive action for the fans, and, by an overwhelming majority of opinions, disappointing for the overall experience of motocross, immensely.

The latest version of American professional motocross is the Lucas Oils AMA Pro Motocross Championship. This is a series of twelve races held in ten different American states, starting in California – which holds two events, and concluding in Pennsylvania – another two event state, after the four month tour is completed – and champions assigned. Currently, two classes are recognized, the 250cc class, which is, essentially, virtually all four strokes – and the 450cc class, which is also mostly fourstrokes, with the occasional 250cc two-stroke(permitted under current rules) competing after qualifying.

Also included -at some events, is a professional women’s class.

Over the years, the changing of the sizes, sounds ,times, classes and nomenclatures devoted to the competitive classes of motocross - has only served to confuse the fans, as well as make the races themselves- difficult to follow. Constantly changing schedules, whether it be venues exchanging dates or the switch to Saturdays has allowed many fans to give up their spots along the fences as the frustration and confusion of this fairly simple sport – has been complicated by random changes – that have not been necessarily in the best interest of the fans of motocross – nor the future prosperity of the sport itself.

The decline of the “spirit, spice and fury” of American motocross – is not just simply a recent development. Sloppy decisions made over the years, without full consideration of the impact on the sport and the fans, have set in place a haphazard formula for a series that has been complacent as to the recognition- that engaging the fan is vital. Whether they be casual fans or hardcore enthusiasts, it is paramount to the survival and success of the sport.
Ultimately - policies with an elitist and scattered approach, have led to the misdirection we have today. Motocross, for its survival, well-being and to spread the seeds of further development and continual improvement – has to look back, recognize its failures and look forward with progressive change in mind, as well as being respectful to the sport and
it’s fans, appreciating its history, traditions and meaningful spot in world motorsports.

After careful thought and consultation, the Institute For Advanced Motocross Studies - has developed this Five-Year Plan to not only improve America’s “World Class” motocross outlook, but as a means to preserve the culture, passion, enjoyment and integrity of motocross, presenting a highly professional version of racing entertainment with the world’s finest motocross athletes, all the while maintaining the grassroots, all-inclusive “vibe” that motocross has often brought to the individual competitor and fan.

Discussion:

SAFETY: NECK BRACES:
Since there appears to be solid medical evidence that these devices could potentially prevent injury, they should be mandated to be worn by all professional riders, effective immediately.

FLAGGERS:
Increasing the quantity and quality of flaggers should be mandated. Research into what color of caution flags can be more easily visible, with all flaggers outfitted with “referee” style black and white jerseys, exploiting the opportunity to be better noticed. All flaggers should undergo, at minimum, a two –hour session on proper flagging technique and, any pertinent local promoter safety information, that’s deemed essential.
*Note, current yellow caution flags often blend in with background dirt- color, making visibility difficult.

TRACKS:
Should be slowed down with an increased amount of corners and hills. As the trend towards faster and better suspended bikes has made obstacles not so much of a speed reduction measure. Jump landings need to be more forgiving, whenever possible. “Supercross” style obstacles should be severely limited at motocross events. “Blind” jumps need to be discouraged.

RIDERS SAFETY COMMITTEE:
A ten person panel of racers should be assembled at every contest, consisting of ten randomly picked riders that are participating at that event. These assembled will discuss with the promoter and the officials any concerns they have regarding track safety, before the first practice session commences.

PROFESSIONAL MOTOCROSS RACING CLASSES:
150 Class = 150cc motorcycles (Any amount of strokes or engine configuration, 150cc max).
*Minimum Age 17 -Maximum age 21, unlimited age for females. Can only win one championship in this class or three years of top-ten finishes; require advancement to 250 or World Class.

250 Class = 250cc motorcycles (Any amount of strokes or engine configuration, 250cc max ).
Minimum Age 18 -Maximum age 26 . Can only win one championship in this class, or three years of top-ten finishes requires advancement to World Class.

