Loophole Lets Carmichael Out

There's no reason to restrict the fuel to any standard more stringent than pump gas. The big motocross bikes have more power than traction anyway. I think the AMA has just found a loophole to get themselves out of the hole they dug with a silly rule.



But what they really need to do is reform the penalties AND the points structure. First, the penalty should be a certain number of finishing places, say three or four. A fine is no deterent to a factory team. And who cares if the guy finishing 15th used hot fuel.



Second, the points differential is way to small between 1st and 2nd and 3rd. Just falling down or getting hit or having a chain break will essentially eliminate a rider who can otherwise win every race. I think the points should be more like Formula One used to be, 10 6 4 3 2 1. So you could make up for a DNF in three races.

Ye Gods! I certainly agree Ricky should be given his points back. They never should have been taken away in the first place. And why, in heaven's name, would they fine Suzuki? Sounds like a feeble and unfair attempt to save face. Somebody has to pay and the AMA is never wrong, right?? It is inconceivable that the AMA and FIM would adapt the same rules and have different testing protocols. How did THAT ever get through committee? This should have been cleared up long before the season started. Having race gas rules that are more stringent than pump gas is even more inane, but inane and incompetent are actions we've come to expect from the AMA. They have been racing how many gazillion years and still can't get it right ?Doesn't matter whether the race is on dirt or asphalt, it is still a never ending battle with the AMA. Doggone shame too. It ruins it for both the participants and spectators. Then again, this is in the same country where President Bush guaranteed us we'd be ready for Katrina. Where are all the honest people hiding?