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So what’s new for 2007?
Let’s take a look,
1)
In an effort to better support
our promoters and riders, the N.A.H.A. will adopt an
A.MA. Payout program that will bring 27% of the gate to
purse money. There will be a $10,000 minimum purse. This
program used for decades by the A.MA. Promoters allow
the start up events to have some breathing room and the
larger and well-established events to greater compensate
the competitors. It greatly encourages all to help
promote the sport and bring more fans through the gate.
Based on our 2006 events and using the new format, the
purse money for our 3 established and 2 new or
relatively new venues would have been about the same
when combined. To support our competitors in the ever
escalating cost of travel to the races, our promoters
will charge only for Saturday qualifying, a maximum of
$75 per class. There will be no entry fees charged for
making the Pro Show on Sunday. The yearly membership
dues will be reduced to$90 and the one-day no points
membership will be $50.
2)
10 places will be paid in the
700 and Open Exhibition classes, 40 riders in each class
for the Pro Show including 5 pre qualified from the
previous race.
3)
A new 450 four stroke Pro
class will be introduced, rubber paddle or tire, any
length, race gas only. 10 riders for the Sunday Pro
Show, 3 places paid. This class has generated an
enormous amount of interest with not only current
competitors but also crossover riders looking for the
easiest way to go hillclimbing. Riders like Pastrana,
McGrath, Metzger, Albertyn, Pingree etc. etc all have an
interest to come and compete and they are in favor of
this class. The future of this class could very well be
X GAMES, YES, I SAID X GAMES. Ken and Troy are putting a
proposal and video together for presentation to ESPN in
January. With the endorsements and interest shown from
the above celebrity riders and many more, N.A.H.A Pro
Hillclimbing and X Games could become a near future
reality!!!!!!!!!!!! The A.M.A. has also introduced this
class to their Pro Series.
4)
For better alignment with
other forms of Professional Motorsports the N.A.H.A.
will adopt a permanent numbering system. Riders will be
asked to provide a desired number, loosely based on your
2006 results. This number will be permanently displayed
on all their bikes with the exception of #1 which will
be reserved for the Champions if they so desire to
display it. Background colors will remain the same in
700 and Open classes with the 450 Pro Class requiring
black backgrounds with white numbers. You must have the
correct numbers and backgrounds to compete.
5)
In the interest of safety and
professionalism all competitors will be required to wear
full riding gear, including, chest protector and
GOGGLES. If you consider yourself a professional it only
makes sense to dress accordingly, it is our obligation
to our sport to make sure you do.
6)
The common displacement rules
between the A.M.A. and N.A.H.A. are as follows: OPEN
CLASS is now open to all size engines above 750cc.
0-700 Class is 600cc maximum on 4 cylinder nitro
burners, pushrod motors can be up to 750cc, all others
maximum 700cc.
7)
A Southern California event is
finally reality!!!!!!!!!!!!!! With very widespread
motorcycle industry support from people like Tom White
(White Brothers) Bob Weber (Troy Lee Designs) Malcolm
Smith, Ken Faught and many others,N.A.H.A. Professional
Motorcycle Hillclimbing is coming to Southern
California’s premier motorsports venue Glen Helen
Raceway in San Bernardino California. After a Team
Peterson Hillclimb exhibition during the Glen Helen
A.M.A. Motocross National, the support poured in and the
wheels started in motion. The final agreement, with
gracious support, was made with Glen Helen management in
mid December. This venue will be the most significant in
the history of our sport, because of the exposure
generated in the motorcycle industry’s backyard. N.A.H.A.
riders will have the great privilege of competing and
displaying their talents in the largest motorsports
market in the world!!!!!!! |