OPEN “World Class” = 300cc or above motorcycles only (Any amount of strokes or engine configuration, unlimited cc’s and cylinders).
Minimum age 18, no maximum age requirement.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE:
The hectic and experimental Saturday single-day event should be discontinued, in favor of a more relaxed and accommodating weekend format, with Sunday hosting the premiere featured events. Saturday afternoon practice and qualifying races will provide local fans with an opportunity to see regional racers attempt to make into Sunday mornings qualifiers, which will feature seeded riders from the present year’s top-ten in series standings. Saturday afternoon will also feature a women’s event, with the top-ten seeded into the 150cc class on Sunday.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON:
12 p.m. Practice sessions and short qualifiers for 150, 250 and Open (“WORLD CLASS”) races.
SUNDAY MORNING: 8 am – short practice sessions. 9:30 – short qualifiers (4 laps)
SUNDAY AFTERNOON: 1 p.m – 1st 150 Class Race (20 mins plus 1 lap)
1:30 – 1st 250 Class Race (30 mins plus 1)
2:15: -1st World Class Race (40 mins plus 2)
3:30: 2nd 150 Class Race
4:00 2nd 250 Class Race
4:45 2nd World Class Race
5:30 Awards ceremonies for all classes

WOMEN’S PRO RACES (“WMA”) :
Women’s Pro Races shall be discontinued and women will be encouraged to participate in the featured pro events. Initially, to encourage female participation in the program, ten of the top women from Saturday’s women’s race qualifier will automatically be seeded into the 150cc Sunday feature races, with this practice concluding two years into the five-year plan.

TIMED QUALIFYING:
This practice will be ceased in favor of the more competitive and traditional racing format of qualifying races – these races will be sprints of a short nature, while the Sunday afternoon races have been lengthened in accordance with the traditional endurance style motocross events of yesteryear.

Accordingly, the lengths of the races will increase as riders mature and gain experience and proceed to advanced classes. There will be no timed qualifiers, although times will be permitted to be taken and disseminated to the teams, press and public - during practice sessions. Practice sessions, while splitting up classes in accordance within established guidelines, will be arranged so that the top team riders “factory” and “privateers”, have an equal chance of riding under varying track conditions. No advantage shall be given to any rider. Track time shall be equal for all qualified riders.

NOISE ISSUES:
A continuing program of noise control and the subsequent enforcement of a yearly, progressive reduction in the amount of noise emitted from participating motorcycles shall be mandated .The ultimate goal - being that the continued reduction in noise enables our sport to be less offensive to its critics. Additionally, spectators should be all able to hear the loudspeakers and announcements.

INCREASED COMPETITION:
Along with the revised classes and configuration of practice and qualifying sessions, each forty man race will have additional performance enhancers, which will, in turn, increase the competitive levels throughout the contest. All forty competitors will receive series and advancement points, providing they qualify for Sunday’s main moto’s. After the first ten minutes, any competitor that is lapped will receive the black flag and be removed from the contest. Should a rider not appear for his race (either moto) an alternate shall be chosen so that full gates will always be the case. As noted earlier, top riders will quickly be advanced up – promoting the best racing in every class. Practice and qualifying races will be
shorter, Sunday “feature” races will be longer.

PRIVATEERS:
The “privateer” racer, traditionally one without the benefit of a “team” will be recognized and treated with the utmost care and dignity, (as will all riders), enabling a greater sense of belonging to the riders that have not always had the opportunity of the fortunate(or more talented) ones.
In the spirit of a more sincere way of identifying the “ True privateer” from the rest, especially when awards are presented – for the clarification of all – any rider that ever was employed directly by any “factory” (OEM)team , within the past five (5) years - will NOT be eligible for privateer awards. Additionally, privateers can only be considered to be eligible, if they are driven (or drive themselves) - vice flown – to at least seventy-five (75) percent of their events. All professional riders shall be permitted and accommodated in the assigned professional “pit area” and invited to participate in any press or fanrelated functions. Additionally, privateers will not be discouraged or forbidden to form a committee- or
union- to protect and advance their causes.

