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AMA: Sears Point Raceway Completes Course Changes

1 December 1999

     PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Increased run-off room has been added to several

corners and a new turn has been constructed at Sears Point Raceway,

completing the motorcycle specific changes for the 2000 AMA Chevy Trucks

U.S. Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited race at the

scenic, Sonoma, Calif., road course.

     The course changes were designed with input from AMA Pro Racing staff

and Track Review Advisory Committee (TRAC) members, in preparation for the

May 5-7, 2000 Progressive Motorcycle Insurance Challenge event at Sears

Point.

     AMA Road Race Manager Ron Barrick has been monitoring the progress at

Sears Point, and is pleased with the outcome. "The management of Sears

Point has demonstrated a real commitment to motorcycle racing," Barrick

said. "A significant amount of work was completed before our race last

April (1999), and we're very pleased with these latest course improvements.

The track staff were receptive to suggestions made by TRAC member Doug

Chandler during his visits to the track, and I think the whole process

really benefited from Doug's insights."

     The latest improvements include improved run-off room at turns five

and six. Also, a new turn 11 has been constructed, increasing run-off room

and straightening the approach line to the front straight. These changes

are in addition to work which has progressed over the past few years,

including resurfacing sections of the track and increasing run-off room at

many of the turns. With the latest modifications the track length is now

2.32 miles, reduced from the prior configuration's 2.52 miles.

     Sears Point staff invited a group of 45 AMA Pro Racing and AFM

(American Federation of Motorcyclists) riders to test the track

improvements over the weekend of Nov. 14. The riders provided positive

feedback to Sears Point Director of Operations Robert Brown, who forwarded

rider comments to Barrick. Barrick will visit the track before year end for

a final inspection, and will report back to TRAC members.