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AMA: Kawasaki Reschedules Test Session at Sears Point for January 30-31

24 January 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

SONOMA, Calif.- Three-time American Motorcyclist Association champion Doug Chandler and teammate Eric Bostrom will take part in a two-day test session for Kawasaki on January 30-31 at Sears Point Raceway.

Kawasaki had originally scheduled a test session at Sears Point on January 10-11, but because of rain, Chandler and Bostrom were only able to get in approximately 40 minutes of track time on the modified 12-turn, 2.32-mile road course.

Kawasaki will be joined by AMA Road Race Manager Ron Barrick, who will inspect the modified road course. The two changes were made at Turns 5 and 11 and are designed to enhance safety. Both upgrades were made under the guidance of Chandler, who worked closely with raceway officials.

Turn 11 was shortened by two-tenths of a mile, giving riders nearly 300 feet of run-off room, as compared to less than 20 feet prior. The re-configured Turn 11 will also eliminate the chicane at Turn 12, as riders will now come out of the turn and onto a near-straightaway at Turn 12. The second safety enhancement came at Turn 5, where there is now more than 100 feet of run-off room, as compared to 20 feet a year ago. More than 27,000 cubic yards of dirt was removed to create the additional run-off.

The changes were made by raceway officials, under the direction of Chandler, who served as the AMA's representative. In the last five years, increased run-off has been made available at turns 3A, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11, while turns 4 and 7 were repaved prior to the 1998 season.

The Progressive Motorcycle Insurance AMA Superbike Challenge will take place at Sears Point Raceway May 5-7. It will be the only springtime appearance of the year by the AMA in Northern California.

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