VOL. 51 ISSUE 50 DECEMBER 16, 2014 P101
tory, particularly in the United States where it was
originally conceived. But the downward trend of
the category's global relevance is a concern worth
monitoring.
Following the lead of MotoGP and World Su-
perbike, MotoAmerica announced a plan to pump
up its premier class grids by running two
related classes together on track. Su-
perbike and Superstock 1000 will run
alongside one another but be scored
separately. The move may very well have
been necessary and should help to fill
out the field.
However, unless manufacturer participation so-
lidifies, there's a worrying possibility that the Su-
perbike class could be represented by a depress-
ingly small number of machines. Rather than draw
in new entrants, Superstock 1000 might prove to
be an all-too tempting option for current Super-
bike teams looking to remain in the main event but
who would rather stay out of Yamaha USA and Yo-
shimura's orbit.
That's just one example of the multitude of im-
possible decisions KRAVE must deal with and
react to. Nothing is likely to prove easy
as it attempts to build the series back
up from scratch. Even afterthoughts to
fans, such as the development of an ef-
fective timing and scoring system are no
simple matter.
Fortunately, MotoAmerica has a huge
factor working in its favor—the product is not just
compelling, it is outstanding. Superbike racing is
among the most visceral and thrilling sports in ex-
istence, one in which the talent of the participants
is immediately obvious and makes for superb view-
Tommy Hayden (22)
was one of the series'
stars that found himself
out of a ride due to
dwindling budgets and
factory race efforts.
