The AMA/DMG road racing series sure got interesting this year, and Buell's divisive 1125R fueled the flames of controversy, culminating in the big-engined American bike winning the 2009 Pro Daytona SportBike championship. Buell's race-spec 1125RR for the American Sportbike class had also raised eyebrows earlier in July, triggering American Honda Senior VP Ray Blank to declare-- with no lack of sarcasm-- that "It is very difficult for me to comment on the AMA/DMG acceptance of the Buell in question as ashamedly it is evident we had an erroneous interpretation of both the rules and the homologation process," and that "This is an exciting new opportunity for all manufacturers and I am ashamed to have missed this chance through our inability to accurately analyze the current rules. Frankly, this could really be fun."
But rather than retort with their own version of a controversial homologated Superbike, Honda officially called it quits today, pulling out of AMA/DMG racing and stating that, "Regrettably the current AMA/DMG racing environment does not align with our company goals. Effective today 9/18/09, AHM will not be renewing contracts with Corona Extra Racing and will be terminating the on-site Road Race operations by 9/30/09."
There's no word yet from AMA/DMG or other manufacturers, but suffice to say the fallout from Honda's departure will likely be huge.
Related:
- Common Questions: What is it Like to Ride a Race Motorcycle?
- Common Questions: What is it Like to Ride a Race Motorcycle?
- Photo Gallery: Buell's 1125R AMA Pro Daytona SportBike
- Controversial Buell 1125R Wins AMA Daytona SportBike Championship
- Introducing the Buell 1125RR, a Turnkey AMA Racer for Power-Hungry Privateers
- Buell 1125R Finishes 2nd, 5th at Hockenheim 1000
- Motorcycle Industry Council Takes Over America's Premier Road Racing Series with USSB
File Photo © Getty Images; Click to enlarge
Too bad Roger didn’t have the testicular fortitude to reply to Ray Blanks brilliant reply about the Buell fiasco.
This isn’t about Danny Eslick…he’s a great rider, and it’s true he’s the only who got the Buell up to speed. It’s about 2 sets of rules…one for the good ole Austrian powered USA tractor and one for the rest of the manufacturers who have spent years and millions supporting racing in the States.
Good on American Honda…here’s hoping the rest follow suit. I bet Yamaha stays in…Josh Hayes is pretty much a done deal to win next year, despite the fact it might be a pretty hollow victory.
Racing in the States is dead & buried.
Hope everyone leaves…
HD = cheaters
Good for Honda. And shame on the AMA for being unable to manage an american racing series and selling the whole enchilada to a bunch of money grubbin’ dim-wits that want to use NASCAR as a motorcycle racing model. I hope everyone walks and puts thier money and efforts into Motogp and World Superbike. Turn the whole series into the Harley racing series and it will all go the way of the Harley motorcycle. Same old, same old, forever, and nobody is intersted anymore…
WAHHHHH!!! My name is Honda and I’m going home!!!