PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- AMA Racing officials determined today that actions taken by AMA Supercross Lites West Championship Series rider Jason Lawrence at the San Francisco round of the series violated the terms of his existing probationary status, which began on June 12, 2008. Lawrence has therefore been suspended for the next two rounds of the 2009 AMA Supercross Lites West Championship Series.
Specifically, Lawrence was found to have violated Appendix A, section A2.3j, of the AMA Supercross, and FIM World Championship, Rulebook, which states that the following offense is subject to disciplinary action:
"An attack on a Racing official and/or engaging in a fight. This includes any person who attacks or is involved in a fight anywhere on the premises prior to, during, or after an AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship meet. There will be no maximum fine or suspension period for this offense."
It was determined that Lawrence was involved in an incident off the track involving certain Supercross class riders. As a result of that violation, Lawrence has been suspended for the next two rounds of the 2009 AMA Supercross Lites West Championship Series, including the Feb. 7 round in Anaheim, Calif., and the Feb. 14 round in San Diego, Calif.
AMA officials notified Lawrence of the penalty on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Lawrence appealed and presented evidence in his favor at a meeting with AMA Racing officials on Friday, Feb. 6. Following careful consideration of that evidence, Lawrence's appeal was denied.
