Sad day for the Drag Queens...

[the fan]

I was bummed to see this posted up on the wera board. Scott is a good friend and a very hard worked. I am sure if there was a way to keep it rolling by pure sweat and hard work, Scott and Brandi would have been the ones to do it.

Effectively immediately, AMA Dragbike will cease operations indefinitely.

Regretfully, today's economic climate, rising costs and decreasing revenue makes it fiscally irresponsible to continue doing business. The final details are being worked out at this time.

"Motorcycle Drag Racing has been a passion for both of us for many years and we have given all of ourselves to this sport," said Brandi Neithamer, Vice President of AMA Dragbike. "We knew this year would be very difficult given the economic conditions but we never anticipated it would go downhill so quickly. Scott and I have a tough road ahead of us to close the business, and we hope to receive the support of the community during this difficult time."

"If there are any parties interested in starting another sanction that will carry on the professional level and values of AMA Dragbike, please feel free to contact us," she continued. "We will do everything in our power to help you succeed."

AMA Dragbike would like to thank all the racers, sponsors and fans that have helped support the organization (formerly AMA Prostar) over the last 21 years. We have always strived to hold safe, fair and exciting racing events, and we appreciate all that have helped us achieve that goal.

Best wishes to all in our racing community,

Scott Valetti
Brandi Neithamer

AMA Dragbike

Here is a link to the discussion at the WERA BBS http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=258106

I am sure there is more at dragbike.com, but I don't have the heart to look.

[fj1289]

This does suck for the sport in general, but like roadracing, there are a lot of local/regional series where most of the amateurs run. 

I don't think the "fact of" was a complete surprise, but the suddeness of it was.  They knew this was going to be a tough year, but didn't think it was going to be the last.  I never made it to an AMA race (nor any other series for that matter) but have wanted to do so.  The sport of motorcycle dragracing has been changing for a while - more towards "streetbikes" vice the "bar bikes".  AMA seemed to be focused more on the "legacy" classes than some of the newer ones.  Also, all the negative press about motorcycles in general probably doesn't help draw a crowd either.

I was always impressed by Scott and Brandi in how they responded to issues in the series or to my individual questions.  It is a shame both for them and for the sport. 

[andyb]

Never much liked how the AMA handled things, myself.  Their classes were goofy and I think helped prevent a lot of beginning racers from moving into the more advanced classes (Super Eliminator?!  WTF!)

That being said, it's really more about what organizations you can find locally to run in anyhow, so meh.

[feederbb]

I'm with ya on the AMA screwing things up.  The have made a mess out of motocross for sure.  Then they were hurting for cash and took on the FIM?  Great now we can have the Euros screw with it also!  They lost me back when they changed from the 250 class to the "lights"  If you think you have to designate classes of bikes to types of beer (nothing against beer, even though I don't believe in light beer either!) because someone might not understand the motor size (cc's) your hurting.  The rules were always wishy washy and wasn't about the rule but who you were and how much $$$ your team had.  They made it virtually impossible for there to be a true privateer anymore.  I have had far more fun racing in local races or local clubs than in ANY AMA run race I have ever been in!  OK, I'm taking a breath and stepping back down off the box.       Kevin