Jamie Hacking Fined, Suspended
The incident occurred in the media center following post-race interviews today. The AMA stated that Hacking "used a string of profane language while exiting the press interview area. Prior to this incident, Hacking displayed additional acts of inappropriate behavior in both public and media interviews."
What transpired initially in the press room were some verbal jabs between Hacking and third-place finisher Jason DiSalvo, the pair having a history of run-ins – though none has ever resulted in any discipline by the AMA. The transcript of the press conference in which the two went at it follows, beginning with DiSalvo talking about his race to third. He then takes exception to Hacking and race winner Danny Eslick having a conversation between themselves as he did so. It's worth noting, however, that this is often the case during a press conference: The two riders not being interviewed at the time often converse while the racer answering the question has the microphone.
DiSalvo: "…I had three laps to go. Hey, I'm doing a little interview over here [laughter from those in the media center]. By the time I got to the back of those guys, there were three laps to go and I had three guys in front of me…I had three laps to go. Hey, I'm doing a little interview over here [more laughter…]. By the time I got to the back of those guys, there were three laps to go and I had three guys in front of me so I said, ‘three laps, three guys, I gotta get one guy each lap.' Hey, did I talk during your thing? Did I? Answer my question."
Moderator: "Alright guys…"
Hacking: "Do you have a microphone? They can hear you."
Moderator: "Let's finish up here and be respectful…let's finish up these interviews."
DiSalvo: "Let's show a little respect here."
Hacking: "I lost all respect for you a long time ago."
DiSalvo: "I never had any for you."
Moderator: "We're not going to get into it here. Let Jason finish his interview and then we'll have questions. Thank you."
DiSalvo: "You got me all fired up here."
That's where it ended, though the AMA says that Hacking didn't stop there, though this reporter had his tape recorder off by that point and was back to his computer. It was at that point that the AMA claims Hacking used his "string of profane language while exiting the press interview area."
"No premier sporting organization would tolerate, whether it be motorsports or major league stick and ball sports, the level of disrespectful, profane and vulgar language in a public forum as demonstrated by Jamie Hacking this weekend at Auto Club Speedway," said AMA Pro Road Racing Managing Event Director Colin Fraser in an AMA press release. "His behavior was totally disrespectful to the media, his competitors and the sport of motorcycle racing in general."
Hacking will be considered for reinstatement pending payment of a $4000 fine and delivery of a public apology to AMA Pro Road Racing officials, according to the AMA. Subsequent to payment of the fine and receipt of an apology acceptable to AMA Pro Road Racing, Hacking will also be suspended for one full event weekend.
With Hacking suspended, and Roger Lee Hayden sidelined by "personal reasons," the Monster Attack Kawasaki team would have little incentive to drive cross-country for the Road Atlanta race in two weeks' time. It would also mean that the championship points leader would be suspended for the Road Atlanta round in a few weeks time and would thereby surrender his points lead.
All fines paid to AMA Pro Road Racing will be donated to Camp Boggy Creek, a Paul Newman Hole in the Wall Camp located in Eustis, Florida, and the Roadracing World Action Fund, the release states.
In addition to Hacking's troubles, the AMA also announced that Michael Beck, Kevin Boisvert, Mat Mladin, Mark Simon and Dustin O'Hara have been placed on probation due to failure to participate in Sunday's mandatory autograph session.
Mladin didn't participate in the autograph signing at Daytona because he had suffered a back injury prior to the scheduled session. CyclingNews