Scott Hollingsworth: What's changed is the nature of the FIM's involvement. The contracts we've signed allow the FIM to count the points from the 15 rounds of the AMA Supercross Series promoted by Clear Channel - which means all of the AMA Supercross Series except the
Daytona race - toward a world championship. I
t specifically states that AMA Pro Racing will be the sole sanctioning authority for the AMA Supercross Series. As such, Clear Channel is prohibited from inviting the FIM to impose its rules and to have its officials in charge of our races.
We discussed these issues specifically during negotiations regarding the 2003 season, and we agreed that in the interests of furthering the international appeal of the sport, we would work toward adopting an unleaded-fuel requirement like the one used by the FIM.
That would make it easier for riders and teams from all countries to participate. We never agreed to allow our events to be run by FIM rules, or for the FIM to take over those races as its own.
Q: This agreement has been in effect for a number of months. Why is the suit being filed now?
Scott Hollingsworth: Because it has become increasingly obvious that the AMA Supercross Series is in jeopardy of being dismantled. When we reached the agreement in March, we were certain that when the 2003 season kicked off, we'd be presenting the quality of Supercross racing fans have come to expect.
In early April, representatives of AMA Pro Racing and Clear Channel met to discuss ways of accommodating international involvement in the series, and we agreed to work on an unleaded fuel requirement for our races.
Then in July, we were notified by Wolfgang Srb, president of the FIM's Motocross Commission, that FIM rules would apply to all 17 races of the FIM World Supercross Championship, including the 15 Clear Channel-promoted rounds of the AMA Supercross Series.
