Broad support for AMA Pro Racing deal

By John Hopkins

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- U.S. motorcycle racing stakeholders have reacted positively to Friday's announcement that the American Motorcyclist Association has agreed in principle to sell sanctioning, promotional and management rights to most of its Pro Racing properties to the Daytona Motorsports Group.

The agreement in principle between AMA and DMG encompasses the AMA road racing, motocross, flat track, Supermoto, hillclimb and ATV Pro national series. It does not include supercross or arenacross, the rights to which are held by Live Nation until 2019.

“We are pleased with today’s announcement that AMA Pro Racing is turning things over to a company with the success and racing heritage that the Daytona Motorsports Group brings to our sport," said Carrie Coombs Russell, president of the National Promoters Group, in a press release. Russell represents the 12 track owners who are under contract to produce the AMA National Motocross Series in 2008.

"The NPG and its 12 track owners continue their commitment to the long-term growth of AMA Motocross and look forward to developing a successful working relationship with DMG," Russell said. "The NPG has been instrumental in raising the level of professionalism of motocross racing in the U.S. but we also realize our job is not done.

"In time we will learn of the inner workings of the business arrangements made by AMA Pro Racing with DMG and how our two organizations can capitalize on each other’s strengths. This was a positive announcement for motocross in the U.S. and we’re looking forward to another great summer of racing.”

The DMG organization includes Roger Edmondson, founder of the CCS motorcycle racing series and President of the Grand American Road Racing Association, and Jim France, Vice Chairman/Executive Vice President of NASCAR.

“Although I’ve only learned of this deal and don’t know all of the details, there couldn’t be two better people to bring into this series than Jim France and Roger Edmondson," said Infineon Raceway President and General Manager Steve Page in a release on Friday. "I have known and worked with both of them for years. They are terrific promoters and they understand how to blend the excitement and drama of competition on the track with a sustainable business model, fair rules and a stable base of participants.”

Alan Wilson, CEO and General Manager of Utah's Miller Motorsports Park described the deal as potentially "the best thing ever to happen in American professional motorcycle racing" in a Friday press statement.

"We have worked with Jim France and Roger Edmondson extensively through the Grand American Road Racing Association and we are confident that they will be able to craft a plan that will provide long term stability for AMA Pro Racing and the tracks that host their events," Wilson said.