Dude thats heavy. Real heavy. Sorry to hear that. I hope that you stick at it and can have some positive influences for two strokes still. You seem highly influential, and with all your experiences can really help push the cause forward. The 150cc and 300cc capacity increase is an interesting one for me. I suppose there are a few manufacturers now building the 150, but none building a 300, with KTM only offering a bolt on kit, and Husqvarna only building an XC model. For me this is getting away from traditional capacities, but now that KTM has released a 350 four stroke that is very competitive, then who knows what the future holds as far as capacity limits and classes. It looks as though the 350 will be a big seller, and a good idea, but as I read on another forum, will be a bike that makes 450f power but needs 250f maintenance. Not my cup of tea. Do you think that the small capacity increase in both classes would be enough to give either the 144 or 300cc 2 strokes a fighting chance at a Pro level. ( I know John and Mike would love an extra 50cc) Would it bring any parity back to either classes and have both 2 and four strokes racing competitively together? Or would it be only the die hard two stroke riders that give it a go and have to really battle just to run around towards the back of the pack.
Now I have heard the minimum age limit thing being spoken about again. To me there seems like one easy fix. 125 cc two stroke only class, with a maximum age of 19. This gives young up and coming racers a chance to learn the national tracks, make a name for themselves, and brings back three racing categories. Add to that incredibly tight, exciting racing. You can then have the 250 class, 2 or 4 stroke, and a true Open class. This is what is happening here in Australia, and working well, except that the U/19s class can race 250fs or 250 2 strokes. The guys behind the running of our national championship have the interests of the sport at heart and I really respect that. The World GP scene has proven that the 125cc junior class would be incredibly popular. The 250 2 strokes arent going to take over the world if they are allowed to race in the lites class. There is only a handful being ridden in the lites class over here, and havent managed to win a moto yet. This is with some really good riders choosing to race the 2 stroke again.
I know you said that it isnt going to happen, but what are the powers that be(AMA) scared of. Displacement parity can only be good for the sport in very uncertain times. It gives everyday racers a chance to compete on the national level if they are good enough. Use Australia as a guide. We have a series that rivals any worldwide for ability, as we have shown, with plenty of aussies over there racing the AMA national championship. Good win today Chad ! Anyway, two strokes havent taken over the sport here, but they are an option, and that is all we ask. A chance to compete. Sorry if this was long winded but I am passionate about the cause. And a great cause it is!!!!!!!
