Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Eric Bostrom is at the Kawasaki dealer convention in San Antonio, Texas and has signed a letter of intent to ride for the team, but company officials have said they are uncertain exactly what they’ll do with him.

The final decision seems to be hinging on what the still-unannounced AMA Superbike rules package is for 2003 and beyond.

Tommy Hayden and Tony Meiring are already signed contracts to ride for Kawasaki again.

The Kawasaki dealer show started yesterday and runs through today. Dealer shows are used to get dealers familiar with a manufacturer’s new-year model line and to take dealer orders.

Kawasaki officials have also hinted that they will introduce a new ZX-10R in mid-2003.


This apparently contradictory press release just in from Bostrom’s manager, Norm Viano:

Eric Bostrom makes his decision

September 16, 2002 – As ‘silly season’ continues to move forward, Eric Bostrom has taken his name out of the ring and has decided to remain a Kawasaki rider. “I’m happy that Kawasaki was very interested in keeping me on a green bike. I’m comfortable here, have had good results with them, my crew is really good, and there are some exciting Kawasaki machines coming in the near future.”

The popular Las Vegas racer has come to terms with Kawasaki for the next two years and will continue to challenge for AMA Road Racing Championships, potentially setting up a brotherly rivalry between brother Ben (who is racing for Honda in the States next year) that would be nothing but healthy for the sport. Fans that enjoyed the fierce battles between Eric and Nicky Hayden this season will certainly enjoy similar, and perhaps even more intense, battles next season. In addition, Eric retains a strong connection to the Kawasaki motoGP project, as he will be testing the machine for Kawasaki before the year is out and again next season. This was a final component that convinced Eric to stay with Kawasaki.

“With this deal, I can’t lose. I have a great opportunity with the Kawasaki motoGP team in the near future, plus I can race in a championship here in the States until then. It’s a championship that I’d like to see grow as it has in the past. And my brother will be home next year, too. I’d like nothing better than to race against Ben, as he’s a fun guy to race against. And the motoGP option is something I really want, as well, so it’s an ideal situation. I can’t lose either way and my goals remain the same; to win championships. Here at home, always. And then to race motoGP for Kawasaki soon. And if we don’t end up racing the motoGP full time next year, maybe that will be a little bit better actually. We can get a little bit of development out of the way and jump on it when it’s a bit more sorted out. I’m obviously excited to be a part of the development, though, and I’m looking forward to riding a bike with all that HP. Hopefully it won’t spoil me, as the Superbike might feel a bit soft after that!”

How does Eric rate his brotherly opponent for next season? “Ben is going to be tough to beat, period. All of his years on the world stage, and he certainly has his act together more than anyone else here. But all the same, he hasn’t seen the tracks here for a few years, so maybe that will play into my hands. It’ll be great fun and good for the sport. Ben’s going to be the guy to beat going into it. He’s got the target on his back and I’d love to take race wins from him and win the championship.”


More, from a press release Viano issued about Meiring’s contract renewel:

Tiger signs

September 16, 2002 – Tracy, CA. Tony ‘the Tiger’ Meiring will return to Kawasaki for the 2003 and 2004 seasons and contest the AMA 600 Supersport and 750 Superstock Championships. The 18 year old rider impressed many last year in his first year as a factory rider and even scored a podium when he finished 2nd at Pikes Peak in the 600 Supersport race there. “I’m really happy to be back with Kawasaki. Their new 636 and 600s are going to be winning bikes, that’s for sure. Last year was a good learning year and I’m going to try to win as many races as I can on the new Kawasakis.”

Although the AMA season ended a month ago, Tony has been training hard in early preparation for next season and is anxious to race Kawasaki’s new ZX-6RR, a bike which he believes will impress many Kawasaki owners and fans. “That new 600 is going to be such a hit for Kawasaki. It’s a race-built bike. It’s very comfortable to ride, but it will also be a great bike to race. When I rode it a few weeks ago, I was able to light up the rear tire. For a stock 600, the power and handling were just incredible. And that new 636 was impressive too. It will certainly help me when I race it in the Superstock class next year”

Considered one of the brightest stars in American road racing, the likeable Californian and AMA Horizon winner (1999) is glad that Kawasaki gave him the chance to show his talents last year. “I’d like to thank Kawasaki for giving me the opportunity last year to do what I love to do, which is race motorcycles. I’m glad that they liked what they saw in me and are expecting more good things from me in the future. I’m looking forward to winning championships for them soon.”