Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Yoshimura Suzuki had over $14,000 worth of Superbike racing wheels stolen from their pit area in the Laguna Seca Raceway paddock Thursday night, July 10.

Three 3.5 x 16.5-inch front and two 6.0 x 16.5-inch rear forged magnesium Marchesini wheels fitted with brake rotors, axle spacers, bearings and Dunlop development slicks were stolen from a “wheel tree” located under the Yoshimura Suzuki pit canopy, according to Yoshimura Suzuki Team Manager Don Sakakura.

“This is the first time we’ve ever had a problem like this,” said Sakakura. “Now I don’t have a secure feeling leaving the racetrack. It’s disappointing with the security here. I thought they would have a better handle on things.”

Sakakura valued the wheels at between $2800 and $2900 each, not counting the tires, but the wheels are virtually useless to whoever stole them.

“People don’t know the fitment,” said Sakakura. “The rears are set up for a captive spocket set-up. Even the front rotor spacing, it’s for our triple clamp pitch. It would be difficult for anyone to retrofit them to something else.”

Ed Nichols, the Press Officer for Laguna Seca Raceway, confirmed the theft and said that it was under investigation. However, Nichols pointed out that even though the track provides security, Laguna Seca is “not responsible for lost or stolen items.”