MIC evaluates issuance of request for proposal for U.S. road racing series
The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) is evaluating whether to issue a request for a proposal seeking a series promoter and sanctioning body for a premier professional road racing series in the United States, according to a MIC press release.
The MIC believes it necessary to look into the matter for the benefit of its members, says Tim Buche, MIC president.
“Our members are better served by having alternatives to the changes for the AMA Superbike Championship that the Daytona Motorsports Group (DMG) has so far described,” said Buche in the release. “We fully appreciate the expertise, hard work and connections the DMG may bring to motorcycling.
“However, the independent interests of the manufacturers call for a racing series that helps promote specific motorcycle brands. Historically, motorcycle makers have boosted bike sales based on their success in racing. It makes little sense for bike manufacturers to heavily invest in any competition that highlights sponsors and teams and downplays the machines themselves, as well as their technological development. So we are obliged to investigate alternatives that could do a better job of meeting our members’ respective marketing needs. This is especially true given that it’s now late June and there is still uncertainty over the DMG’s 2009 rules.”
The MIC plans to hear input from industry officials, including racetrack owners, riders, interested sponsors and enthusiast and trade media.
