MotoAmerica Superbike/Superstock 1000 class (photo by Brian J. Nelson)
2016 MotoAmerica Regulations
MotoAmerica Superbike/Superstock 1000 class (photo by Brian J. Nelson)MotoAmerica and the AMA have released the 2016 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Road Race Series Sporting Regulations with the most notable change coming to the points-paying system in the Superbike/Superstock 1000 class.In the recently completed debut season of the series, Superbike and Superstock 1000 riders were issued championship points based on their finishing position in their respective class. For 2016, however, Superbike and Superstock 1000 riders will be awarded championship points based solely on their overall finish – irrespective of class.
In other words, if the top Superstock 1000 rider finishes fifth overall, he/she will be awarded fifth-place points. If the second-placed Superstock 1000 rider finishes 12th overall, he/she will be awarded 12th-place points, etc. The same system will also be used in awarding Superbike class points.Both classes, however, will continue to have separate podiums for the top three finishers in each class and purses will remain separate and will continue to be calculated on finishing order according to class.“For the 2015 season, MotoAmerica, the AMA and FIM North America made the decision to combine the Superbike class with the newly introduced Superstock 1000 category in an effort to increase the grid numbers,” MotoAmerica partner Chuck Aksland said. “Both classes were scored separately. However, this led to some confusion about who was in what position on track for our spectators.“For this reason, we have chosen to adapt a similar format to the MotoGP Open Class Championship. Superbike will see both the Superbike and Superstock 1000 classes compete for positions and overall championship points on track. Superstock 1000 will continue to have its own championship outside the Superbike class. We believe in making the change that our trackside and viewing audience will find it much easier to identify the positions of the riders during the race.“Additionally, we have made minor changes to reflect the continued process of adapting FIM rules and procedures as is appropriate for racing in the United States.”Other notable changes to the sporting regulations include: With the exception of Superbike, all MotoAmerica classes will now feature some variation of a one-bike rule; changes to the safety flag procedures when the racing surface is wet; and changes in the Superpole 1 qualifying procedure that will open it up to all riders within 107 percent of the fastest rider in any session.View the entire 2016 MotoAmerica Sporting Regulations document.
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—visit your local dealer or suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with multiple Emmy award-winning writer, Producer, Director, and actor, Thom Beers. the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
Thom’s fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows such as ‘Deadliest Catch’ (now in its 17th season!), and many others. Of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story of how he started the first real fabrication reality show ‘Monster Garage’, that showcased Jesse James, and then how that led to ‘Biker Build Off’ and the ‘Zombie Choppers’ movie.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening.
