---

AMA: New safety lighting system in place for 2001 AMA SuperCross Series

29 December 2000

   
     PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- To further improve on-track awareness for racers in

the 2001 AMA EA Sports Supercross Series, AMA Pro Racing will unveil a new

accident indicator lighting system at the series opener Jan. 6 that will warn

competitors of downed riders in technical areas of the racetrack.

     The accident indicator lighting system will consist of lights placed in

strategic areas of the track that will flash signals to riders.

     The system includes two different sets of lights. The primary set includes

a yellow and red flashing strobe light combination that will be placed near each

Supercross track's two technical triple jumps where AMA Pro Racing flaggers are

already stationed. The yellow light will flash if a rider is down in the triple

jump area to caution oncoming riders as they approach. The red strobe light will

be displayed simultaneously as a second warning for riders to proceed with

caution.

     These lights will complement the official flaggers that are already working

those areas of the track, and will augment their yellow and red-cross flags with

a more visible warning. The systems will be remotely operated by officials

closest to the racing action.

     Another set of yellow strobe lights will be used in areas of the track

where riders' sight lines could be blocked, such as where two-way sections meet,

or where over-under bridge track styles are utilized. These new accident

indicator lights will now warn competitors earlier of downed riders as they

approach.

     "Rider safety remains a key consideration for us here at AMA Pro Racing,"

said AMA Pro Racing Supercross/Motocross Manager Duke Finch. "The nature of AMA

Supercross is such that it provides some very close racing on the stadium

floor."

     Finch added, "These new strobe lighting systems will enable us to

comprehensively and visibly warn riders of potentially hazardous situations on

the track as they develop, so they have plenty of time to manage these

situations appropriately."

     The new accident indicator lighting system was devised by Finch and

developed by Race Safe of Brewerton, N.Y., a company that develops interior

caution lights for stock car racing. The new system has been well-received by

key industry groups, including AMA Pro Racing's Motocross Advisory Group.

     The system will be used in each round of the 2001 AMA EA Sports Supercross

Series.