The best I know to update everyone on the petition is to include the email traffice between me and Al Ludington. Al was the person who I was directed to when I called the AMA back in July, so he is the official who I have dealt with from the beginning. Even though I wish I could deal with several people and not burden one person down with this, he has probably been the best voice for us than anyone I can think of. I am waiting on a reply back from him, but his mom died last month, so that combined with the holidays has sort of delayed things right now. Here are some of the emails back and forth:
09/28/10 - Hey Al,
I'm just touching base. Hopefully, the Road Racing series has been as successful as Motocross has, especially with the MXDN win.
You know, I mentioned on AMA's Facebook page that I have fully appreciated getting to interact with you guys, and have been treated very well throughout this process. I have told everyone whose following this the same thing. I view the AMA differently than I did before and hopefully I can renew confidence in the AMA, and can calm any unwarranted animosity.
At any rate, the petition is up to about 2450 signatures. Most bills in congress only get about 200 signatures so our petition, in my opinion, is way more than any of us ever expected. Simply put, this change wouldn't hurt anyone and could only help, and give riders a cheaper, competitive racing alternative.
I haven't prepared another proposal, since I think the point has been driven home well enough. But the important point is that this is a win win situation for the riders, fans, and the sport.
Enough said, thanks again for all the effort and all your help!
Talk to you again, Mark Slate
10/20/10 - Good morning,
Hey Al, I'm checking in with you to see how things are going.
The petition is at 2,643 signatures, and has slowed slightly with the initial excitement passed. Many people don't realize the time it takes to effect even a small change.
I've watched the Australian Super X and the results were very indicative of what I think we would see if 2-strokes were allowed in supercross and outdoors. There were three 250 2-strokes in the lites main and they finished 10th-12th. Again, the torquier 4-strokes turned faster lap times than an equal displacement 2-stroke. I also think this would transcend to the 450F class as well, especially with less than equal displacements.
There has been much discussion and speculation from non-factory personnel and promoters who feel their business will suffer as well as their relationships with the factories (namely Honda). There has been no mention of two strokes racing equally with 4-strokes, and it has been hard to make them realize that this rule change is not equal displacement, even though we've seen that 4-strokes are very close to equal displacement 2-strokes.
Here is the reality - Some people will love this and some won't. Honda may get mad, while others will be view this as a chance to get into pro racing when there wasn't a chance before. Some may view it as a chance to save money for their racing budget. Other than monitoring and enforcement of existing AMA rules requiring proper engine displacement, this would place no undue burden on anyone involved, since this doesn't require the factories to meet any new standard or regulation. This will add an excitement to racing, bring racing costs down for the privateer, and bolster a new fan base.
I realize there may be some fear of the unkknown, but I don't see a negative in placing this rule change into effect.
As always, I appreciate your insights and consideration,
Mark Slate
11/12/10 - Checkin in again.
The petition is right around 2700
Review AMA Pro Racing Rule change Section 3.1 2717 Signatures
After reading the comments, most of the peitioners have mentioned "make racing more affordable," and "Good for the sport," as the one chief comments throughout.
Apparently, Motocross Australia is adopting a rule change that would allow 250 2&4 strokes to race together and the same for 450s, but possibly adding a 125 class. The Aussies report that they are only adopting FIM rules which will take effect Jan 1, 2011. I am still researching the FIM rules since I don't have all the facts as of yet.
At any rate, hopefully the proposals and work on this project haven't fallen on deaf ears. I am certainly new to this and was hoping to begin a discussion to not only build a relationship with the AMA, but to also bring up ideas benefitting the sport. I have made some mistakes along the way, but I have genuinely tried to open up a peaceful dialog and hopefully bring the AMA into a good light. There is a lot of respect for the AMA and hopefully my interactions have strenghtened that view.
As always, thanks for all your support and encouragement,
Mark Slate
This was the last email I received from him, so I haven't pressed the issued too hard until after the holidays. I sent him one more email a week later with a link to Dirt Rider's 150SX vs 250F comparison, but haven't heard anything further. It's obvious that this is going to be somewhat of a longer battle than I originally thought. Even though the rule change will not take effect in 2011, this will give us ample time to pursue it for 2012 (I know that sounds a little cheesy, but I think this will help get a resurgence up). The petition is also giving us more weight since it continues to rise.
I will try and keep everyone informed. I'll send him another email and probably make a phone call the week after New Year's.
Thanks,
