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BUELL
RACERS VIE FOR MOTO-ST AND ASRA/CCS TITLES AT DAYTONA
American Motorcyclist Association
Congress convenes, passes new lower sound rules for motorcycle
competition
PICKERINGTON,
Ohio--The 2008 American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Congress
gathered October 9-11 to consider numerous issues affecting
amateur motorcycle competition and recreational riding in the
United States. Rule changes passed by AMA Congress included the
regulation of motorcycle sound levels at competitive events,
motocross class advancement and new event types for road riders.
In all, AMA Congress considered 83 rule proposals at the 2008
annual meeting, 47 of which were passed or amended for possible
ratification by the AMA Board of Directors. In deference to the
needs of local AMA organizers, the AMA and original equipment
manufacturers, most rules adopted by the 2008 AMA Congress will
not take effect before 2010, at the earliest.
Most notably, the 2008 AMA Congress passed a 94 dB(a) standard
for all amateur and Pro-Am motocross and off-road competition,
effective in 2011. The new standard will not apply to land-speed
racing, speed trials or drag-racing events.
The new level mirrors both the 2009 standard for professional
motocross and Supercross racing in the United States, as well as
the level mandated by the FIM (Federation Internationale de
Motocyclisme), which governs international motorcycle
competition. Currently, sound limits for amateur motorcycle
competition are 99 dB(a) for closed-course competition and 96
dB(a) for cross-country racing.
"Few issues contribute more to misunderstanding and
prejudice against the motorcycling community than excessively
loud motorcycles, and this measure addresses the issue
head-on," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman.
"This standard is already in place for professional and
international competition, making this one of the most
cost-effective and easy-to-implement solutions to the sound
problem. That said, AMA Congress understands that amateur
competitors may need more time to adopt this new standard and
wisely established a reasonable deadline for compliance."
Also at the meeting, AMA Congress passed revised advancement
procedures for amateur motocross racers, which are designed to
be more equitable to C-class riders poised to advance to the B
level.
On the road-riding side, the AMA Congress considered several
proposals, including two that develop new types of events. One
is the Bonus Hunt, which is part scavenger hunt and part road
enduro. The other provides a more detailed procedure for the
popular Vintage Motogiro event, which gives owners of vintage
and antique motorcycles a chance to meet and show off their
unique machines.
About the American Motorcyclist
Association
Since 1924, the AMA has promoted and protected
the motorcycling lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of
life and they navigate many different roads on their journey
to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's
largest motorcycle organization with nearly 300,000 members,
the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of
local, state and federal government, the committees of
international governing organizations and the court of public
opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA
sanctions more motorsports competition events than any other
organization in the world. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for
future generations. For more information, visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
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