The series still lacks promotion. That is the single biggest problem from what I can see as an outsider. Promotion drives fan attendance, which drives TV coverage, which drives larger purses, which drives racer interest/head count, which drives factory involvement, which drives sponsorships, all of which combine for a healthy series. The on track product is great, and the number of manufacturers is refreshing, but not many people know how wonderful the racing is because the word is not getting out. DMG sucks at promotion, but the sad fact is so did the AMA. Leaving it to the tracks to promote the series may have worked in the 1950's, but today is a totally different animal. I go to several sprint car races a year at tracks much like the FT series runs. The difference is that the stands are PACKED. I mean standing room only. The WoO promote their series well, and create a welcoming atmosphere. FT is the same thing on two wheels, and people should be flocking to see those races regardless if they ride or not. It has all the makings of a success in this era: short races for the attention span challenged American public, noise, riders who are real characters - and also real good people, close racing, and an element of danger. Plus you can get right up close to the racers in the pits and see their bikes. The AMA screwed the series up for years, like only they could. They have a special talent for screwing things up, but at least they are consistent. Unless they plan to dump some money into it and actively promote the series, I don't see going back to the AMA as necessarily a good thing. FT and RR need the modern day equivalent of Big Bill France to organize them, promote them and give them stability. At one time I thought Jim France was the guy, but apparently he didn't measure up.
The AMA doesn't want to be in the Pro Racing business anymore (which is good, IMO). Dingman cut Pro Racing loose and the huge expenses that went with it. Remember, Paradama lost a lot of money. I don't see them wanting to get back into the Pro Racing business. They could license Flat Track to another entity. Mike Kidd did a good job for getting flat track going the right direction before he was inexplicably let go by DMG. I read that he has another job now but he maybe he would be interested in stepping back in for right ownership group. Who knows? I doubt AMA is bringing supermoto back in house. DMG still owns the rights to the AMA Pro Racing properties. Matt Stewart is running the AMA National Supermoto Championship but note that its not titled at AMA Pro Supermoto. They do have a pro class that pays decent but there are also amateur classes in the series. AMA does not run it in house and I don't see them wanting Supermoto as Dingman is on record as saying AMA Pro Supermoto had losses in the low six figures every year they ran it. I can see why these rumors get started. People want a savior to make the road racing whole again. I just don't see it happening. I want it to happen but I don't think it will.
Photo courtesy AMA Pro Racing Mega thread bump for the Virginia Mega Mile. 1.25 mile tomorrow (Saturday afternoon). This track is the longest on the AMA Pro Flat Track schedule. HP rules here so the Kawasakis are favored. Time to find out how tough the built Kawis and unrestricted XR750s are. Could be another rough weekend for the Triumph teams. Event Schedule Watch live streaming on FansChoice.TV Hopefully Harvey Mushman will be working the event and we will get to see a few photos.
Mega Mile preview with Brad Baker and Mikey Martin. 145mph! <iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/e7tx2aNXo3o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
So a very dangerous situation at VA this weekend. Bryan Smith said he couldn't see anything for most of the race:eek1. The spread out field sort of indicates that they did not want to do much more than survive that track and get on to Springfield next weekend.Who can blame them for not pushing it? I want to see REALLY WELL if I am going a reported 145 MPH down the straights.... And engine attrition. 2 blown up Ducati engines for JJ and Baker finished 4th pushing his bike across the line. Not great mile action for sure. On to Springfield. Hope the weather cooperates.
Kawboy baby. The track did look very dangerous. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/glb2U6y-GdU?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
It was dirttrack,much like MX it isnt always pretty and clean and the show must go on. 145 mph,anybody hear if they were really doing that or just a promotional thing? With such a loose track getting traction to go even 130 seems like it would be really hard.
How does WOO promote their races anyway? There's a 3 day WOO show here in Chico and they show up and race and the place is packed. It seems like people have been following World of Outlaws so long its an automatic sell out,the show speaks for itself.
In the track walk video Baker says Bryan Smith was clocked at 145mph last year. I would imagine its possible on such a long track. GNC Main event from yesterday. <iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4B627HlmiKo?list=PLY7CVMpwTxs7wH9axZ_i-prLb3uAihnTO" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I talked to several of the racers Saturday at the Mega Mile and most said they love the mix of pea gravel and limestone. The racing was excellent, can't believe those stroked Kawis can go so fast.
Ive seen some slo-mo videos of the fast boys backing it in and drifting all the way around at the Mega-Mile,throttle stays on and surfing the cushion,looks amazing! Smith jumping the start and starting on the back row as a result guaranteed he would get roosted for days,still got to the front in 2 or 3 laps. He is a cushion track guy for sure,loves the outside sideways stuff. Baker also likes running it in hard on the outside wide open. Cushion tracks arent for everybody but have always been part of Grand National Racing. It was odd all the coming and going and waiting and fooling around it took to get the main started,not sure why there were so many issues all at once.
Last Mile of the season. Springfield II this Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Event schedule Free live stream on FansChoice.TV.
Shoot,fanschoice is all buffering and digitalizing so far,even on my high speed settup. Would love to see Springfield though.
Keep refreshing your browser. Its working good for me. Congratulations to Molly Terry on her Pro Twins heat race victory.