PRO LICENSES:
To encourage more participation at the higher levels of our sport, all existing elitist and discouraging policies regarding the process of achieving the honor of holding a professional motocross license- will be removed. Current policies will be reviewed and adjusted with a more liberal set of standards installed -so that the inclusion and participation of a greater group of quality competitive motocross racers, both domestic and imported – shall be considered. Age limits will be enforced and educational provisions should be researched and, a committee formed - to study the potential mandatory inclusion of a high school diploma – or equivalency – to be acquired, prior to the recommendation of a 250 Class validation.

A onetime fee of one-thousand American dollars ($1000.00) shall be charged individual pro-license applicants, this will cover administrative costs and, in return - the applicant shall be issued a lifetime pro license. No further fees – either regarding entry – or licensing – shall be charged the individual. Pro licenses can only be rescinded in cases of poor sportsmanship, conduct unbecoming of a pro racer - or through proper adjudication procedures.

THE TWO STROKE DILEMMA:
Currently, only a few motorcycle manufacturers are producing full-size (adult-type) motocross motorcycles with two-stroke engines. Although , many still make children’s motorcycles (minicycles) from 50 to 100cc in the two-stroke configuration. Most competitive motocross riders – switch over from 85cc or 100cc two-stroke machines when they are, generally, between fourteen to sixteen years old – to full size 250cc four stroke machines. This awkward adjustment, from small to big, two-stroke to four stroke – is not only a difficult transition, it is simply an unnecessary inconvenience that has somehow
developed by the motocross’ community inability to directly communicate with the manufacturers.
The inclusion of two-strokes in motocross is not only a popular feature of maintaining a large contingent of traditional fans, but a way for future generations of motocross enthusiasts to appreciate and enjoy the simple sound, smell and beauty of the basic two-stroke racing motocross machine. A reliable piece of motocross history that is still ridden and embraced, by many – including today’s youngest competitors.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that the OEM’s recognize and maintain a fleet of dependable and inexpensive-to-maintain motocross motorcycles – for future riders to purchase – and enjoy. Accordingly, all restrictions involving two-strokes participating in their respective professional motocross racing classes, shall be removed.

RACE FUELS:
Motocross fans enjoy the smells of the sport, accordingly - all restrictions regarding types of race-fuels used by professional racers will be removed. Permitted fuels shall be only fuels that the general public can purchase. Proper handling of toxic products or hazardous waste will be encouraged and ecological factors are to be considered - additionally, all federal, state and local laws shall be enforced.

WORKS BIKES:
Factory bikes, “works” bikes and prototype machines will be encouraged to participate. With the recent inclusion of NASCAR teams and NASCAR management to the sport of motocross, we would be less-than progressive to demand that the manufacturers provide “showroom stock” motorcycles to the world’s best motocross racers. This opportunity to be less restrictive with the research and development of racing motocross machines will, effectively - advance the level and performance of “dirt-bikes”, and manufacturers shall be encouraged to advance the safety factors of their machines, as well.
This will assist with the theory of injury reduction - paramount in the process, all the while developing a renewed interest for fans of the engineering and progressive developments inherent to motorsports. Currently, American motocross is unique in the practice of providing basically showroom-stock machinery in a motorsport world that demands both unique performance and the attraction that only factory R&D based – “glamorous” and spectacular equipment - can provide.
Essentially, many fans are attracted to unobtainable motorcycles and are fascinated with the entire process of the display and presentation of “factory” or “works bikes”. Accordingly, these machines should be showcased and presented – to the public -in an “open pits” environment. Innovation and the forward motion of technical advances in motocross and it’s motorcycles -needs to be encouraged and rewarded , not stagnated by mandating policies that exclude innovation and technological advances which, ultimately, enforce the progression and success of motocross.

