DMG/AMA-Edmondson Daytona Motorsports Group Discussion Thread

[jk750]

^^^^^^

That is an awesome article!!! Let the revolt begin!

Here's the latest update >>>

Soup :: Roger Edmondson Statement On Mid-Ohio, Etc :: 06-12-2008

[jk750]

AFM weighs in, refutes Edmondson.

AFM Won't Race In The Rain At Infineon, Its Home Track News Article // RoadracingWorld.com

The general reactions I've seen so far from AFM racers regarding DMG's intent to race at Infineon in the rain can be best described as disbelief and outrage.

I've raced at Infineon since 1993 and even though the recent track improvements are fantastic and we greatly appreciated the time, money and effort spent by the track to make those improvements, the reality is that nobody can modify the actual geography of the track and move public roads (like Highway 121 just outside Turn 10!), therefore the AFM does not race there in the rain.

It is far too dangerous to take such chances and no amount of money from ticket sales could offset the tragedy and bad publicity the track would get if there was a fatality. While Mr. Edmondson mentions lots of other organizations who choose to race in the rain, I don't believe any of those organizations override the riders' wishes and forsake their safety in the name of "profit" or "TV contracts" or any other excuse.

I believe that many U.S. road racing fans were anxious to see what sort of improvements could come from a fresh set of eyes and great levels of expertise from the DMG staff, but I'm afraid many of us are becoming disillusioned and disappointed, particularly with the dictatorial and adversarial stance taken towards the riders and manufacturers who have supported U.S. road racing for so many years. I'm not sure we need to throw out the baby with the bathwater or at the very least the public perception should not be that DMG is driving a wrecking ball through the entire series. I'm convinced that while Mr. Edmondson may be very good at his job of running a race series, DMG is in dire need for a far more tactful spokesperson who may be able to handle public relations without the inflammatory tone and language.

Regards,

Alex Florea
AFM #49
AFM At-Large-Director
Los Gatos, California


"Infineon Raceway has been a leader in our sport in their efforts to deal with motorcycle racing related issues and other racing organizations have used the track in wet conditions without significant problems."

While I'll agree with the fact that Infineon has made outstanding changes to the track since 2000, the facility still has multiple issues. The worst is T10 where several Supersport racers were seriously injured at the 2006 AMA National when a light rain began falling in the first few laps of the race.

Contrary to Mr. Edmondson's e-mail you posted, the AFM does *not* race in the rain at Infineon Raceway.

Jim Race
Former AFM #250
Gold River, California

[Elistan]

I can only think that DMG is deliberately driving away the current participants. My theory is that they wanted to get into motorcycle racing and purchasing the rights to AMA racing and reshaping it in their image was easier than starting a competing race series from scratch. I surmise they would be quite happy for all top riders and factory teams to leave. They can grow their own stars and teams and bikes and whatnot, that they have complete control over.

[OldSchlPunk]

Jesus, this guy is a boob!

I've gotta see what's blowing up over on the other board.

[OldSchlPunk]

It's actually not blowing up like I thought it would. But, I'm seeing more people coming out and saying that they were willing to give Roger E. a chance but are getting more and more disillusioned.

God I hope this implodes before the contract is signed!

[FatHawk]

While he has some valid points in the article, he still comes off as a giant douche.

And anytime you are quoted using the word "money" when talking about rider safety, that automatically makes you a giant douche.

[OldSchlPunk]

Well, it took some time, but the people who were taking a wait-and-see attitude towards DMG are now rapidly jumping ship and calling for the unknown '09 AMA rules package. They are also calling for slight tweaks to the current AMA program to make competition a little closer.

People are saying RE doesn't have the business sense to run a professional racing series and that he was a failure at club-level.

This is getting interesting...

[jk750]

How about this little nugget concerning a possible return to Loudon?

http://www.unionleader.com/article.a...2-232e1764a32e

In his telephone interview yesterday, Mladin said if the 1.6-mile road course in Loudon remained as it was (and it hasn't changed much since Mladin last raced here in 2001) he would not race on it. His recollection of the New Hampshire track that ended the career of Harley-Davidson's Thomas Wilson and nearly ended the career of champion Miguel Duhamel, was "an accident waiting to happen."

