AMA Pro Racing announced today that an independent Appeal Board has heard and considered the appeal of a technical protest filed by No. 1 Jared Mees against No. 42 Bryan Smith on August 20, 2016 at the Central New York Half-Mile, Round 12 of the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track season.
The technical protest concerned a rear wheel assembly alleged to be out of compliance with Rule 3.22.h of the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track rulebook:
Earlier today, the Appeal Board, which consisted of a non-voting chairperson from AMA Pro Racing and three voting members not affiliated with AMA Pro Racing and with no material interest in the matter at hand, heard the appeal and examined evidence presented by Smith.
After an executive session, the Appeal Board made the decision to reverse the original Penalty levied by AMA Pro Racing and restore the finishing position and points earned by Smith at the Central New York Half-Mile.
The appeal board has issued the following statement:
- Is the wheel technically legal according to the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track rules?
- If not, was the team given permission by AMA Pro Racing to utilize the wheel in competition?
- If the team was given permission, was that permission rescinded according to the rulebook at any moment in time after they were given permission?
AMA Pro Racing is committed to sanctioning a professional series with safety and fairness for all competitors as primary objectives. The AMA Pro Flat Track rulebook is currently undergoing an exhaustive review of language, policies and procedures in order to provide a solid platform for fostering competition on the racetrack. AMA Pro Racing will study the conclusion of the Appeals Board and implement protocols to ensure a fair, equitable and transparent process for rule-setting and enforcement. AMA Pro Racing will provide additional information on rules and procedures following an internal review.
With his points restored, Smith now leads Mees by 2 points, 221-219, heading into the season finale.
The 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track championship will be decided next week at the Ramspur Winery Santa Rosa Mile presented by Triumph on Sunday, September 25. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://santarosamile.com/.
Timeline of Technical Protest and Appeal
- August 20, 2016
- At the conclusion of the GNC1 Main at the Central New York Half-Mile, a technical protest was filed by #1 against #42 regarding a rear wheel assembly alleged to be out of compliance with rule 3.22.h of the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track rulebook.
- In post-race technical inspection, the wheel was retained by AMA Pro Racing staff and returned to AMAP headquarters for further investigation.
- August 23, 2016
- The Tech Inspection and Violation Log was posted to AMA Pro Racing’s website announcing the disqualification of the #42 and loss of championship points and purse for the Central New York Half-Mile.
- August 25, 2016
- An appeal filed by the #42 was received at AMAP headquarters in accordance with Appendix 5 – Appeals, Rule A5.1 – A5.3.
- August 26, 2016
- The #42 provided material evidence and witness list per Rule A5.4.
- August 29, 2016
- AMAP reviewed the materials in accordance with Rule A5.5 and made the decision to convene an appeal board (Rule A5.6).
- September 13, 2016
- The appeal hearing was convened to consider all materials presented by the #42 and rule on the appeal.
- Per Rule A5.8, the appeal board consisted of a non-voting chairperson from AMA Pro Racing and three voting members not affiliated with AMA Pro Racing and with no material interest in the matter at hand.
- The appeal board ruled that the #42 did not violate rule 3.22.h and reversed the disqualification of the #42, reinstating his points and purse from the Central New York Half-Mile.
- Per Rule A5.20, the determination of the appeal board is final, binding and shall not be appealable to AMA Pro Racing, any court, or any other tribunal.
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