Did anyone else see this part of the show last night? It was approx halfway through. A rain storm came through my area right during this segment and I couldn't understand what was being said. It sounded like Dave's opinion might have been that the statement by the factories was posturing. Anyone see the full thing??

What was said?

Chris

Didn't see it. Hopefully someone will post that segment.

Dave's initial statement was to the effect that in his opinion the OEMs have had too much influence on AMA affairs for some time. He addressed the need for there to be some sort of agreement, and soon. He also pointed out the vested interest of his employer - SpeedTV broadcasts the AMA races. I plan to watch the replay when it comes around.

Despain did say that he thought the manufacturers had floated the idea in order to gain a better bargaining position. He opined that the reason he thought it was posturing was that Yamaha was not at the meeting, Ducati says that is knew nothing about it, and that time is growing very short.

Dave also talked about the way that DMG had handled the situation. In the end, Dave's take was that both sides needed to come together, resolve their differences and put a better product on the track next year.

JDTausantu - 30 June 2008 12:43 PM

Dave's take was that both sides needed to come together, resolve their differences and put a better product on the track next year.

Now that I'll buy. And from what's been put out there, what DMG is proposing is NOT a "better product" IMO.

With all that is going on, do we really know what is being proposed or are we still reacting to the earliest trial balloons?

So why cannot DMG get rules and specifications finalized?? The OEMs are having trouble reacting to the fluid - rumored - rules for next year, and for that matter so is everyone else. Where's the beef?

If in the end DMG recognizes the fact fans want to see real Superbike racing instead of the dumbed-down "daytona superbikes" droning around in close formation, they ought to say so now. But, I suspect these buffoons haven't a clue as to what next year's rules will be.

Well we heard all the same arguements when MotoGP went from 990's to 800's. Still the same racing as far as I can tell. The mostly stock 600's today are way faster than the AMA Superbike's of just 5-7 years ago. The 800's in MotoGP are breaking the track records set by the 990's aka-Assen this past weekend. So the size of the motor may just be in the heart & mind of the viewer? Time will change that. Maybe the entire motorcycle industry is heading toward smaller cc bikes in the future?

JDTausantu - 30 June 2008 12:43 PM

Dave also talked about the way that DMG had handled the situation. In the end, Dave's take was that both sides needed to come together, resolve their differences and put a better product on the track next year.

I hope that is the outcome. Having two large entities pitting their resources against each other rather than combining them is not going to the best for superbike racing. As of right now I think the manufacturers would have the upper hand but having the inmates running the asylum in racing tends not to work out in the long term.

KingKenny - 01 July 2008 08:26 AM

Well we heard all the same arguements when MotoGP went from 990's to 800's. Still the same racing as far as I can tell. The mostly stock 600's today are way faster than the AMA Superbike's of just 5-7 years ago. The 800's in MotoGP are breaking the track records set by the 990's aka-Assen this past weekend. So the size of the motor may just be in the heart & mind of the viewer? Time will change that. Maybe the entire motorcycle industry is heading toward smaller cc bikes in the future?

Not even remotely the same thing. It would be more like if Moto GP got rid of the premier class and changed made 250's the top class. And if you want to talk about the switch to 800's, what exactly has that gotten us? More cost, no better safety, and no better racing.

KK, I do not see the proposed change in AMA Superbike format in any way resembling the reduction of the size of the MotoGP engines. Methinks you do not either - you are just stirring the pot, eh? Be sure and add a smiley or two next time you make a post like this, okay??

MMsports54 - 01 July 2008 08:38 AM

Not even remotely the same thing. It would be more like if Moto GP got rid of the premier class and changed made 250's the top class. And if you want to talk about the switch to 800's, what exactly has that gotten us? More cost, no better safety, and no better racing.

Don't forget fewer teams. Another aspect DMG fail to acknowlege about 1000cc racing when it's done right compared to 600cc, is like this weeks WSB race at Misano. When 1000 Superbikes are ridden by those experts that get everything out of the bike it is an incredible specticale. A 600 on the limit does not look like a 1000 on the limit.

The factories are not perfect. For some reason the move to 1000cc effected the AMA more than other series. DMG proposals really don't make much sense. I believe most fans could deal with 1000 Superstock bikes over 600 Superbikes and sleep at night. The teams that already compete could deal with that expense because they are already paying for it and have the equipment.