Okay, here's the short version, the full one will be on the site in a few. Classes: 600, 750, 1000 Superstock, HW Twins LW Twins. This goes for the Sportsman and National Events (paying all Nationals and selected Sportsman). Paying all classes in Endurance except LW Superbike (sorry guys, maybe next year). Same payouts as last year depth of field wise but lower money amounts further down in the field (wins stayed the same). No word yet on year requirements but I'm guessing same setup as last year plus one. No more money on the TL in the A or Open Superstock, only in HW Twins. Roebling Road this weekend IS a Suzuki money weekend so call all your friends that ride a Suzi.
I've never run Suzuki cup or applied for the cash, so these may be silly questions: 1. If a Novice owns an endurance team, can that team win Suzuki money? 2. What years will be included for the endurance classes? 2001, 2000, 1999? I thought last year was '98, '99, '00.
1 - Yes. 2 - I don't know yet - that info will be in the Suzuki Cup Brochure. If you need to know before TWS then call Matt Ellis at Suzuki. If you already have the bike then don't worry about it too much...
Well the Suzuki site doesn't have squat up at this point either. So if this weekend is a Suzuki Cup weekend how do we go about registering and such for this weekend? Since there isn't a 2001 form yet etc? I emailed Suzuki but I'm sure I won't get anything to help me within the next 3 days, but hey maybe we'll get lucky. Chris
I was wondering about a form also and what type of stickers and where do they have to be? any info would be nice.
Here is the reply I got back from Suzuki today. quote: "I apologize for not having our 2001 brochure out yet but this year we are trying to incorporate the horsepower and weight requirements for the cup final into the new brochure. Racers that compete in the race at Roebling Rd will be issued contingency from Suzuki. It will be about two to three weeks before the forms are released but if you race in a race prior to that time once you get the forms and send them to me just include a note that you raced in a money race and finished high enough to earn contingency and you will be paid. Matthew W. Ellis Race Programs Coordinator American Suzuki Motor Corporation [email protected]"
This is probably a stupid observation/question, but why is it that the manufacturers only pay out for the current model year? This is not a slam on them mind you! I am just curious. Seems they'd be thrilled that some one could win and say "see, look, I beat the competition on a two year old bike from brand X!" I know. Its all about new vehicle sales...
Your last line answers it all.... Manufacturers look at contigency being a twofold deal - for the msot part it is advertising however over the years they have come to realize that a chunk (albeit small) of their market of new bikes goes to racers every year. This way they increase that chunk. Also it looks bad when an older model beats there latest and greatest model with all of the new and improved goodies on it - I think that attitude is really caused more by the glossies than anything but it's still there.
And the guys who run the contingency programs have to be able to justify their existance to the bean counters. So they say, "This program will increase sales." If they let you win on an old bike, it's had to make that argument. On the flip side, if they can't justify the program, it goes away, as did Honda's contingency program not too many years ago.
Sean, Do you know if the 4/21-22 Summit is a Suzuki Weekend? Can you list any of them that you have? TIA
I hate when I talk to myself, but for anyone else interested, Matt Ellis said: "1999-01' models will be paid this year."