OPEN PRO PITS:
Traditionally, for motocross fans, access to the “pro pits’ is a wonderful privilege that can often be arranged with either the correct connections or - by paying an additional fee. This opportunity not only permits the viewer to get up close and personal with the professional riders, this arrangement often permits the fans to glance at the factory machinery and take photographs – or perhaps , gain a memento from a team, mechanic or rider. Currently, the pro-pits have limited access -which prohibits the inclusion of many fans to gain access to their favorite riders and, potentially, the occasion to purchase rider-merchandise and souvenirs.
The pro pits should have unlimited access, naturally within reason, allowing the riders to have their own private areas to withdraw to – when necessary. Riders, both the factory stars, team members and privateers, shall have free reign to market and provide any suitable souvenirs and merchandise for sale to the general public. This process, especially for the privateer, will provide an avenue and a venue - for revenue , while permitting the general public to appreciate better – the full experience, color and majesty – of the sport.
OEM’s: It is recommended that a Motocross Industry Council be developed - to better inform the domestic and imported manufacturers of motocross motorcycles, as to the preferences and demands of the U.S. market. It is generally recognized today amongst the customers and owners of the current four-stroke machines, that while the bikes themselves are expensive – it is more the cost of rebuilds that the customers tend to get upset with, with memories of inexpensive and easier to maintain two-stroke bikes fresh in their heads. Full-size 150cc machines should be produced (both two and four stroke) that would be competitive and better perform the duties of a “bridge bike’ - a mode of transitioning from the two-stroke laden mini-cycle classes, to the full range of mostly four-stroke – full size machines. The 150cc Class would be an ideal venue for younger riders breaking into the pro ranks, without the immense weight and power of the bigger bikes.

FREEDOM OF THE MOTOCROSS PRESS:
It is imperative that the journalists, writers and photographers that cover motocross events, whether it be for print or web-based media, be permitted to be heard, seen and published freely -without fear of reprisal.

FAMILY VIEWING AREAS:
Designated regions of spectator viewing shall be patrolled by security and policies put in forth so that those wishing to view the contest in a drug and alcohol free environment can do so - without associating with those that choose to do otherwise.

RESTROOM (TOILETS) FACILITIES:
All promoters shall be encouraged to build permanent and sanitary restroom facilities to accommodate the crowds that attend professional motocross races. Currently, the outdated and primitive plastic “Port-A-Potty” is generally the only option, with a few venues having very limited permanent facilities and some offering innovative and fairly sanitary trailer-toilets. Proper restroom facilities, especially for women, are simply a mandatory piece of the puzzle – in terms of not only presenting a professional, sanitary and, sometimes an oasis – for the weary fan – but also a civilized and modern feature of today’s motorsports. In a day and time when even small-town high-school stadiums have proper bathroom facilities, it is unheard of - for a sport as popular as professional motocross- to still be offering the same toilet options as forty years ago.

CONCLUSION:
While MOTOCROSS has served America well, nobody has, over the years, stood up and defended motocross as a sport when she has been deconstructed. This cannot continue to be the standard. A steward or guardianship must be installed so that the spirit, history and traditions of the sport of American motocross can be appreciated by future generations and, the brave men, women and children that enjoy the sport today.
The FIVE YEAR OUTLOOK:

2010 – A Return To Sunday Racing
The Inclusion Of Two-Strokes
“Open “ pits
Neck Braces Mandated
Manufacturers and teams authorized and encouraged to prepare and compete with
“factory’ or “works” equipment.
All legally purchased race-fuels permitted.
Remove Timed Qualifiers And Return To Racing Qualifiers
Saturday Afternoon Qualifiers For Those- Not -Seeded And Women’s Class
Propose Additional Future National Round In Southeast States
Construction Of Permanent Bathrooms For Women At National Locations
Mount Morris Returns To Memorial Day Weekend
Assigned Family Viewing Areas At Every Event
Proposed age/ class and educational requirements adopted
TV package to include comprehensive coverage

2011 -
Change Name To “ AMA WORLD CLASS MOTOCROSS” to better identify its International
participation and flavor.
New Classes Adopted : 150, 250 And World Class
Women encouraged to qualify for 150 class pro event (last year for segregated Womens Class)
Dissolution of WMA
Additional New Construction Of Permanent Bathrooms For Men At National Locations
Proposed Additional Round in Canada
Motocross of Nations 2012 To Be Held in RED BUD, MICHIGAN – announced and finalized.
New professional flagger procedures and attire adopted.
Mandatory chest-protection devices worn by pro riders.

