ONE POTATO, TWO POTATO, THREE POTATO OR ONE MOTO?
Dear MXA,
I noticed that in the Justin Brayton interview you ask his opinion on the "rumored one-moto format." Is the AMA going to go to one moto for the 2009 series?
We can put this rumor to rest. Although the idea of one-moto has been in serious play for the last several months, basically because it would be more TV friendly for the six "live" TV shows that are planned this year, it was just decided that for 2009 the Nationals will consist of two motos. The idea of one-moto had traction because it simplifies the one-day Saturday format (two motos, plus qualifying races and last chances does add to the time constraints). With Time Qualifying now (hopefully) out of the picture, there still needs to be practice sessions for both classes (plus the women at many events), qualifying motos, last chances, two women's motos and two motos for each National class. All of this has to fit, not only into the available time frame, but it also has to get the moto that will be live on TV on the line and ready to go when the show is scheduled to be aired. It is a daunting task and the TV times have not been finalized between Speed and NBC. That was why the one-moto format was still a possibility until earlier last week.
So, it is two motos for the foreseeable future.
Across the board, MX Sports has made a lot of changes to the AMA National show--which should make it better for the fans. And, despite what James Stewart may do, this year's 250/450 Nationals, with Ryan Villopoto on a 450, a new series sponsor, Saturday Nationals, Live TV, live internet shows, an electronic scoreboard, gettting rid of the "Lites" name (and returning the traditional 250 and 450 National Championship titles), a host of Euro GP riders coming across the pond and the return to qualifying races on the morning of the event, the 2009 Nationals will be a great show.
The answer to your question is that one-moto Nationals idea has been shelved. As for why we asked the one-moto question to Ryan Villopoto and Justin Brayton, we are interested in gauging the position of as many rider's as possible on the one-moto format. Not because it will happen in 2009, but because there are still forces that want it to happen in the future (perhaps 2010). We want the rider's opinions on record.
Send questions to mxa@hi-torque.com
|
|