Guest Editorial from #155
B-Boz sounds off from Europe on AMA grid sizes
By Ben Bostrom

A couple of weeks ago, Nikki and I were following an AMA Superbike race via www.amasuperbike.com in the middle of the night. It’s really informative, and you can actually tell a lot about what’s happening on the track from the lap times. For example, it’s amazing how the times go up when the top riders encounter lapped traffic.

I can't understand why the AMA is so thick-headed about the dangers of lapped traffic and the effects it has on the show. There is no doubt, the largest hazard a rider faces when he throws a leg over his bike is an encounter with a slow rider. The closing speeds are scary, and not knowing the rider’s next move is far worse.

The American championship has some of the best riders in the world and some of the best factory involvement. Hence, the racing is incredible … for about 10 laps. The rest of the race is determined by who weaved through traffic best, and this usually strings out what was five riders you could throw a blanket over, to a few guys gapping each by three or four seconds. The racetrack becomes one, big, continuous parade of bikes going round and round. It's so difficult to find the leader, the TV cameras find themselves lost and focused on the battle for 38th place now and then. It’s the same at the finish line.

How about catering to the people who pay the bills and came to see a great race? Cutting the starting line down to 25 riders would help immensely. Look at the rest of the big races around the world. Count the riders qualified for the race and see how many riders do not finish on the same lap as the leader. The end result is a great race. Fans can follow to the end, and it's a hell of a lot safer experience for the riders.

The problem is that the AMA pays back to about 36th place in the superbike race. Why not pay to 36th in qualifying? Riders qualified between 26th and 36th receive a check, save their equipment, tires, and then can try again at the next event. The privateers need the money, and I believe in paying back deep in the field. There is a good chance more money would be in the pot if the race did not look like a parade circulating the track, but looked more professional, and our sport would benefit a lot.

I don’t want to sound too harsh, but some riders must think it’s their birthright to be qualified for a Superbike national. What happened to proving oneself to make the grid, the sense of self-accomplishment that follows, along with respect from the paddock and fans alike?

Many of us came from dirt track and motocross, where it seemed nearly impossible to make the show, but with hard work and perseverance, eventually we became part of the show. Dirt track paid back a few positions in the semi, for the riders who were close to qualifying for the main event. That money really helped pay the bills and added to your motivation to make damn sure you squeezed your way in next time.

Sorry for the rant; it has just been eating me up inside for too long, and watching the AMA races on the net always rekindles the thought.

Keep up to date with Ben at www.benbostrom.com.