Vintage Days '09 in jeopardy?

[OhioTed]

I gleaned the following from a blog today.  Can anyone confirm or deny the validity of this information?

"Well, the racing part probably.  Over the past decade the AMA has been distancing itself and severing ties with all forms of racing. Most motorcycle racing has been handled by larger organizers in their absence. AHRMA (american historic racing motorcycle assoc.) is one of the last sanctioning bodies left that is associated with the AMA. About a week an a half ago talks started between the two about the future, the AMA is demanding about 70% of the gate money this year along with other things from AHRMA. Vintage days is the primary money maker for AHRMA, and in fact moneys earned that weekend pay for three other tracks in the season. Without Vintage Days, not only could they lose events, it could spell the end of AHRMA all together! They would have to come up with track rental money, and insurance. AHRMA is headed up by a U.S.Navy Captain, and is trying its best to work out a deal. The AMA has a new leader and wants the AMA to be solely focused on lobbing in Washington DC. Currently the AMA has 25 people to handle racing operations and 4 in Washington. They want this number reversed if not completely lobbiest only. Basicly turning the AMA into a two wheeled AAA. The AMA didn't release this season rules until Dec. giving only 2 months for all race teams to get ready for Daytona. The last race in California only put 7, that's right 7, superbikes on the grid for their race!! That's one way to get a top ten finish. In Alabama this season already, Chuck took first place in a field of three bikes in his class, one broke, he passed the other. Remember, these guys are just like us, paying to race, and the economy has caught up with them. The dead line for these talks to end is April 29, if their is no agreement by then, AHRMA and the AMA will be divorced and no racing will be held at Vintage Days. That leaves the swap meet, and some stunt shows. Manufacture trailers and rides will most likely not show up due to declining attendance at current events already this season. Honda (the leading manufacture in the world) has already told the AMA to shove it, and Suzuki and Kawasaki are following. Should these talks breakdown and an agreement not be reached, there definately will not be any overnight camping at Mid-Ohio for just a swap meet. That is of course if the whole weekend isn't cancelled for the first time in 14 years."

[brian kirby]

The only thing that is certain is AHRMA and the AMA are having issues, the real root of the issues is murky at best. If those issues are not worked out by April 29 AHRMA will no longer be sanctioned by nor have any relationship with the AMA. In light of that I dont see how Mid-Ohio could go on as planned. I am already changing my time off schedule from Mid-Ohio to other race weekends.

Brian

'73 Berkshire

[Rain Man]

Wow, most of the  AMA members I know are members  because its required to race. flat track, Enduros , moto cross... vintage or modern.

Raymond
 Down East Pentons

[thrownchain]

Will this effect other events also??  Like Barber, the "Penton" crosscountry series, etc??

[Jack Penton]

Ted was there an an author's name on the blog you shared?
I question the insight of this author.

Jack

[OhioTed]

This was relayed to me by a friend of a friend, Jack.  My intention was certainly not to induce any false assumptions.  I just hoped to find if there is any truth to this.  It appears the data is based on the experience of some AHRMA roadracers.  

                                          Ted

[Dave Mitchell]

Well gents I'm not positive where I heard this,it might have been from Dave Despain.But the rumor was the AMA was looking at the France family to take over management of the racing end of the AMA.If this were to be true than God help us all as seen by their NASCAR tactics they are only interested in one thing.MONEY.AHRMA is not a money maker most likely never will be so I'm sure they would sever the cord.Such as they did with a couple of historic short tracks.History doesn't mean squat to those poeple greenbacks rule thier actions.
Dave

[cubfan1968]

I'm surprised at the ratio 25 people handling racing and only 4 in Washington. With all the arrows being shot at the motorcycling community maybe that number should be reversed. Maybe we would better be able to fight the land closure issues and stupid things like the youth motorcycle ban.

The blog seemed to deal with alot of opinion. I can't imagine the Big 4 turning their back on the huge number of folks who show up at VMD. What are the demagraphics for this event,40+??? These are the folks who have disposable income.

Hope this is a non event and things get straightened out.

