MX Sports Pro Racing

Race Report #1 - Procedural Improvements

Friday, June 5, 2009 | 12:45 PM

Race Report #1

Date: June 4, 2009

To: All AMA Pro Motocross Competitors

From: Jeff Canfield, Race Director

Subject: Procedural Improvements

In an effort to keep our riders, crews and teams better informed, we would like to bring you up to speed with some changes to the program starting this weekend in Freestone. We have learned a lot in 2 short weeks, and see room for improvement in a few areas that we want to make you aware of.

Safety Flag:

Based on input from various sources, we are going to change the color of the "wheels on the ground flag" from yellow with red to white with red. Most riders agreed that this would enhance visibility. In addition, the white and red color scheme is consistent with the Red Cross flag used in Supercross which virtually means the same thing (no jumping or passing). We firmly believe in the purpose of the flag, and welcome any suggestion to improve visibility. AMA Pro Racing will be issuing a Technical Bulletin announcing the new flag color scheme forthwith.

In addition, during the first lap of free practice, as well as the sighting laps before each moto, we will display this flag at all locations so that riders will know where the flags will be. You still must roll this section even during the free practice and sight laps. ‚ We will also have track maps available at the MX Sports semi showing where the flags will be located on the track.

This is what the new flag will look like:

Staging:

There still seems to be a little confusion as to what time the gate to the waiting zone opens and closes. Starting at Freestone we will introduce a clock at the entrance to the waiting zone so that the riders will be able to keep track of time. The times that gate will open/close will be posted at the gate. We will also sound a horn to signify when the gate is opening.

In an effort to keep the riders cool while they are waiting, we will have EZ ups available for them to sit under and stay out of the sun/rain.

We will still have the staging times available at the MX Sports semi. If you don't see any available, please notify the MX Sports staff in the semi and they will be glad to get you a copy.

Technical Control:

To help alleviate the long lines at Technical Control, we will open one hour early on Friday from 2-3 pm for the exclusive inspection of the top 20 in both the 250 and 450 classes. After 3pm, Tech will be open to all other entered riders.

The Tech forms will be available at the MX Sports semi in advance, and we encourage rider/mechanics to complete these forms before proceeding through Tech. Hopefully by doing this we will be able to speed the line up and not get backed up like last weekend.

Will Call:

Again, we strongly urge you to use the advance Weekend Credential Request forms to order your guest passes for the weekend. We are trying to alleviate the lines at Will Call and the advance system works best. Download the form at http://www.mxsportsproracing.com/pdf/2009/2009WeekendCredentialRequest.pdf.

Hard Cards:

As you may know, we had a problem with our hard card machine - we were running it so hard it kept melting the cards.‚  We now have a new one and are trying to catch up with the remaining cards. Please check with us this weekend to see if we have yours if we owe you one. Also, please check your mail, as we mailed many cards several weeks ago.‚  We are extremely sorry for this inconvenience, as many of you still have not gotten your hard cards. In the meantime, we will be using temporary passes to get you by until we can get all of the cards made.‚  We hope to be finally caught up this weekend, so please check in at Will Call to see if your card is ready.

Another reason for delay of many cards is that applications were submitted without photos.‚  Remember - we cannot issue a hard card without a photo.

Rider Information:

As you know, we have a new online rider registration program. We use this data base to populate the rider information in the official results.‚  However, when registering some riders failed to fully complete the information, such as bike brand and sponsors. As a result, when we issue the official results, some riders have no brand or sponsors listed. It is important to your sponsors, teams and fans to fully enter all information.‚  If you have not done so already, please check your rider profile and complete any and all empty fields.

Purse Payout:

There are two different ways to receive your purse awards: direct deposit or debit card. However, again, you need to provide your choice of payment via your online rider profile, and if by direct deposit, provide your bank account information. If you or your representative have not logged onto your account yet, please contact Stephani or Kelly at MX Sports and they will help you log onto your account and update your password. WMX racers have the same options for payment, so long as the entry form includes the necessary information for direct deposit/debit card. We are working towards adding the online features to WMX and will keep you posted on the progress.

Conclusion:

As you can see we are listening to your comments and suggestions and we are always trying to make the events better. If you have any questions, comments or ideas for improvement, please let us know and we will do our best to make the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross season even better.

Thank you for your patients, and I will see you this weekend.

Jeffrey Canfield

[email protected]