Only one rider will win the coveted Grand National No. 1 plate in 2010, just like in Springer's day.
In interviewing Chris Carr today he mentioned in passing about having an overall 21-race champion. I didn’t want to stop him mid-thought, but I came back and asked him if he said what I thought he said – that there would be an overall AMA Grand National Champion this season.
“That’s my understanding,” Carr said. “They’re still going to award a Singles and Twins title, but there will be an overall champion at the end of the year.”
Whoa! This was big news!
I immediately called Mike Kidd and he confirmed it. “We haven’t announced it yet,” he said. “We were sort of waiting for the dealer show, but I think a lot of the riders already know about it, so it’s out there.”
“So there’s going to be a No. 1 plate given to just one rider in 2010?” I asked.
“Yes the tradition and link to history is back,” Kidd said.
It was the best news I’d heard in a long time. What we’ll have this year is a full-on 21-race series to determine the overall champion, just like in the old days.
The new DMG management already seems to be producing positive results. I’m sure nearly all fans of Grand National Racing will be glad to hear the traditional Grand National Championship is back for the first time since 2005.
Long live the Grand Nationals.
Bitchin’! Best news for FT for ages…other then having Mike Kidd in the big house IMHO. Reuniting the GNC is the proper way to go and will cure the worries of us old time purists, but will also make it easier for new blood to understand. Killer deal…now I really can’t wait until Daytona! Thanks for the great news Double L–always on the edge man!
Comment by Mike 'Stu' Stuhler — February 4, 2010 @ 6:38 pm
Thanks Stu. I was glad to hear the news. Being a traditionalist I never warmed up to the split championship.
Comment by admin — February 4, 2010 @ 6:50 pm
that’s fantastic news! Virtually everyone on flattrack.com is in favor of it. In fact, the members of the flat track forum donated over $3000 to the 2009 mythical overall #1, Sammy Halbert, as an award for his performance.
Hopefully a nice point fund will be included in the award!
Comment by Wayne Hosaka — February 5, 2010 @ 11:29 pm
Wayne
It is great news. Unfortunatley I think the forum is going to have to raise some bucks again. Without a series sponsor I highly doubt a points fund is in the works. We can hope.
Larry
Comment by admin — February 6, 2010 @ 12:37 am
That is great news because the real champ is the rider that preforms the best on all types of tracks… But does this mean that there could be at least 3 different riders carrying #1 plates next season???
BTP
Comment by Brent Pierce — February 6, 2010 @ 11:53 am