Positive Signs from AMA Racing, and a Bold 2008 Daytona 200 Predicition!

The AMA recently released it's Supplemental 2008 Rules package which specifies rule changes applying to twin cylinder motorcycles from 1000cc to 1200cc, this effectively allows 1200cc twins for AMA Superbike competition.  (Full details on this supplemental package can be found here and the full AMA Rulebook page is here).  This is the first time in recent memory where the AMA has followed rule changes adopted by the FIM (for World Superbike) in a timely manner, and hopefully shows that AMA Racing has indeed turned a new page.  Don't get your hopes up just yet, as there has been no supplemental rules issued pertaining to 1000cc four cylinders, and while allowing 1200cc twins is a step in the right direction to level the playing field, one section of the supplemental package stands out, section 3.15 regarding pistons.  This section simply states that piston "kits" must be homologated, or the pistons must remain unchanged from the original piston design.  While I fully agree with this stipulation for Superbike racing, due to it's close ties to production motorcycles, I am weary as to whether similar stipulations will be released governing the four cylinders... or if it will be "business as usual" with the factory bikes utilizing parts that even the top privateer teams can't dream of ever obtaining.  Hopefully the full 2008 rulebook will come out soon, or a supplement regarding the 4 cylinder bikes with similar stipulations.  Until that happens, I'm afraid I won't pay much attention to AMA Superbike this season, or any future season for that matter, until the gap between factory teams and privateer teams is made considerably smaller.

By all accounts, the AMA is serious about improving the sport, and will continue to focus on technical governance now that the rights to the Superbike are for sale (as mentioned here by AMA President Rob Dingman [am I the only one who finds it hilarious the AMA's new President is named... Dingman???]  in an interview with Superbikeplanet.com).  Hopefully this will work out to yield better marketing and control of the "product" and better technical oversight and rule making.   I'm certain I am not alone in hoping for this to prove true.

So 1200cc twins will be allowed in AMA Superbike this year, it remains to be seen how competitive they will be, or how competitive the series as a whole will be... lets hope it's not another Yoshimura parade... 

Oh and if you hadn't paid attention to Pegram Racing's efforts in Formula Extreme last year, it may be news that twins are allowed 850cc's in AMA Formula Extreme.  While Larry put on quite a show to finish 4th aboard his bored-out 749R last year, the 848 is being hailed by motorcycle.com saying,  "it might just be the bike to beat for the class title" and I can't wait to see how it stacks up in the upcoming Daytona 200, as I think it will turn more than a few heads... Remember, you heard it here first:  Pegram will take the 200 this year.

Tune in Sunday March 8th and you just may see some history...