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OH MY! Big changes in Outdoor Nat tracks in '05!
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Posted by: nikki---------------------
Saw this on Motonews today... kinda shocked... 
Motonews has learned that the AMA has sent letters out terminating 4 tracks from the outdoor national schedule, effective the 2005 season. The tracks on the way out, as of this writing, are Glen Helen, High Point, Southwick, and Kenworthy's.
This hasn't been confirmed with the AMA yet, but enough people know about it. Presumably the 4 tracks that will be added are identified, but nothing has leaked out. Texas is very likely to be one of the new locations.
The move surely came as a surprise to the tracks that were eliminated. Expect to hear much more about this in the weeks to come. One contention will be regarding the investments made by track owners who in good faith improved their facility, only to be left out now. Can we walk away from them? Does the AMA have any obligation to them? Who decides?
Glen Helen... the big season opener... gone!
High Point... a track owned(?) and operated by the Coombs... gone!
Southwick... the sandy soils of the east coast... gone!
And Kenworthy's... a big outdoor SX style track... gone!
And the next obvious question... of course... is will there be a new National track close to you? Cycle Ranch in TX? Lake Whitney in TX? Muddy Creek in TN? Gatorback in FL again? Monster Mountain in AL? Another west coast track to fill the Glen Helen void (Mammouth Mountain?)? Cooperland in OK (:confused
?
And I also have to wonder if this decision is 100% final with the four tracks on their way out... 
Posted by: Papakeith---------------------
I heard whispers about this almost a year ago.
I can only hope that they keep it where it is, at Southwick here in the New England. Yes, I realise that Unadilla is only in New York, but it is a 7 hour drive from RI, Nevermind if you were from New Hampshire, or Maine.
Like SX it seems that New England just isn't seen as a viable market 
Posted by: Senior KX Rider---------------------
It would be big news if they were dropping one venue. Four tracks is unbelievable :scream:
Posted by: karterron---------------------
Glen Helen is the shocker for me. What would they replace it with? They would have to be the biggest idiots in the world (okay we are talking AMA here so thats possible) for them to not have an outdoor national in Southern California. What other national caliber track is there in SoCal?
Southwick is a suprise also given the heritage of that race. The other two are not all that suprising. You need National races in places like Texas and the Southeast and since other National races are somewhat close to those two I can see why they are expendable.
Posted by: Timr---------------------
I agree that Glen Helen is a shocker!
Come on MX to the southeast. I think Muddy Creek, Gatorback, and of course Monster Mountain, are all drivable from the major Southeastern markets.
Sounds like its going to get real interesting.
Posted by: thebird---------------------
I agree come on southeast! But like timr said I thought Glen Helen would be the last to go
Posted by: karterron---------------------
They will have to have something to replace Glen Helen with. The AMA would be out of their minds to not have an outdoor National in SoCal. That would be plain stupid and I don't even live anywhere near there.
Posted by: Patman---------------------
I see a trip to Floresville in my future 
Posted by: BEEF706---------------------
I am kinda hoping that TX gets one somewhere, closer for me to drive. Glen Helen surprises me, and Southwick would make me sad, love to watch the pros do that sand.
Posted by: Timr---------------------
Maybe the AMA is planning to move the opening round to the Soboba Indian reservation! :scream:
Posted by: Camstyn---------------------
Word is that by getting rid of four outdoor tracks, they can now have seven SX rounds at Anaheim!
Posted by: wardy---------------------
with coombs sitting on the board I think that little rumor maybe interesting at best. WAIT they are just trying to let CCE in the door and run Outdoor racing to huh!!! go figure just when the SX stuff has settled down there has to be this crap, guess we'll see what happens, but High Point, na not a chance.
wardy
course this could be dirt tack? ouch.
Posted by: Timr---------------------
AMA Pro Racing must be in negotiations with Dorna. 
Posted by: Earthpilot---------------------
This has been brewing for over two years,, Southwick has been on the bubble due to pit/parking/land access issues, Kenworthys for the "SX" style track layout, although I hear this year they are changing it up,, too little too late?
High Point because of the "rowdies" that have brought negative publicity the past several years, and Glen Helen,, well there are several issues there, mostly political (World Cup etc) and track safety.. of course there is MUCH more to all this,, AMA vs NPG , throw in Dorna and even Parts Unltd,Coombs family influences....This issue will become larger and more drawn out than
the CCE vs AMA SX debacle,, Texas will have a Nat'l, possibly two..
No matter what, the outdoor natl's are three weeks away and the racing
will be awesome no matter what!