2012 -
Paved parking areas for pits and VIP Parking – construction initiated.
Additional Men’s and Women’s Permanent Bathrooms constructed.
Standardized signage for traffic routes surrounding WORLD CLASS races outlined.
Plans for proposed 2013 SOUTH AMERICAN round of World Class Motocross announced
Two-Stroke/ Legends Of Motocross Series Announced
NASCAR Infield areas investigated as future World Class Motocross sites
Free WIFI standard and offered at all venues

2013 -
Men’s and Women’s showers and bathrooms constructed in camping areas of World Class
Motocross venues.
Proposed 2014 Motocross Of Nations At Glen Helen Announced
Extended paved areas of General Parking – construction initiated
Mandatory high-school graduation certificate issued before pro license.
Blueprints of future franchised VIP/ Scoring towers disclosed
Electric mx bike exhibition race proposed
Proposed 2014 Round of World Class Motocross in ENGLAND announced.
Eclectic food offerings, including vegetarian - and wine added to vendor options.

2014 -
Racing expanded to fifteen stops.
Twelve stateside, one Canadian and one European.
More permanent bathrooms constructed
Electric mx bike exhibition series expanded to all venues.

About the INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED MOTOCROSS STUDIES:
Founded by Rupert X Pellett in May, 2009 – The Institute for Advanced Motocross Studies is a North American based think tank dedicated to the preservation of motocross racing.

http://www.therupertxshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/American-Professional-Motocross.pdf

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Carmichael Finishes 18th at Inaugural Truck Series Event at Chicagoland Speedway

JOILET, Ill. (August 30, 2009) — Ricky Carmichael and the No. 4 Monster Energy Chevrolet Silverado KHI All-Stars team felt like they were on level playing field this weekend with the other competitors as they rolled into Chicagoland Speedway for the Truck Series’ inaugural event.

“My biggest frustration this season has been the fact that I have never seen most of these places,” Carmichael said before the 150-lap event. “Going into Chicago, I felt like I was on the same page as all the other guys.  I tested a truck there and did have some laps on the track.”

Carmichael and the No. 4 Monster Energy truck took the green flag from the 13th position and quickly began to search for a good line around the track.  With constant coaching from Kevin Harvick Inc. co-owner, Kevin Harvick and spotter Andy Houston, advising him to “roll the top” of the track, to keep the truck’s momentum constant, Carmichael began to experiment with the high line maintaining good lap times.

“I need to work on timing my passes,” Carmichael radioed. “The truck is fine; I just can’t run the inside.”

The second caution of the night waved on lap 19 with Carmichael running in the 16th position. Crew chief John Monsam made the call to come down pit road for fuel only.  Varying pit strategies among the leaders, who opted to take fuel and tires, would set the tone for the remainder of the race. 

An uncharacteristic long green-flag run gave Carmichael, Harvick and Houston the opportunity to continue to analyze the No. 4’s line around the 1.5-mile track. Carmichael ran inside the top 15 for much of the night until he brought out a late-race caution on lap 95 spinning the Monster Energy truck off turn four.  The caution caught the majority of the field a lap or more down to the leaders as green-flag pit stops were cycling through the field. 

The No. 4 team came down pit road and gave Carmichael four fresh tires restarting the race in the 20th position with 50 laps to go. 

Narrowly avoiding an accident with less than 25 laps to go, Carmichael was able to gain two positions to finish the race 18th. 

The trucks return to the track next week at Iowa Speedway, another inaugural event on the Truck Series schedule, with Carmichael behind the wheel of KHI’s No. 4 Monster Energy truck.

