NOTICE OF OFFENCE AND PENALTY
Roy Janson, Competition Dire
On July 20, 2013, moments before the start of the first moto of the 450 class at Washougal, Team MotoConcepts Racing (MCR) crew member Jeff Alessi pointed a green laser light directly at the eyes of competitor Ryan Villopoto as he prepared for the start of the race, bouncing the light back and forth across his goggles. GoPro video from Villopoto’s helmet confirms that mere moments before the drop of the gate, as Villopoto drops his head to watch the drop of the gate, a green laser light flashes back and forth across his visor. Whereas initially the light was directed at his eyes, by dropping his head the light becomes visible on the helmet visor. Upon completion of the race, Villopoto reported the incident to his crew members, who in turn alerted officials about the incident.
Another competitor, Malcolm Stewart, reported he too was targeted with a green laser light pointed directly at his eyes moments before the start of the Sighting Lap. Stewart was able to identify the location from which the light originated, in the spectator area to the right of the Start Line, and observed a person wearing MCR attire holding the light. Stewart, who was positioned on the start gate adjacent to Mike Alessi, pointed out the person with the laser to Mike Alessi. Upon completion of the Sighting Lap, Stewart kept his head down so as not to be targeted again. Once the race was over, Stewart reported the incident to officials as well.
An MX Sports official, Davey Coombs, went to the area from where the laser was reported to have originated, adjacent to the start line in the general spectating area. There Coombs was told by a crew member from another team that the person with the laser was standing behind him. Apparently, the crew member had overheard the team radio about the incident, and had observed Jeff Alessi with a green laser immediately before the start of the moto. The official observed Jeff Alessi standing in the area to which he was directed, holding what appeared to be a green object between his hands in an apparent attempt to conceal it. Coombs directed Jeff Alessi to approach him, at which time Coombs confiscated the green object from his hands, as well as the season hard card he was wearing that had actually been issued to MCR Team Manager Tony Alessi, Jeff Alessi’s father. Alessi alleged he had just found the laser and that it was broken. As Coombs walked away with the confiscated items, Alessi commenced to verbally attack him and yell at him. As a result, Coombs turned around and addressed Alessi again. Again, Alessi alleged he found the laser and that it was not his. Coombs advised he did not believe him, and that he would have to leave the facility.
Coombs then escorted Jeff Alessi down to the starting gate, into the staging area behind the billboard, toward the exit of the pits, at which time Tony Alessi appeared and asked what was going on. Coombs repeated what had happened. After a brief conversation with Jeff, Tony Alessi turned to Coombs and stated, “You better have evidence, you better have it on video and you better have a lawyer.” Coombs walked away as the 250 class moto was about to start.
At the time, Jeff Alessi was wearing MCR team attire, a radio headset, and was in possession of the Level 3 Team Manager season credential issued to Tony Alessi. Jeff Alessi is the brother of 450 class competitor Mike Alessi, and son of MCR Team Manager Tony Alessi. Despite the evidence, Jeff Alessi denied all culpability, initially claiming he found the laser on the ground, then claiming his ex-girlfriend was responsible and that he was on the other side of the track at the time of the alleged offense.
However, witness accounts indicate otherwise. Two eyewitnesses reported seeing Jeff Alessi in possession of the laser in the same area where he was first identified by Coombs, at the time of the alleged misconduct at the start of the first 450 race. A photograph taken earlier in the day of the MCR pit area depicts team members inside the team transport with what appears to be a green laser light. A member of another team (JGR) parked across from MCR observed a green laser being pointed directly into the JGR rig, and upon looking outside witnessed Jeff Alessi with the laser. Witnesses also reported seeing Jeff Alessi with the laser two days earlier at a night race at Portland International Raceway.
Alessi claimed that an “ex-girlfriend” was responsible, but no name was given.
At approximately 7:15 pm, while on his way out of the facility to the airport, Coombs observed Tony Alessi at the paddock gate talking with police officers. As Coombs was going past in a rental car, Tony Alessi pointed him out to officers, at which time Coombs stopped his vehicle and got out and approached them. Coombs asked Tony Alessi what he wanted to do, at which time Tony Alessi stated, “I’m considering filing charges against you for assaulting my son.” Coombs relayed the sequence of events to the officers, who responded, “It sounds like something you need to figure out between yourselves.” Coombs then asked Tony Alessi if he was going to press charges or not, at which time Tony Alessi stated, “you have kids, Davey, how would you like them to be assaulted?” When it became obvious that Alessi was not going to place charges, and Coombs started to leave, Alessi said, “Another place, another place – you’ll get yours.” Coombs returned to his vehicle and left. No charges were filed. The conversation was overheard by former professional racer Lance Smail, who happened to be at the pit entrance at the time.
