Tough decisions in response to a harsh reality.

[steveyb]

I received this news earlier in the week.
Makes the Moto Academy NZ spot at Rookies Cup selection just that bit more valuable I suppose.


Red Bull has taken the decision to trim the 2009 Red Bull MotoGP
Rookies Cup to 8 races at 6 Grand Prix and cancel the 2009 Red Bull AMA
U.S. Rookies Cup following a significant reduction of support by a
major partner.

At a time when companies the world over are bracing themselves for the
effects of recession Red Bull has shouldered as much of the load as
possible to cover both the technical as well as operational efforts of
running the MotoGP Cup but there will simply not be enough spares and
technical support available to keep the U.S. series at a high level in
2009.

This is not a happy situation for anyone concerned. The positive is
that the Rookies Cup will continue and the aim remains to give as many
riders as possible the chance to progress towards the highest level of
Grand Prix racing. Red Bull wished to thank Alpinestars and Dorna for
their unwavering support in these difficult circumstances and deeply
regrets the unavoidable disappointment that this brings, particularly
to those involved in the U.S. Cup.

The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup now enters its third season and will be
contested at the following Grands Prix:

May 2nd / 3rd Jerez - Spain (double header)
May 30th Mugello - Italy
June 27th Assen - Netherlands
July 18th Sachsenring - Germany
July 25th Donington - England
August 15th /16th Brno - Czech Republic
(double header)

Two pre season tests each lasting two days are planned.

March 26th - 27th Estoril - Portugal
March 30th - 31st Jerez - Spain

[Clivoris]

Shit man. After the initial read I realised that in the current "climate", that is actually a good result.

[steveyb]

We are wondering also if there is a little more behind the story than it seems at first look.
Very recently in the US (Florida) a young guy was injured when he was jumping his ATV at an ATV park, not even in a competitive race.
His mum and dad are estranged, he was with his dad who signed the waiver for him.
His Mum then took proceedings against the park and the dad I think, suggesting that the boys rights cannot be signed away by a parent, that the boy had not himself given up rights. This is before the Florida courts now.
(Some are suggesting an element of the Mum just wanting to blame someone)

You just gotta know that Red Bull lawyers were all over this and advising Red Bull to reduce its risk profile, especially in the wake of the most unfortunate loss of Toriano during the season.

Enjoy (your freedom while you have it, it might not last forever!)

[scott411]

that court case is having big sending big shudders though florida MX and even other sports, basically saying parents do not have rights to sign waivers, and they are talking about this almost killing all youth sports in Florida,

you have to really shake your head at the lawyers and court cases in the states,

[wharfy]

that court case is having big sending big shudders though florida MX and even other sports, basically saying parents do not have rights to sign waivers, and they are talking about this almost killing all youth sports in Florida,

you have to really shake your head at the lawyers and court cases in the states,

Thats why we need to make sure ACC is not privatized here. ACC are often criticized for being reluctant to pay out, imagine if it was only responsible for making a profit for it's shareholders.
People whine about having to pay ACC levies, imagine if every industrial accident or sports injury resulted in court action !!!

[t3mp0r4ry nzr]

only in america!
yes ACC system is great! (looks at broken finger)