Sparkplug Fiddy-Five

Just recently I was able to watch a recap of the 2005 Formula One season, and of course, it got me to thinking about motocross. Specifically, I began to think about how certain changes in the sport might go a long way to elevating its stature among the more popular and lucrative motorsports. So that's what this week's installment of Sparkplug is all about... change for the better.

You gotta give credit to the organizers behind Formula One; even though they already have a solid performer, they're not afraid to make drastic changes to the “formula” to keep the sport relevant and interesting. You may not know this, but they currently have a rule in place that stipulates that a car CANNOT change tires during the race, unless the tire becomes demonstrably unsafe. Basically, they have to run an entire 90 minute, 70 lap race on one set of tires! Can you even imagine NASCAR trying something like that?

Now, the powers-that-be at Formula One ostensibly instituted this rule in an attempt to slow the cars down a bit, “slow” being a relative concept. It has certainly forced the tire manufacturers to up their game in order to deliver tires that can go the distance, while it has also made the drivers and teams develop different strategies to maximize the life of the tires. In my opinion, it has made the racing more interesting; while watching the 2005 season, I was entertained by a few occasions where the race leader had to contend with badly deteriorating rubber while trying to hold on for the win... they didn't always make it!

So what does this have to do with motocross? Well, do you remember the last time the AMA made a major rule change to the sport? Okay, not including the dreaded four-stroke clause. And not the unleaded fuel regulation. And not the permanent number foolishness. Anyway, outside of the forced four-stroke regulation, I don't think there have been any BIG changes to the sport in quite a few years. And while I believe the sport is doing well, I think it can do better, and without further delay, here's the rule change I'm proposing:

Actually, I'm proposing an entire format change. I think we should retire the two-moto format once and for all, and go with a single race that lasts 90 minutes. And I think the onboard fuel capacity of the bikes should be limited to one gallon, in order to force at least one fuel stop. Now, before you go ballistic, let me break it down for ya...

First off, we motocrossers take a lot of pride in the fact that our sport is physically demanding. We've gotten a lot of mileage out of that old chestnut that “motocross is second only to soccer in terms of being physically challenging”, and there's that place in Pennsylvania that tested and compared professional motocross racers to other pro athletes and were simply astounded at our boys' capabilities. But still we “get no respect” from the mainstream sports media. Well, I think one reason is that our races are so much shorter than the other motorsports. NASCAR guys would scoff at a 30 minute stockcar race. And then we split them up into two... for what? Think about it: why are there two motos, anyway? Sure, it's a tradition, and as an out-of-shape racer, I personally appreciate being able to take a break between motos. But at the professional level, endurance is the name of the game... so let's emphasize it.

Think of how race strategy will change. No longer will anyone be able to sprint the entire distance, no matter how hard they train. And with the gas tank size limit forcing at least one pitstop, even more drama is possible. Plus, the riders will have an opportunity to get a drink and fresh goggle and gloves, something that will be sorely appreciated during mud races. Another upside of the gas limit is that the teams will have to pay attention to fuel usage, and the manufacturers will have to place some focus on fuel efficiency... a novel concept in these uncertain times, no?

What's the downside of this format change? Well, certainly there will be an issue with lappers, so I suggest a “lap limit”: if you get lapped three times, you're out. Take a seat, son, you're done for the day. Other problems? Some might say a 90 minute race will be difficult for TV to cover. To them I say, “Um, how long is a NASCAR race again? And isn't Formula One about 90 minutes??” Truth is, TV needs MORE time in order to fit in more commercials. Gotta pay those bills, ya know?

Actually, the single moto format has been tried before, most recently by the European circuit, and they said they did it for “TV purposes”. But they had other issues that, I believe, caused the whole thing to go away. My thinking is to not only go to a long, single moto, but to also play up the endurance aspect in the media as well. Let everyone know that survival is the issue, and come up with ways to demonstrate exactly how grueling it is to compete at this level for this long. WE know these guys are supermen; let's give them a showcase to prove it to the rest of the world.

Plus, we'll get rid of that same old, stupid argument that “it's too difficult to explain two-moto scoring to non-moto fans.” Okay, fine.

So here's how the race weekend would be scheduled: practice on Friday, qualifiers and practice on Saturday, and three races on Sunday. Three? Oh yeah, between the 250F and 450F main events, there will be a 60-minute, 125 two-stroke college race, with entries limited to racers who ride for sanctioned college motocross teams. Of course, that's another story altogether, something that I touched on way back in Sparkplug 20. But until we get a college motocross series going, I suggest that the two-stroke race be for the best of the up-and-coming amateur racers... with an emphasis on AMATEUR, as in “non-salaried.”

So... what do you think?