Posted by: Okiewan---------------------
Interesting rumor to say the least. Would be sweet to see Kris get a national
Quote:
the outdoor natl's are three weeks away and the racing
will be awesome no matter what!
|
I heard that! Getting tired of that ballet they call SX, let's see some racin'!
Posted by: Treejumper---------------------
I can sort of see High Point just for the fact that the place is a pain to watch the race. I love the track but you cant see squat while there. I like Steel City better as a spectator compared to High Point. HP has worse parking, very steep hills making it hard to haul the cooler and BQ. I dont plan to miss HP's race here on May 25th and hope to still see it there in 2005 but if one of them has to go i hope its them.
Posted by: Timr---------------------
The plot thickens. It's not just rumor anymore. DC validated these facts in his weekly only racerhead column. Go over the RacerXill.com and check it out. Apparently, the promoters of the four tracks mentioned aboved received letters from AMA pro racing yesterday, notifying them of the termination of their National MX effecitive with the 2005 season.
We'll see what happens.
Posted by: mxneagle---------------------
Why not run gatorback in say...august yeah that would really have some crowd pulling power. I guess I just don't like change. Maybe the outcasts can start up a competing series and team up with CCE or does the AMA have the copyright on Motocross also?
Posted by: MX-727---------------------
Got to say that when I read the first line, I expected to see Kenworthy's listed. Very sad. I had a blast watching that race.
Posted by: treefinder---------------------
I suspect this is just the AMA trying to negotiate/extort something out of these tracks (more money? parking? portapotties?). Will be interesting to see if all 4 of these are actually missing when the schedule comes out.
Posted by: HiG4s---------------------
Considering the # of top riders from Florida, Geogia, and Texas they should have had at least one national somewhere near both places a long time ago. And considering the heat they should be early in the season.
Posted by: karterron---------------------
I thought the reason they cancelled Gatorback was the teams complained about having Nationals in the middle of the supercross season. These idiots at the AMA will not be happy until they COMPLETELY ruin the sport.
Posted by: yzguy15---------------------
Whoohoo! Texas is getting a race. I've always wanted to go to a national, but since I'm more than a day and a half, more like two, away from any of them it hasn't been feasable. My dad has pictures from the early 80's at Whitney, pretty cool stuff. Here's one Texan with his fingers crossed.
Posted by: Senior KX Rider---------------------
Quote:
Originally posted by Okiewan
I heard that! Getting tired of that ballet they call SX, let's see some racin'!
|
Dittos on that :thumb:
Posted by: nephron---------------------
Word in the Greeley County Tribune, of Tribune, KS (county seat a priori Horace, KS aka Horace, Greeley), is that Kendall, KS--population 42, will hold an AMA event next year south of the "Snow Ride Shop" just north of the Arkansas, River.
This is the same town made famous by 20/20 in the 70's when the K fell off the cemetary sign, indicating all 'expirees' ended up at 'ENDALL' cemetary. :silly:
Whad'ya think about the possibility that the AMA is being pressured to bring fresh tracks onto the scene to make it a more level playing field for the visitors, so to speak, like Reed, eg.?
Posted by: WideOpen---------------------
FLORIDA really needs a national. heck, the south needs a couple nationals
gatorback , hardrock, or monster mountain sound good to me.
Posted by: Philip---------------------
I hate to see those tracks gone, but it would sure be nice to give us southerners a couple to go to. Outdoor is my favorite just to hard to attend one. Take off work longer, Plane tickets, hotel, etc. A southern track would make it a little more attainable. :thumb:
Posted by: cyprice---------------------
If I were a rider, I would be glad they got rid of Glen Helen. It seems those track designers must sit in planning meeting laughing about how difficult they can make the track. Hair-pin corners at the bottom of long, steep downhills? Mud pits? Seems like an obstacle course more than a race track. What next, make them triple through rings of fire? Double over piles of broken glass and thumbtacks? Maybe its just because Jody Weisel drives me insane.
Cyrus
Posted by: wardy---------------------
Its only a matter of time, with all the quality tracks out there, who is taking bets on when CCE starts an outdoor series? They are well intrenched into Dirt track now, they are the only DT races to have contingency? They have young energetic people running the shows/races, and someone else sends letters.
trends never change.
interesting.
OH HEY, IF your 12 you can race a 450 in a dirt track event. but yet only one company offers insurance in the country for parks and tracks, at a premium.
the list is endless.
wardy
Posted by: wardy---------------------
ONe last thought, Imagine working with more then just the "good ole boys" and have different tracks every year? NOt totally different but rotate 1/3 of the list each season to expose the whole country to the sport,..............na that would be to easy.