Contrary to Jeff Alessi’s claims, the laser confiscated from him is in working order. It was a powerful green laser pointer torch, capable of reaching considerable distance.
Jeff Alessi does not currently hold an AMA Pro Racing Motocross License, but has held one in the past.
Determination:
The actions of Jeff Alessi were not only misguided and egregious, but potentially endangered the welfare and safety of riders and spectators in general.
Such conduct is deemed detrimental to the sport of motorcycle racing and thereby subject to disciplinary action, pursuant to Appendix A of the 2013 AMA Pro Racing Motocross Rule Book.
As a team crew member, Jeff Alessi was a ‘participant’, and thereby subject to the AMA Pro Racing Motocross Rule Book.
Accordingly, Jeff Alessi’s eligibility to obtain an AMA Pro Racing Motocross License or MX Sports Pro Racing credential is suspended indefinitely.
Supporting Evidence:
a. Various eyewitness accounts
b. Photo of official walking away from Alessi after confiscating laser and credential
c. Photo of Alessi verbally confronting official
d. Photo taken from over the shoulder of Malcolm Stewart showing a suspect holding laser light at start of moto. Stewart identified person as a man in MCR attire
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0v93o4k0s4j6r2a/48A4uFSRcv
e. Photo of MCR pit area and crew members depicting green laser in rig
f. Go Pro video from Ryan Villopoto
Determination: Rule 1.6 provides: (1) Season credentials are issued for exclusive use by the person named on the credential; and (2) MX Sports credentials are non-transferrable.(2) On July 20, 2013, Team MotoConcepts crew member Jeff Alessi used a Level 3 Team Manager season credential issued by MX Sports Pro Racing to Tony Alessi, to gain access to the event and restricted areas, in violation of Rule 1.6 of the AMA Pro Racing Motocross Rule Book. A Level 3 Team Manager credential provides access to highly restricted areas, including the Team Manager viewing platform, racetrack and infield areas. It is restricted for use solely by the person to whom it is issued.
Accordingly, Jeff Alessi is fined $500.
Supporting Evidence: Various witness accounts.
(3) On July 20, 2013, Team MotoConcepts crew member Jeff Alessi initiated and engaged in a public argument and confrontation with journalist Steve Matthes, a member of the media, using foul language, threatening bodily harm, and otherwise making a public spectacle in the open paddock in front of the MCR pit area, in full view and hearing of other team members, riders and the general public. Alessi was purportedly angered by the fact that Matthes had posted a tweet earlier in the day commenting on the Alessi’s alleged involvement with a laser pointed at riders. Alessi threatened Matthes, stating, “I’ll f***n put my elbow right through your f***n face.” A portion of the incident was videoed by witnesses and posted on the internet.
Determination: As a team crew member, Jeff Alessi was a ‘participant’, and thereby subject to the AMA Pro Racing Motocross Rule Book. Rule 2.1 requires professional conduct and behavior from all persons, and provides that foul language and other disturbing behavior will not be tolerated.
Such conduct is further deemed detrimental to the sport of motorcycle racing and thereby subject to disciplinary action, pursuant to Appendix A of the 2013 AMA Pro Racing Motocross Rule Book. Verbally attacking a member of the media in the open paddock for reporting on matters relevant to the event, whether considered in good taste or not, is inappropriate and will not be tolerated. The press should feel free to report on race matters without fear of verbal or physical retribution.
Accordingly, Jeff Alessi is suspended indefinitely from attending further AMA Pro Motocross events and from possessing an MX Sports credential of any kind.
Supporting Evidence:
a. Various witness accounts.
b. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGDGzIaauu0
Tony Alessi, MCR Team Manager
(1) On July 20, 2013, MotoConcepts Team Manager Tony Alessi engaged in a public argument and confrontation with journalist Steve Matthes, a member of the media, using foul language and otherwise making a public spectacle in the open paddock in full view and hearing of other team members, riders and the general public. Tony Alessi was allegedly angered by the previously described Matthes social media post, and aggressively pointed his finger into the chest of Matthes.
Tony Alessi further engaged in two confrontations and verbal attacks on Davey Coombs, an MX Sports official.
Determination: As a team crew member, Tony Alessi was a ‘participant’, and thereby subject to the AMA Pro Racing Motocross Rule Book. Rule 2.1 requires professional conduct and behavior from all persons, and provides that foul language and other disturbing behavior will not be tolerated.
Such conduct is further deemed detrimental to the sport of motorcycle racing and thereby subject to disciplinary action, pursuant to Appendix A of the 2013 AMA Pro Racing Motocross Rule Book.
Accordingly, Tony Alessi is suspended from attending the remainder of the events for the 2013 race season and from possessing an MX Sports credential of any kind. Violation of this suspension will constitute trespass.