STATS RECAP

August 28, 2009

Chicagoland Speedway

Race: 16 of 25

Driver: Ricky Carmichael

Started: 13th

Finished: 18th

Race length: 150 Laps/ 225 Miles

Track layout: 1.5-mile
Shape: D-shaped oval

Next on the Truck Series Schedule:

Date: September 5, 2009

Track: Iowa Speedway

Event Name: Lucas Oil 200

Driver: Ricky Carmichael

Sponsor: Monster Energy

Broadcast Time: SPEED 9:30 p.m., EST MRN 9:15 p.m., EST

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Will amateur MX stars race GPs to avoid being exploited like college athletes?

Maybe.

Due to the rule change that moves the age to turn AMA pro to 18, instead of 16, at least one mini-dad may not be bluffing when he says (according to this thread on Vital) http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Cianciarulo-to-Race-GPs,601331 that they will race GPs rather than stay amateur for an additional 2 years.

Background:

The advertised version of the reason for this rule change is that 16 is too young to start racing SXMX as a pro, and that this was the request of OEMs that have been hiring teenagers to race. That has some validity, but it's been a long tradition and it's not the whole story.

It's no secret that hiring teenagers as young as 16 in a competitive market has some weirdness. When you hire a 16-year old motostar, you also get mini-dads that have been spending their own money and time to get Jr. to the pros for up to 12 years in the mini-wars. Naturally, they won't like spending time and money for another 2 years due to this rule change and are anxious to see Jr. get the prize-a nice salary and a chance to become the next RC or Stewart.

Some are home-schooled due to the time required to travel great distances to stay on top.

Factory deals for the elite sometimes add travel money for parents in the beginning. It's hard for a lot of dads to "let go" once Jr. turns pro, adding headaches for team managers. Conflicts are common. 

Adding to the weirdness, families have turned to agents, sometimes years before Jr. turns pro, and these agents can end up in the middle of everything.

Behind the Smokescreen -The College Ball Model, but Worse:

This may seem like a just a wise move to make sure young stars are more mature when they turn pro, but it's really a move to exploit young athletes and make them work for free, just like in college ball.

At least college ball players get some education if they really try when they are playing free for 4 years. The whole college ball thing is a total scam. Colleges have great sports rivalries and spend a great deal of money on programs, but amateur rules keep the players working for nothing. If you get hurt playing college ball, sorry about that. If you run out of money, you might get some "$100 handshakes" at the boosters banquet, but you are on your own. It's simple exploitation, but everyone seems to be used to it.

College programs are simply semi-pro teams that don't have to pay people to play. Because atheletes want to land a big deal when it's over, they have few options. AMA pro SXMX racing is about to do the same thing. It's just 2 years instead of 4, but instead of college, you get 2 more years of expensive travel at family expense, and it's the same exploitation. You can't blame parents if they want to check out GPs instead.

The Big Dirty Secret:

There is one truth about this situation that will be covered up and denied at all costs.  Try discussing it on a message board on Vital and watch how fast it gets edited out and accounts get blocked!

Efforts are already in place to take this exploitation to another level. It's already been tried and covered up and denied. You can call it "Racing for the Company Store."

Just suppose (not to mention any names), that one private entity runs amateur races, runs a magazine and web site, stands in front of the news to control what people see and read, and has it's own agent or agents working the amateurs over in private. Not only do they want to exploit young racers for two years like colleges do, they want a chance to control their access to the pros and profit from that as well, block rival agents, and increase their chances of making a cut off their pro salaries when it's time.

Don't make the mistake of thinking this is just made up. It's already been tried and covered up.

The GP Option:

Will young stars really cross the ocean to race GPs instead of being exploited for 2 more years? Yes, it's certainly possible and a few will find a ride. 

It's not as hard as it sounds for Americans who aren't usually into international travel. It's just different. The support network is pretty good. There are people to stay with and teams and riders have learned to look out for the youngsters. Plus if you get hurt, you don't have to worry about bankruptcy due to medical bills, something America hasn't been able to figure out!

Reed did it when he went pro and did fine.  He matured a lot in the 2 years he spent in Europe when he left Australia with Ellie, and it worked out pretty damn good.

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