Mladin said, "It needs changes ... honestly the changes would have to be dramatic."

"I never complained about a race track's layout or its surface," said Mladin. "I can deal with that. As long as I have nothing (walls) to hit ... With DMG now promoting some sort of racing in this country, rider safety is pretty much at the bottom of the list of preferences. Rider safety is certainly a low priority for the new group."

Edmondson said DMG would have to "weigh the hazard and the risk" of any venue. They will do that with site visits and a pro rider committee. He added that the audience for Bike Week in New Hampshire (past estimates of 250,000 to 300,000 enthusiasts) must certainly be a place "where manufacturers want to be."

Without safety upgrades, Mladin said Suzuki would not force him to race in New Hampshire.

"There's no more conservative group of people than motorcycle racers," said Edmondson when speaking of changes to AMA racing, including adding different venues. "They have a comfort zone the size of a gnat."

Mladin said he would be happy to visit NHMS and offer advice for changes. He continued, "I've been a track safety advocate. I've paid my share of fines and I will continue to advocate for the riders.

"We take a lot of risks racing motorcycles ... the fact that a promoter wants to put a racer's life on the line (he paused), I believe Roger Edmondson said it's all about the pay day.

"We'll call the shots," said Edmondson of Mladin's past strong influence on the sport.

"With all due respect to Mat Mladin, who is one of the best racers on the planet, he's not the future."

Mladin replied: "I agree with (Edmondson). Finally he said something that makes sense. I won my first championship 27 years ago. I believe I could help going forward. My concern is for the sport and the kids."

[HighsideSV]

"There's no more conservative group of people than motorcycle racers," said Edmondson when speaking of changes to AMA racing, including adding different venues. "They have a comfort zone the size of a gnat."

What a moronic thing to say about guys who participate in one of the most dangerous sports out there and fill his pockets with money while they do it. Is this guy really so out of touch?

[OldSchlPunk]

Roadracing World has posted some reader reaction to the whole Mid-Ohio wet racing fiasco. Not pretty. Now this with NHMS? Would someone take the shovel away from Edmondson.

[lemosley01]

If Edmondson and DMG take over I, for one, will not be watching that series next year. I'll go to WERA and whatever else is around.

He clearly isn't concerned about the riders - at all. This is just a way to make money at any cost. It will be easier if he runs everyone currently in the series out because the new riders that come on board will be willing to conform.

Hey, I like making money, and I have no problem with people doing it, but there is a right and a wrong way to do it. Alienating your riders and core fanbase isn't it.

Here's hoping this sale goes down in a fiery ball of death.

[willvt13]

Man, the more I read of Edmonson's comments, the bigger arrogant jackass he becomes.

Glad to see Mat take the DMG on. I can't help but believe, the more sewage that comes out of Edmonson's mouth, the more the other riders and teams will follow Mat's lead.

[OldSchlPunk]

How did y'all like the comment that Mladin isn't the future of AMA racing? While it's true, it's classless on RE's part and shows that he isn't even interested in working with the safety group. I can understand his point that he's the boss and needs to maintain control, he comes across as really pompous.

People thought the series was a mess before, I see it as in an out of control spiral now. Each week I am more convinced that this crew will destroy the series if they are allowed to take control at the end of the season.

[Shamrock627]

Mladin needs to get RE on the back of a bike, and take him around the course, then he would see what the problem is.

I'm with you lemosley01, I won't watch AMA...*excuse me* DMG...I will watch SBK and MGP.

But in all of this, there WILL be racers on track, if they have to get squids out there with flip flops and holey t-shirts, and shorts on the track.

[OldSchlPunk]

I guess the series could be renamed "The Edmondson Fitzgerald".

I kill me.

Thank you very much. I'll be here every night.