Heck we call LL the Amatuer National MX Championship, Nice organization, but if the track is what it has been in the past 20 years, you park on hills so steep its hard to walk up, race on the flatest piece of ground in three countys. Just another dump truck track. with more banners and bibs, like the fences aren't enough, they hang a flyer around your neck.
wardy
Posted by: flynbryan---------------------
I'd be real sad to see Southwick go. I love that track. And I can't believe they're getting rid of High Point. Thats another track thats a staple in MX. I would have expected they got rid of Hangtown first. I hope the AMA is careful w/this. So whats the plan? Im gonna be ticked if SX gets like 5 more stops for series. Is the AMA trying to get rid of the Nationals? Come on SX is ok, but MX is where we all got our roots from. I'm personally a little concerned.
Posted by: MrMXer327---------------------
I personally believe that this is not a good thing unless these tracks are losing the event due to poor attendance, poor facilities or some other valid reason. For example; Say what you will about the Coombs family, but the fact is, they have done a ton for the sport. Why should they loose an event? If anything, Highpoint should be moved to reduce the likelihood of it being a mud fest.
Wardy:
[Heck we call LL the Amateur National MX Championship, Nice organization, but if the track is what it has been in the past 20 years, you park on hills so steep its hard to walk up, race on the flattest piece of ground in three counties. Just another dump truck track. with more banners and bibs, like the fences aren't enough, they hang a flyer around your neck.]
Have you ever raced there? I have... The track may be on flat ground, but is no way near another dump truck track. This is a national caliber track that allows everything from PW50's to Pro-level riders compete and chase the dream of a lifetime. The Ten Commandments separate the men from the mice, the no lift jump faces force you to clear doubles with speed and finesse, the start requires balls of steel, high speed section, sweeper, switchback, etc. The dirt is what we dream of and well prepared. The bibs are awesome and a trophy all to themselves... Something I am proud to display right along side my Dirt week 01 Tag team plaque made by Red and signed by Niki.
As for adding more tracks.... I raced at Gatorback when it was a national... and loved that track. I hope they bring it back. I've rode at Hard Rock, I like it... but NO ! That is not national material. I wish they would do a 15 round series that would add some tracks rather than take an event from a promoter that has ... and will continue to promote our sport for the good of all.
Posted by: nikki---------------------
Ahhh... my two favorite "trophies":
http://www.dirtrider.net/teamdrn/sh...rt=1&thecat=998
Posted by: flynbryan---------------------
Rock on Nikki I'm very impressed! 
Just wish I could have gone before I quit racing....... :whiner:
Posted by: MrMXer327---------------------
Awesome Niki, but where's the dirt/mud Niki !! I have not even washed the mud off of mine. That is one awesome place. Do you have any plans of trying to go again?
BTW - Your never too old to try and go to LL's... They have a class for every age group.
Posted by: mxneagle---------------------
Not exactly anymore Herb, unless you're a retired pro in the 30 and up age classes. Since they eliminated the B classes most dads will never be able to head to LL's to race with thier kids.
Posted by: kiwi_925---------------------
You guys cant blame Dorna for this, at least you know there will be 12 rounds, they change there dates and venues during the year!! I agree with having more mx races or at least making it even amount, like 50/50 on sx and mx but they are probably making more $$ out of sx than they ever will out of mx.
Posted by: wardy---------------------
Well yes I have raced there. I know the politics of it all also. I am sure there are both sides to this coin, I happen to look at the other side i guess. I stand behind my statment on the track, with hills like that its a shame to run on the flat and run a stadium style track, (ok a BIG stadium style track) instead of natural terrain. I don't believe for a minute that highpoint will loose a national, in fact it likely would be one of the last to go. I also know what things are done for that national amatuer race and have some views on that. Further more, i can tell ya, if I sponsored a rider, bikes, etc, etc, I sure the hell don't want some one else's name on that rider, they didn't pay for it, plain and simple. I am friends with some of those sponsors but the bottom line is that if I ever raced there again, my sponsor would be on that bib not the promotors. heck maybe its time to re-present that rule.
A different time perhaps......but sure would be nice to see other tracks, districts, promoters get a chance to have premier events like that, Nationals are not obtainable, and the little 5 year contract for LL isn't very likely obtainable either, I guess the only monopoly I like is on a game board.
as long as there are that many riders and that much money flowing nothing will change.
wardy
Posted by: whitesands26---------------------
Texas should get a national...period! Maybe two nationals......There's not a national that's even close to Texas and it's such a big state...It not like the northeast where the states are so tiny that driving to another state to watch a national is a 30 minute drive even if you live in the middle of the state!
I'll be willing to bet Lake Whitney will be the next new national event.
Posted by: Nevada Sixx---------------------
i wish a national would come to the south, like in alabama, kw's place. or at least somewhere around memphis.
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