The Mid-Ohio paddock may have a very different look in 2009. image by dean adams

Daytona Motorsports Group has purchased the AMA Superbike series and has released a class structure and format for race weekends beginning in 2009. Will the factories be racing in the new AMA/DMG series? None of the manufacturers, it seems, will address their 2009 plans on the record. Or, if they will, their comments are so ambiguous it's hard to discern exactly how they feel.

Possibly the best indication of the current situation is this: none of the manufacturers are renewing existing contracts with riders, mechanics, sponsors or suppliers; nor are they writing new ones; and customarily this is the time of the season when hands are clasped and letters of intent are written.

There seems to be a very real chance that the 2009 AMA paddock will be without several very large motorcycle manufacturers.

The latest direction that the manufacturers seem to be in support of is for DMG to adopt the class structure and rules package currently in place (Supersport, Formula-X, Superstock and Superbike) for '09. How likely is it that this will happen? Unknown. However, largely where the factories go is where several key promoters may follow. Several promoters have urged DMG to postpone major changes to the series until 2010.

Don't be surprised to see several current AMA factory or factory-supported riders at the upcoming World Superbike race where they will be exploring possible WSBK rides for 2009.

DMG's Roger Edmondson was at Mid-Ohio this weekend for a meeting with many of the mid-level teams. Knowledgeable sources say that DMG will be finalizing their plans in the next two weeks.