MIC Considers New Road Racing Series

Several motorcycle manufacturers, racing fans and professional racers such as Mat Mladin have been openly critical of the proposed changes to AMA Superbike racing being proposed by the series new rights holder, the Daytona Motorsports Group.

With the AMA Superbike series taking a midseason break before beginning the second half of the season July 18-20 at Laguna Seca, critics are growing impatient with DMGs progress in establishing rules for 2009.

Our members are better served by having alternatives to the changes for the AMA Superbike Championship that the Daytona Motorsports Group has so far described, says MIC president Tim Buche. We fully appreciate the expertise, hard work and connections the DMG may bring to motorcycling. However, the independent interests of the manufacturers call for a racing series that helps promote specific motorcycle brands.

Historically, motorcycle makers have boosted bike sales based on their success in racing. It makes little sense for bike manufacturers to heavily invest in any competition that highlights sponsors and teams and downplays the machines themselves, as well as their technological development. So we are obliged to investigate alternatives that could do a better job of meeting our members respective marketing needs. This is especially true given that its now late June and there is still uncertainty over the DMG's 2009 rules.

The MIC will consider input from key stakeholders such as racing fans, racetrack owners, riders, trade media and potential sponsors before deciding whether to proceed with seeking a series promoter and a sanctioning body to endorse a new racing series.

In a release, the MIC says that it wants a racing series that promotes rider safety, competition, innovation, racetrack attendance, television viewership and ridership. As well, the MIC says it seeks a racing championship that benefits consumers by allowing manufacturers to develop and promote new technology that would make its way to the showroom floor