AMA Pro Racing Parts Homologation Program

[eboos]

article

There seems to be a lot of good in this for the riders. They are requiring parts suppliers to post cash awards if they want their parts used.

What do you think about this?

[scootertrash]

My first reaction is to think this is not a good idea.

Forcing an aftermarket company to pay cash awards means the aftermarket company must raise prices in order to fund the awards. (the money has to come from somewhere) That means that everyone pays higher prices so the award money can go to the AMA pro racing elite.
I'm not opposed to paying a relatively small amount to help fund pro racers. The amount passed on to the end users (us) will be quite small in most cases so it's not a big deal.
My vote would be to make cash awards optional, and thus an optional marketing tool for the suppliers.

[a13x]

No, this is a great idea.

[560smr]

It's a good idea in concept,but as usual,most of the money will go to the high end of the ladder,IE: like the factory guys who have enough money as it is.The privateer,or the budding support teams need the contingency money.You know a13x,there are a few racers in Loudon who made a go of it and caught a break,and to me deserve it more than the ones at the top.

[eboos]

The theory is: aftermarket suppliers will get increased exposure of their products and therefore be able to sell more of their products. This is plausible.

Contingency in the form of cash payouts being mandatory will ensure that there are few companies that are serious about supporting racing supplying parts and equalizing the playing field, making it possible for this contingency support to reach a larger number of racers. This will make racing at America's premier level more attractive to the guys that are making their living racing at the club level. This will then make the club races more accessible for the faster experts that aren't quite fast enough to win against the club racing pros.

If executed properly, this will be a win/win situation for all.

[560smr]

Executed is the key word here.AMA has a history of writing the rule book with the same pen that wrote the checks,if you catch the drift.Just take a look at AMA Flat track,a disgrace if you ask me,and I think flat track is the best form of motorsports out there.

[a13x]

You know a13x,there are a few racers in Loudon who made a go of it and caught a break,and to me deserve it more than the ones at the top.

You're pretty new here (18 posts) so I'll let you off the hook. Let me assure you I know all about the plight of the Little Guys in Professional Roadracing:

1) I wrote the 2008 Ducati NA Contingency Program, focusing on amateur racers specifically.
2) I'm close personal friends with those Loudon racers you reference and am currently working with some of them on securing a 'break'.
3) For 2009 I'm employed by the #1 non-factory team in the paddock aka: a privateer team
4) I know personally quite a few guys at aftermarket companies that will be / are currently being affected by this contingency program.



As I said, longterm, it's a good thing, least IMO. Welcome to the site.

[560smr]

I hope you didn't take what I said wrong,it's a good thing.It's just I'm not the only one who questions the authority.Just figured you would well know what I am getting to,that's all.

[Kurlon]

3) For 2009 I'm employed by the #1 non-factory team in the paddock aka: a privateer team

Do they need a pitbike mechanic or general geek? How about tool box opener?

Damn you and your inside scoops.

And just to add to the conversation, if I can score support after one season as a novice, on the slowest machine there, crashing and missing 2/3rds of the season, with a .34 index... I'd say some money does make it to the lowest levels. No one's giving me a full boat ride yet (Still can't talk Suzuki into giving me a Rizla painted GS500F) but discounts/etc on certain parts still help.

[Awesome]

Wait, who's a homo?

[a13x]

I hope you didn't take what I said wrong,it's a good thing.It's just I'm not the only one who questions the authority.Just figured you would well know what I am getting to,that's all.

All good homie, I just laughed more than anything heh. Listen past Religion and the 2008 Election, nothing has caused more forum firestorms than the AMA/DMG take-over.. Everyone has their own opinion on the matter.

[seth399]

All good homie, I just laughed more than anything heh. Listen past Religion and the 2008 Election, nothing has caused more forum firestorms than the AMA/DMG take-over.. Everyone has their own opinion on the matter.

Actually, I believe it is in 4th place behind the pics of the asian girlfriend posing with the car and dog.

[OreoGaborio]

if a13x says it's a good thing, I usually just roll with it

[Johnny B]

Listen, past Religion and the 2008 Election, nothing has caused more forum firestorms than the AMA/DMG take-over.. Everyone has their own opinion on the matter.

And they just added more fuel to the fire! Linky

[OreoGaborio]

And they just added more fuel to the fire! Linky

[Paul_E_D]

I think this factory protest is crap. Let there be some changes and see how it works. Sebd these guys a copy of "Who moved the Cheese" and let's get on with the season.

[Johnny B]

Actually, I believe it is in 4th place behind the pics of the asian girlfriend posing with the car and dog.