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AMA Pro Racing dissolved by politicians on AMA Board |
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Written by Moto Hero
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Monday, 20 February 2006 |
 Over the weekend, the AMA announced changes in its organizational structure to better focus on its motto of “Rights. Riding. Racing”. According to a press release, the AMA will create 3 committees to focus specifically on those the areas of motorcycling. The boards of the previous “Pro Racing” division has been absolved, leaving many to wonder just what the AMA has in mind., This coupled with a new “Pro Racing” committee has riders and corporate sponsors raising a eyebrow.
"The goal of this new structure is to allow the Association to be more responsive to all of the groups with an interest in our professional-racing programs," said AMA Chief Executive Officer Patti DiPietro. "That includes everyone from the manufacturers and team owners to the racers, promoters, aftermarket suppliers and fans."
So, basically, the main board for the AMA has the ability to decide what the rules are going to be. Suits! This could leave to some serious descension among the racers that currently compete under the AMA Pro Racing sanctioning body. Oh but wait, to make it even more of a mess, each committee will appoint a member to be appointed to an executive committee that will then goto the boards with “proposals” for change to be ratified. Its been my experience that micro management sucks.
It appears to be, that CORPORATE is king. They want the Independent committees and pro racing staff” to focus on racing and rules, and the “Board Committee” to focus on the “long term strategic planning”. Thos independent committees will consist of representatives from the manufacturers and the AMA president will appoint other folks to ensure that the manufacturers are not the majority. Each committee will serve for a 3-year term. On a side note, nothing will change if you are an amateur, the rule making will go through the process that is in place already.
Already before the dust can settle on this bomb, American Honda, which has been involved in the AMA for the last 30 years, opted to vacate its seats on the board. ??? In a press release Honda states “conflicting interests within the AMA organization have caused a division of ideology and a blurring of the vision that American Honda has always supported. Recent issues, including the departure of dedicated individuals from AMA Pro Racing and its inability to stand by its own rulebook with regard to recent Formula Xtreme considerations, have been particularly alarming.”
Honda has decided, for now, to maintain its membership status within the AMA, continue participation and support to our sport. Thankfully this blow is not as deafening as it potentially could have been. Honda will however, participate in the rule making committee. Thank you Honda.
Over at Superbikeplanet.com Dean Adams asks the age-old question, How do you fix something that isn’t broke? Check out Deans article here. He points out some really interesting tidbits and has great insight and opinion on AMA Pro Racing debacle.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 20 February 2006 )
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