Rod Whitman
Omaha, Nebraska
1972 Six Day (Rider)
1972 Six Day (Project)

[firstturn]

cubfan,
  Remember that the factories follow who buys their product.  You do fill out a form when you ride their bikes so they have a baseline for their studies.  Also the cost to send the 18 wheeler with crew is Very Expensive(I know the cost) so they really pick and chose there demo sites.  Also with the big 4 pulling back on their Racing Budgets like nothing else in Hostory, just stay tuned for the next shoe to drop, the Racing scene is losing appeal to the Big 4.
  Next is the statement of AMA becoming the AAA of Motorcycling and that statement is like a no brainer to figure that out.....just read their magazine and their news releases.  Racing as we have seen it in the past is gone and the expense of bikes and parts just pile on more expenses for the young people who would like to be the next Champion.  Sad but True.


Ron Carbaugh

[brian kirby]

Forgive me if this sounds harsh, but the AMA should try to be the motorcycle AAA because that is the only thing they do well. Racing will be better off if someone else runs it.

Brian

'73 Berkshire

[firstturn]

Brian,
  Sounds like you are doing what you do the best....telling it the way it is.  Tip of the hat to you.[8D]

Ron Carbaugh

[Dwight Rudder]

I am afraid that someone is underestimating how many members the AMA will lose if AMA membership is not required for racing.  The only reason the AMA has such large numbers certainly isn't from the road riders or play riders.  It is from the racing community.  The AMA will surely collapse if they lose the racers.
IMO,
Dwight

[cubfan1968]

Dwight I agree that racers do make up the largest segment of their membership. Most if not all of those members sign up because they have to not because the want to. Just thinking in my "Pollyanna" world if the AMA was to appeal to a larger segment of the motorcycle community by getting more politically active and having more to offer to the average motorcyclist. Wouldn't that entice a larger audience to join? Just speaking for myself, I no longer race (some say I wasn't racing when I was racing), what is in it for me to join the AMA if my belief is that they are set up primarly for the racing community? Now if my belief was that the AMA was out there fighting tooth and nail to keep riding areas open and having additional offers of insurance and other benifits. This would make me join. Kind of like AARP for the motorcyclist.

Don't get me wrong I love racing but most motorcyclists don't race. If you look at the way things have went for the off road motorcyclist in the past 30 years it aint good. Here in Iowa most of the best riding are on account of grass roots clubs that worked hand and glove with the state to set up areas where folks could ride. Maybe if the AMA were to aid these clubs, like BASS does for the fishing community things would get better.

I don't have the answer and you guys, like Ron and Dwight, have alot more knowledge in these affairs than I do. I'm just writing down what I think.

Thanks Guys
Rod

Rod Whitman
Omaha, Nebraska
1972 Six Day (Rider)
1972 Six Day (Project)

[cubfan1968]

I'm surprised at the ratio 25 people handling racing and only 4 in Washington. With all the arrows being shot at the motorcycling community maybe that number should be reversed. Maybe we would better be able to fight the land closure issues and stupid things like the youth motorcycle ban.

The blog seemed to deal with alot of opinion. I can't imagine the Big 4 turning their back on the huge number of folks who show up at VMD. What are the demagraphics for this event,40+??? These are the folks who have disposable income.

Hope this is a non event and things get straightened out.

Rod Whitman
Omaha, Nebraska
1972 Six Day (Rider)
1972 Six Day (Project)

[firstturn]

cubfan,
  Remember that the factories follow who buys their product.  You do fill out a form when you ride their bikes so they have a baseline for their studies.  Also the cost to send the 18 wheeler with crew is Very Expensive(I know the cost) so they really pick and chose there demo sites.  Also with the big 4 pulling back on their Racing Budgets like nothing else in Hostory, just stay tuned for the next shoe to drop, the Racing scene is losing appeal to the Big 4.
  Next is the statement of AMA becoming the AAA of Motorcycling and that statement is like a no brainer to figure that out.....just read their magazine and their news releases.  Racing as we have seen it in the past is gone and the expense of bikes and parts just pile on more expenses for the young people who would like to be the next Champion.  Sad but True.


Ron Carbaugh