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November 27, 2000
To: All Associate Sponsors of the Team BDE Racing ~ Motorcycle Drag Race Program
The results of the AMA/Prostar World Finals from Gainesville are as follows:
**** 2000 AMA/Prostar Superbike National Champion ****
We did it!!! The entire season came down to the Final pass of the Final Race. It was like a fairy tale. With all of the odds stacked against us, the past two years of work, frustration, explosions and seemingly endless bad luck on this bike culminated into a single pass.
**** 2000 AMA/Prostar Streetbike Shootout National Runner-up ****
We had a shot at the record books, yet again, with the Bandit. No rider has ever earned a National Championship in two professional categories in the same season. We fell short this time. Even so, I do not remember any rider ever finishing first and second! But Hey, after breaking the seven second street legal barrier.....Everything else is just gravy. We still placed second in the standings, in one of the toughest classes in all of motorcycle drag racing. Not too shabby!
Team BDE/Yoshimura Superbike
The drama that unfolded at the World Finals in this class could fill many pages; here are the cliff notes:
The ace we had up our sleeve was the 2-stage Turbo Suzuki of Mark Moisan. Mark is the owner of American Turbo systems; he is an expert at what he does. He was also the person selected by the Muzzy camp as the scapegoat regarding the introduction of the 2-stage boost rule change. Mark called the head of Prostar personally to ask him to remove the rule...the request fell on deaf ears. Mark was not a happy camper. After my beating at Atco, Mark agreed to work with me to defeat Gadson/Muzzy at any cost.... Even if this meant that I had to ride HIS bike. I began sending information and parts to prepare Mark’s bike. We arrived at Gainesville as a team, and that’s how we left. I
rode his bike twice.... It broke twice. He rode my bike once.....It broke once. It didn’t take long to figure out that the bike exchange was NOT
working as expected, even though I ran as quick on my second pass on his turbo bike , as I have ever gone on mine in two years of trying! We simply could not risk engine failure on race day. Additionally, Gadson had entered a blocker in the class. This man’s job was to beat me if he could and/or loose to Rickey, if necessary. Mark and I were qualified number 2 and 3 on each other’s bikes and the blocker was fourth. We decided to switch back to our own machines. This meant that we had to withdraw both bikes from competition. We did this in the final session, then ran less than par times. This placed the blocker number two on the other side of the ladder from Rick. No rolling over for him! Now, I had to race Rickey and Mark had to race the blocker in the second round. We rebuilt Marks bike again with lower compression components in an attempt to keep it running for him on race day, only time would tell. The Muzzy turbo was flying and they were cocky. I wouldn’t even have bet on me! But then, the old adage “it’s racing....
Anything can happen”...DID! We left the line together; my bike broke second gear, as his bike spit flames out of the fairing! I reached for third, as he disappeared behind. I will never forget that feeling. I was screaming in jubilation so loud across the finish line that I nearly forgot where I was! Did I get lucky or did they get greedy? I believe it was both. We really needed luck on our side for this one. WE GOT IT! Shortly after my win, Mark was racing trouble free and easily disposed of the blocker to set up the all Suzuki final. I had to win the race to secure the championship. Mark sent me on an easy solo, what a guy. He would have most certainly beaten my still broken bike and me had we raced.
The Muzzy camp was so angry at our good fortune that they logged a protest after the race. They claimed that they had no knowledge of Prostar’s allowance of the use of 18” wheels in the class, which we run ...... even though Rob Muzzy himself approved the rule! The rules are a matter of public knowledge, and were clearly posted on the Prostar trailer at the last two events. Additionally, Prostar rules state that all equipment protests must be filed, in writing, 1 day prior to the event. They don’t have a leg to stand on. An official AMA/Prostar press release should state this soon.
Now, we head to Las Vegas to be crowned champion at the 2000 AMA National Champions Awards Banquet. My wife (Dody) and I have been invited to sit at the American Suzuki Motor Corporation table along side the best racers in the country and American stars from the World motorcycle-racing arena. I’m sure that feeling won’t soon fade either.
I have all of my family, crew and sponsors to thank for this adventure, and I intend to make it known to all that will listen.
Unlimited Street Bike Shoot Out - Competition Accessories 1200 Bandit
 The poor Bandit fell victim to all of the engine rebuilding/chaos in Florida. It sat outside the trailer while we thrashed on the other two bikes. We were able to make it to the quarterfinals before loosing to the eventual winner/ champion. This was enough points to soundly secure second in the Championship. I may retire this bike to build a new class leader in 2001. I’ll let you know soon.
Speedvision has done an excellent job of covering the points battle between Rickey and I over the last two races. Larry Maier's stated that; as with Bush vs. Gore, they will have to announce the “Final Decision” on another show. I certainly hope they do, as the allegations of wrongdoing have slightly tainted OUR Championship. I believe they will also be televising the banquet.
I’ll keep you posted,
BROCK |
