AMA Pro Racers Respond to VIR Cancellation

Round 8 of the AMA Pro Racing season at VIR has been cancelled. The announcement was made yesterday, just 32 days before the event was scheduled to take place.

VIR said in a statement:

"No AMA Pro Racing event will take place at VIR in 2011. If circumstances are conducive in 2012, VIR looks forward to renewing its relationship with AMA Pro Racing."

The news came as a shock to much of the racing world. Teams had already budgeted out money for the event, fans had already bought tickets, and racers were looking forward to another chance at grabbing some points in the championship battle.

The Supersport riders in the East will be affected most by the VIR cancellation, and many riders took to Twitter and Facebook to express their disappointment.

James Rispoli said: "Vir. Clipped. Liked that track a lot."

Huntley Nash said: "Wow just heard there won't be an AMA race at VIR. Season is already over and it's only July..??!?!? Such B.S."

AMA Pro Racing released a press release yesterday saying that they tried everything in their power to make sure that the event took place at VIR.

"AMA Pro Racing has made VIR a part of its season calendar for the past decade," said AMA Pro Racing COO and Managing Member David Atlas. "I am gravely disappointed by the impact this will have on our paddock, fans, and other series participants. I assure all of those involved parties that a significant effort was made to negotiate an arrangement that would have preserved the event."

Atlas also sat down with Speed TV to elaborate on the situation.

"We are terribly disappointed, one could even say devastated, by this 11th hour turn of events. We're terribly troubled by it," Atlas said. "We are working hard right now to figure out our options so we can wrap up our second season in a fashion that is acceptable to the paddock."

But the paddock could be hard to please. The points battle in each series is extremely close. Dropping two races from the schedule will drastically change the dynamic of the season.

Josh Herrin said: "I'm so bummed 2 hear that VIR has been canceled. That's one of my favorite and most successful tracks. Why was the race canceled? VIR was one of my favorite tracks! Hope to see it back soon! :("

JD Beach added: "Pretty bummed VIR is a no go. Was looking forward to that race."

Tommy Aquino said: "And I liked VIR too :("

If there is any good news about the situation, it shows that AMA fans are still passionate about the spot. Check out the AMA Pro Racing Facebook page, or the VIR Facebook page, fans are pouring in to show their support, their anger, and their passion for the sport.