National Moto Lengths

[quote="pt":fbce6]So, what are you used to?
3 20 minute motos or
2 45 minute motos?[/quote:fbce6]

81 and 82 Nationals we had 40 + 2
and the GP Support races were 20 + 2.

Just can't figure out why they felt a need to shorten the National motos when they're supposed to be the ultimate outdoor test. The last 10 minutes is where the conditioning really paid off...you could either make up a lot of positions as guys faded or if you were the one fading you lost a lot of positions.

[quote="Craze":d721b]Never could figure out why the AMA does half the shit they do, they tried to make it more spectator friendly I would assume by shortening the motos and having more "riders" racing at the 30 minute mark, instead of just the fittest rider at the 45 minute mark.

Totally missed the whole idea what motocross was in MHO[/quote:d721b]

I'll certainly agree with everyones assessment of the AMA. I just never understood how they could stand by and not to do one damn thing to help the riders make a decent living. I'm not talking the lucky few but the rest of professionals that work their butts off to try and make it.

At least now with all the satellite teams guys can make a few bucks instead of losing money. Still the AMA has to realize there are 40 riders on that line and if they have the skill to make the field they deserve more than a few hundred bucks. I'm sorry but with all the money being thrown around on Stupidcross you would think the AMA would be able to bring purses closer to what NA$CAR offers. I mean finish 40th every week at NA$CAR and you make a million bucks...finish 40th in a National or 20th in a Supercross and you make what, enough cash to buy a can of chain lube?

Nationals are another story because the AMA can't be bothered with them anymore it seems. If they spent half the time they did in making Stupidcross the next big thing on the Nationals you might see some decent series sponsors and prize money. Wait, there's not even much prize money in Supercross so what am I thinking.

I really do believe the AMA figures that the thrill of just making a National is enough for most of guys out there. I know I was that way in 1980 but in 81 I rode the complete 500cc Nationals and scored points in all but two of them. Earned National Number 73 for 1982 and what did it get me other than a bunch of great memories...well it cost me a lot of money that's for sure and without a local dealer providing me bikes it would have cost me a lot more.

And as far as Supercross..never had an interest in it and still don't. Of course I'm the type of person who still loves to watch the GP's and believes that the World Championship title should be more important to a rider than a National Championship. But that went out the door a long time ago so I guess I really am a dinosaur.

Sorry for the rant but even after 26 years I still get more than a little PO'ed about some of the crap the AMA pulled back then (and still does). Have fun though and remember the good times that MX gives all of us...