Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Peter Goddard claims that Italian motorcycle manufacturer Benelli will not race the Tornado 900cc Inline Triple in World Superbike in 2003. Goddard, the sole Benelli rider over the past two years, made the announcement Wednesday on his personal website, www.petergoddard.com.

“Benelli have told me they won’t be in next year’s championship, but I want to keep racing in World Superbikes and there are some options with other teams I’m looking into,” Goddard is quoted as saying on his website.

Goddard, age 38, is hoping to land a competitive ride for 2003.