Anyone heard the latest on the 2009 AMASuperbike categories (If it still will be called that)? I saw the schedule is out. So far that I do like they added some more tracks.

 

Roger E made an announcement down at the CCS Race of Champions in Daytona this weekend that all 4 of the major manufacturers were now on board with the AMA for next year. But until it comes from Honda, Kawasaki & Suzuki (Yamaha has already commited)... who knows for sure.
But at least we'll get to see factory or semi-factory efforts from Aprilia & KTM.

Last I heard the "for sure" Classes will be:
Daytona Superbike - Similar to the current FX rules, but with more restrictions, spec tres & spec fuel. Preliminary Rules Here
America Superbike - Similar to the current SuperStock rules, but with more restrictions, spec tires & spec fuel. Preliminary Rules Here

And them Maybe....
Factory Superbike - Similar to the current Superbike Rules. Preliminary Rules Here

 

What about Supersport 600 racing? Is that going away? Oh well, I guess I'll just get my fix from FIM.

 

Well... Daytona Superbikes looks to be really a cross between last years FX and Supersport rules package, but a little closer to FX.

Also the FIM "World Supersport" class is actully a lot closer rules package to last years AMA FX class than it is the AMA Supersport class...

 

True....

 

Supersport is gone. That was one item that was making the factory gangs upset. The old saying... win on Sunday, sell on Monday. This saying use to apply to NASCAR too until DMG took over.

I for one and glad I managed to get one of the best pictures in my portfolio, Ben Bostrom @ Road America this year on his 600.

A side note: I really wanted to get a "3ME DO" Troy Bayliss shirt. So I went to Ducati's site. ... Fell out of my chair. The shirt was 25 euro + 30 euro shipping to the states. Exchanged total for a t-shirt = $81 US. I don't think so. Should anyone see them cheaper somewhere let me know but I'm not holding my breath.

 

Well, Here's the official announcement(s

Class Structure: http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/...?article=34778
Spec Tire: http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/...?article=34779
Spec Fuel: http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/...?article=34780
Rules Package: http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=34777

 

I think the 3 class structure they came up with is a good compromise.
Spec tires...we'll See how this works out, but it was good for the FIM, it was good for MotoGP (no, wait...hold that thought that's 2009). I guess Michelin is getting squeezed out everywhere. I guess we'll see good prices trackside and online.
Spec Fuel (no more cheating awww dayum; but that other shiznitz is expensive)
Rules: Fluid weight- Do they mean fork/ shock oil too? Seems that was written for post-race technical inspection. No more quick change rear wheels (questionable). No more exotic wheels. 17" wheels (OEM) across all classes (better for the privateer, no more expensive 16.5s). No active suspension (I guess we won't see the fruits of Noriyuki Haga's work). Plastic or fiberglass bodywork only

All over, I can see how this could help the privateer become more competitive, let alone possibly win a championship (has that ever happened?) But there will be a power advantage from the factories, considering they have the development resources and extensive engine and air intake modifications are allowed (Superbike). But that's Superbike competition.

Let's see the 2009 season!!!

 

I hope it makes all the races more competitive. For the last few years AMA Superbike was SO BORING!!! I hope the Honda Teams will represent in all classes. I hope in the end AMA & all the motorcycle road racing will get as much attention as NASCAR.