Supporting Evidence: Various witness accounts.
(2) On July 20, 2013, MotoConcepts Team Manager Tony Alessi permitted his Level 3 Team Manager season credential issued by MX Sports Pro Racing to be used by Jeff Alessi, in violation of Rule 1.6 of the AMA Pro Racing Motocross Rule Book. A Level 3 Team Manager credential allows access to highly restricted areas, including the Team Manager viewing station, racetrack and infield areas. It is intended for use solely by the person to whom it is issued and is to be worn by said person at all times while onsite.
Determination: Rule 1.6 of the AMA Pro Racing Rule Book provides (1) that all credentials provided by MX Sports are the property of MX Sports and can be revoked at any time; (2) Season credentials are issued for exclusive use by the person named on the credential; and (3) MX Sports credentials are non-transferrable.
Accordingly, the credential is revoked and will not be re-issued the remainder of the 2013 race season.
Supporting Evidence: Various witness accounts.
Mike Alessi, MCR 450 Pro Rider
(1) On July 20, 2013, Team MotoConcepts crew member Jeff Alessi engaged in misbehavior and/or egregious conduct potentially endangering the welfare and safety of racers Ryan Villopoto and Malcolm Stewart by pointing a laser light directly at their eyes at the start of the first moto of the 450 class at the Washougal National.
Determination: Appendix A of the AMA Pro Racing Rule Book provides that AMA Pro Racing licensed entrants and riders may be held responsible for the actions of their crew members. Mike Alessi is an AMA Pro Racing licensed rider and was an entrant in the 450 class in the Washougal National for Team MotoConcepts.
Although there is no evidence that Mike Alessi was involved directly or indirectly in any acts of misconduct, as an AMA Pro Racing professional licensed racer, he is responsible for the conduct of his crew, which conduct in this case is deemed detrimental to the sport of motorcycle racing and thereby subject to disciplinary action, pursuant to Appendix A of the 2013 AMA Pro Racing Motocross Rule Book.
Accordingly, Mike Alessi is hereby held responsible for the actions of his crew members, and is fined $10,000, which fine must be paid prior to participating in further competition or adequate arrangements made for the payment thereof. In addition, all points earned by Mike Alessi at the Washougal National are suspended. Said fine shall be paid to the Asterisk Mobile Medical Unit.
(2) On July 20, 2013, Team MotoConcepts crew members Jeff Alessi and Tony Alessi engaged in a public confrontation with a member of the media, using foul language, and in the case of Jeff Alessi, threatening said media member with bodily harm, in the open paddock in full view and hearing of team members, riders and the general public.
Tony Alessi further engaged in two aforesaid confrontations and verbal attacks on Davey Coombs, an MX Sports official.
Determination: Appendix A of the AMA Pro Racing Rule Book provides that AMA Pro Racing licensed entrants and riders may be held responsible for the actions of their crew members. Mike Alessi is an AMA Pro Racing licensed rider and was an entrant in the 450 class in the Washougal National for Team MotoConcepts.
Although there is no evidence that Mike Alessi was involved directly or indirectly in any acts of misconduct, as an AMA Pro Racing professional licensed racer, he is responsible for the conduct of his crew, which conduct in this case is deemed detrimental to the sport of motorcycle racing and thereby subject to disciplinary action, pursuant to Appendix A of the 2013 AMA Pro Racing Motocross Rule Book.
Accordingly, Mike Alessi is hereby held responsible for the actions of his crew members, and is fined $5,000, which fine is suspended pending successful completion of a one-year probationary period. If during said probationary period there are any further public displays of misconduct by any team or crew member associated with Mike Alessi, said fine shall become due immediately and participation in all further competition will be suspended indefinitely.
Team MotoConcepts Racing
Rule 1.6 of the AMA Pro Racing Rule Book provides (1) that all credentials provided by MX Sports are the property of MX Sports and can be revoked at any time; (2) Season credentials are issued for exclusive use by the person named on the credential; and (3) MX Sports credentials are non-transferrable.
MCR is an official race team recognized by the series, and as such, has been issued credentials by MX Sports giving its members access to restricted areas and paddock privileges.
Determination: The conduct exhibited by MCR Team Members Jeff Alessi and Tony Alessi was egregious. In addition to a rider being held responsible for the actions of his crew members, a team should be held responsible for the actions of its team members. In the case of official race teams, the credentials issued to team members are subject to revocation by MX Sports for any or no reason.
Given the team misconduct and sequence of events as outlined above and its detrimental effect on the series, effective immediately, all credentials issued to MCR are hereby revoked pending receipt of payment of the $10,000 fine issued to Mike Alessi.
Signature of Official: /s/ Roy Janson
