AMA dismisses employees

[brian kirby]

Somehow I think Dingman was not expecting the reaction he is getting.

Brian

'72 Six Day (on loan from Ernie P.)

[firstturn]

Larry,
  There is a silver lining to everything that happens.  I guess people have figured out that I consider Greg and Bill good people.  I am happy you pointed this out to me.  I am proud of one fact...how many people that read the POG site and never say a word.  I have it on record how I feel and stand by it.
  Also, everyone that reads this has to understand how difficult it is the steps that Ed (Youngblood) and Larry (Lawrence) have taken and in Larry's case his job is on the line.  Ed is the force behind so many wonder things that is now history at the AMA, but I am here to tell the path to Ed's great career isn't one that many could have handled and handled it a gentleman and with dignity towards his fellow employees.
  As we say in chess I think it is the board and dingmans next move move.  And Larry, as always, through thick and thin you and I will be best of Friends.

Ron Carbaugh

[Jeff D]

New definition of irony:
Bill Wood's column in the January issue of American Motorcylist which says "25 Years and Counting.  The AMA is the kind of place people stick with for the long haul."
Guess when Bill wrote that he had no idea Dingman was going to "stick" it to him!

Jeff DeBell

[Lew Mayer]

Paul, Thanks for the update.
Mr Youngblood, my hats off to you for your integrity.
Brian, I'm not sure if Dingman cares about the reaction he's getting,
although he should.
Jeff,I agree with you in the aspect that I, too, am glad to be a Charter Life Member and don't have to give Dingman any more money. Unfortunately, for racers, it's the only game in town and if you want to race, you must be a member. You can, as Jeff said, make our displeasure known to the Board and the Corporate Reps.

Lew Mayer

[Larry Perkins]

Brother Ron,

I am totally with you on this one.  I just love when you get passionate.  You generally are the quieter one with me being the hotter head.  It is just rare I get to point out your passion.  As everyone here knows Ron is pretty levelheaded.  

I can remember a time if I recall in our youth when you let the whole 100 class know that everyone that beat you the next weekend was going to get torn down.  You were pretty hot that day.  Funny I think you won next weekend.  I don't think anyone held back, the motors just got smaller.  Sometimes heat accomplishes things.  Hopefully this time it will too.

Love Ya Brother!
Larry P

[firstturn]

Larry,
  Thanks for the memories...that was the 100 class and yes I did win the following weekend.  I could have probably ran a 50cc and still won....I was hot.
  Your comment is a compliment, and I have lived to see a lot of changes with the AMA and I hope that this situation will bring it (AMA) back to the days where there was great leadership and sense moving forward to promote motorcycles.  I am very diappointed in this firing and only know one way to fire back.  Greg and Bill are levelheaded hard working people who anyone would love to have as employees, well almost anyone, and I feel this is the straw that I hope broke the camel's back.  I feel that if the board doesn't answer this in the form  of a letter by this weekend we are seeing the lack of concern and caring.  Board members need to understand that THEY are the ones that should be held responsible for the actions of the executive level of the organization.  If they aren't held accountable then we should just label them Big Shots that just have meetings and eat, drink and be merry on the expense accounts that are paid for by ,in this case, the membership of AMA.  Enough said for now, but I want to see the letter that the board needs to write to explain these actions.
  I Pray the Greg, Bill and their Families have a Good Christmas and they they know that the are well respected by a lot of people.

Ron Carbaugh

[TGTech]

Robert Dingman speaks:

http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/2007/Visioncol.asp

Dane

[Ernie Phillips]

Old news.  Appears AMA just re-released his September 2007 "Vision".

http://www.motorcycle.com/news/new-vision-for-ama-66582.html

the above was posted Sept 14, 2007



Ernie P.
Chattanooga, TN

[VintageChadwick]

Having worked for a non-profit that went through 5 CEO's within 5 years, I couldn't help to notice...like the 5 I've seen come and go... The new AMA CEO seems to be funding his agenda and where he came from.   More money in lobbying padding the pockets of his friends and justifying the importance of his former position in the work force.  I'd bet anyone hired in these positions will be well paid and a personal friend of our new CEO. Usually the best way to do this is to get rid of anyone with enough clout to stand in his or her way.  Instill fear to anyone else that questions his or her motivation. We had a marketing person come in as CEO at one point...All the departments had their budgets cut so that we could better fund the marketing efforts.  Well, Another failed attempt and another CEO down the road to further his own career, leaving many passionate and dedicated employees, unemployeed and in his wake.

Just my 2 cents.

[Rain Man]

I raced 6 times this season, and none of the proceeds went to the AMA.  Yes there are outlaw races, rides and events  going on, every weekend all season long. and you know what? they are not supported or involved with the AMA.  There All sponsered by hard working individuals involved with many different dirt bike clubs, (yes, all volunteers !!)
 and know something else,  there was no CEO, no board of directors, and maybe good or bad, minimal amount of rules, regulatiuons and officiating.  I have/had and will have again, a great time competing !!
 I dont think the AMA realizes how many of us old riders and racers  are out here having a fantastic time, without their involvement
 Just a small riders 2cents.

Raymond
 Down East Pentons

[lksseven]

Hi Ron,

I agree with your sentiments.  I would add that in some organizations the HR department is the ORIGIN of much of the organization's fear.  HR can ruthlesslessly abuse power through innuendo, veiled threats, and in some cases blatant manufactured 'frames' to get people fired (I've seen such instances through the eyes of several friends over the years).  

To speak to your point, even in orgs rotten on the inside like these, the execs and boards are ultimately responsible for letting the inmates run the asylum.  Execs with their eye on the ball would never tolerate a negative environment in their shops, so if one exists, it's the execs who should answer the big bell that tolls.

Larry Seale
I choose to ride

[firstturn]

For those of you following this situation you can go visit Ed Youngblood's site and see how this gentleman has put it on the line by printing the problem and the solution.  Please take the time to read it and if you care to write the board members with your feeling please do.  More later.

//www.motohistory.net

Editorial:

The day of infamy

and the future of the

Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum




Ron Carbaugh

[TGTech]

Been there and read that. I posted links on two if the largest moto forums on the Internet as well.

Dane

[socalmx]

I have never had much respect for the AMA and their latest tactics are no suprise. Out in California, District 37 got so fed up with the lack of support on land issues that there was serious talk about dropping out of AMA and forming a new organization.

[t20sl]

I have not had much respect for the AMA but for a far different reason.  I do not agree with their positon of fighting to repeal helmet laws.  Some people NEED protecting because they are either too stupid or are not informed enough to wear a helmet.  Yes I have heard all the garbage spread by motorcycle owners and the AMA about individual freedom to choose.  All I know is helmets save lives and for an organization devoted to motorcycling to fight helmet laws, thereby contributing to loss of human life, is WRONG.  Our shop had 2 customers die this year from head injuries.  I know this is off topic but just wanted to get it off my chest.  Ted