dogger315 you're assessment is appreciated...
Personally I don't know what the deal is, just that there is more information to come. We may find out that it was just one of those things, or maybe something else.
For those who are following along, here is a response that Davey Coombs made on the MXA site,
DAVEY COOMBS RESPONDS AND STATES HIS CASE
By Davey Coombs
I can't argue with Jody's bottom line on this whole conundrum: it was a difference in length of the term, that neither side could get past. I continue to respect and appreciate what he does for the sport, and I hope we will continue to work together (though admittedly sometimes in different directions) to help the sport grow. I count on his opinion, his knowledge and his passion for motocross.
There are a couple of things that have been posted (on internet chat rooms) that are not accurate, or at least there's more to explain....
Both Pennsylvania tracks got one-year deals; I just did not make that clear in the earlier post. And yes, the plan is to move one to the Southeast in 2011. The other one has some work to do if it's going to remain.
There are no automobile tracks on the schedule, and there will never be one with more than 35,000 seats because that makes it a Supercross, as defined by the AMA's contract with the Supercross series. But a place like Barber Motorsports in Alabama would be a great location (and it's a motorcycle track, first and foremost).
"Proximity to Los Angeles" doesn't have a thing to do with TV production or budgets. Speed is located in Charlotte, NC, NBC is in New York City, and the folks who film the races are from all over the map. The cost is the same -- many, many times more expensive than I ever thought it would be.
As far as smoother tracks go, we're always damned if we do, damned if we don't. People get hurt, and everyone complains the tracks are too rough and dangerous. Smooth it out, people complain the tracks are too fast and dangerous. Bikes are so much different and more powerful than they used to be, and the stakes much higher for today's top riders. There is a sweet spot in there somewhere -- Thunder Valley was too smooth for the first motos, perfect for the second. Jake Weimer said Red Bud was rougher than he's ever seen it, and he won (that was the race where Ryan Dungey somehow endoed on a banked turn). Anyone who's ridden Loretta Lynn's knows how well a track that is both rough and groomed can be for racing....
And for the record, there is no deal with Pala Raceway or anyone else at this time. I have never stayed at Pala Resort, I have never gambled there, and I have never ridden there, but I have been there twice. It has a lot of potential, just like Glen Helen, Honey Lake, Competitive Edge and a few other California tracks. (And if you're keeping score at home, in the two years I have also been to Barber, three different tracks in Georgia, two ski resorts in Utah, a large park in North Carolina, Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA, Arizona Cycle Park, and I am headed to Camp Woodward in central Pennsylvania soon, as well as another place in North Carolina and one in South Carolina).
From here, we have to move on. We have a series coming up and a lot of very good tracks and riders, not to mention the fans and our industry, expect a quality championship. I plan to deliver. And for anyone who doesn't think I put the sport of motocross first and foremost, come out to the races and work alongside me for the weekend. If that doesn't change your mind, nothing will. But at least you will see a good race, and I will have someone to help us get the job done.
DC
MX Sports
