Kawasaki Bails on 2010 AMA Pro Racing Series

[jduke]

From Dealer News

Kawasaki Bails on 2010 AMA Pro Racing Series
Citing the lousy economy, Kawasaki Motors Corp. will not support factory teams in the AMA Pro Racing 2010 series, according to a company release.
"While we've always considered road racing an integral part of our sportbike development process, the realities of the current economic situation dictate the temporary suspension of our U.S. road racing activities," says Bruce Stjernstrom, Kawasaki's marketing director.
Kawasaki joins Honda — and, by extension, Buell — by pulling out of AMA series for 2010. This leaves Suzuki, Yamaha and possibly Ducati as the only OEMs currently expected to field factory teams in 2010.
In total, Kawasaki has won 20 AMA series championships. Kawasaki champions include Reg Pridmore, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Miguel Duhamel, Scott Russell, Doug Chandler, Eric Bostrom and, more recently, Tommy Hayden and Roger Hayden.

[Rapid Dog]

...hard to believe. Well thanks Daytona Group!

[roger albert]

That one had been rumored a while but is still a bummer. I think it's half economics and half DMG, but the former gives good cover (no bridge burning) for the latter. Very face saving.
Still stinks though.

[GotRoad?]

This news just makes it easier to skip Daytona, 2010.

[roger albert]

Even if it was wise in the current climate, it's a shame BMW has decided not to enter AMA this year. Looks like Parts Canada championship is as local as we'll get. Is there any coverage for that? (televised?)

[sgoodwin]

Maybe if nobody shows up DMG will sell it to someone competent enough to run a racing series though I have no idea who that would be.

[anotheroldrider]

Drifting even further off topic - Several news sources are reporting John Hopkins will return to US SBK on an M4 Suzuki - having watched John stay with Suzuki when they weren't even remotely competitive, then struggle through a terrible year in WSBK, I find it sad to see him on a privateer Suzuki in the worst racing series on the planet.

[Guest24]

Jerry, this economy is like throwing someone into an icy lake. All the life giving blood is restricted from flowing to the extremities to protect the vital organs. Kawasaki and BMW are doing just that. They are trying to make it through to warmer waters. Craig is correct in his Dayton assessment, not much use in going down there unless you are looking for the latest designs in tattoos.

I really hope that the S1000RR can come out the other side of this economy intact.

[jduke]

Hopkins always came across, to me, in any interview as self centered and a whiner. I don't remember him ever having a string of successful years, what 10th one year? But there must have been something there for him to stay in MotoGP as long as he did.

Originally Posted by anotheroldrider

Drifting even further off topic - Several news sources are reporting John Hopkins will return to US SBK on an M4 Suzuki - having watched John stay with Suzuki when they weren't even remotely competitive, then struggle through a terrible year in WSBK, I find it sad to see him on a privateer Suzuki in the worst racing series on the planet.

[Highlander179]

Originally Posted by jduke

Hopkins always came across, to me, in any interview as self centered and a whiner. I don't remember him ever having a string of successful years, what 10th one year? But there must have been something there for him to stay in MotoGP as long as he did.

He was riding the balls off the worst supported bike in the paddock and consistently beating his team mate. You have to realize just how young he was when he went. He was a prodigy. His problem was Suzuki... and that he stayed loyal to them for too long. Bad business mistake. Then, moving to Kawasaki became his undoing and his career has spiraled away to nothing... or worse than nothing, the AMA.

Easily was one of the top talents in the world, but was always handicapped by crap machinery and team.

[jduke]

Probably right highlander. My opinion is just based off interviews and either of us could have been having a bad day....

[roger albert]

what 10th one year?

a LOT higher than that. I'd echo all that highlander said.

And at least one year, he finished a lot higher: 4th. I think in 06 or 07, can't remember.
His attitude has always come across great in interviews, which is amazing, given that he's always been on the worst bike.

[Highlander179]

Looking at the entry list for the upcoming SuperBike race at Daytona, I think BMW should jump in the ring. Even I could podium.

AMA Pro Racing - Road Racing Event Entry Lists

[sgoodwin]

Originally Posted by Highlander179

Looking at the entry list for the upcoming SuperBike race at Daytona, I think BMW should jump in the ring. Even I could podium.

AMA Pro Racing - Road Racing Event Entry Lists

What's second place pay? I could get a new bike & have it pay for its self, plus some fun