AMA Pro Racing suspends Technical Director Al Ludington indefinitely following Mid-Ohio event; Ludington apologizes for actions…Janson to oversee at-event Technical Operations in interim

Press Release

AMA Pro Racing officials have announced the indefinite suspension of the organization's Technical Director of Competition Al Ludington for conduct detrimental to the sport of professional motorcycle racing following this past weekend's AMA Pro Road Racing event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

The indefinite suspension will preclude Ludington's participation in AMA Pro Road Racing events commencing with next weekend's round at Heartland Park Topeka following his actions and behavior at Mid-Ohio on Saturday, July 18, in an exchange with AMA Pro American Superbike rider Johnny Rock Page, which was caught on film (click here for YouTube video). Ludington has issued a letter of apology to Mr. Page and the overall AMA Pro Racing community.

The quarrel occurred after Page failed to regard the blue flags while being lapped in the fast 13 on the 18th lap of Saturday’s Mid-Ohio American Superbike race. During the lap prior to the incident, Yamaha's Josh Hayes had a lead of .141 of a second on Jordan Suzuki's Aaron Yates. The next lap it was .741 of a second. Hayes won by .183 of a second.

Ludington wasn't aware that Page, who is a self-promoter, was wearing a microphone and that a video camera was recording the scene for his online reality show. The clip surfaced on YouTube on Tuesday.

"Al Ludington is and remains a key member of AMA Pro Racing's management team," said AMA Pro Racing Vice President of Competition Roy Janson. "The outstanding competition that we have seen across the board in AMA Pro Road Racing this season is due in large part to Al's expertise, experience and passion for motorcycle racing. In no way, however, can AMA Pro condone his behavior and actions as displayed this past weekend at Mid-Ohio. It is appropriate that Al extended an apology to Mr. Page, the AMA Pro Racing community and our loyal fans who deserve and can expect in the future nothing but the highest standards of professional conduct from all of our AMA Pro officials."

Janson, who manages all aspects of the competition department in his Vice President position, will have direct oversight for at-event AMA Pro Road Racing technical operations in Ludington's absence.