2007 FIM Supersport World Championship Lausitzring, Germany September 7, 2009 Provisional Qualifying Results (dry conditions): 1. Sebastien CHARPENTIER (Hon CBR600RR), 1:41.366 2. Kenan SOFUOGLU (Hon CBR600RR), 1:41.837 3. Broc PARKES (Yam YZF-R6), 1:41.994 4. Katsuaki FUJIWARA (Hon CBR600RR), 1:42.280 5. Matthieu LAGRIVE (Hon CBR600RR), 1:42.534 6. Vesa KALLIO (Suz GSX-R600), 1:43.160 7. Tommy HILL (Yam YZF-R6), 1:43.215 8. David CHECA (Yam YZF-R6), 1:43.272 9. Joan LASCORZ (Hon CBR600RR), 1:43.282 10. Sebastien GIMBERT (Yam YZF-R6), 1:43.340 11. Simone SANNA (Hon CBR600RR), 1:43.461 12. Pere RIBA (Kaw ZX-6R), 1:43.523 13. Josh BROOKES (Hon CBR600RR), 1:43.586 14. Barry VENEMAN (Suz GSX-R600), 1:43.639 15. Craig JONES (Hon CBR600RR), 1:43.683 16. Gianluca VIZZIELLO (Yam YZF-R6), 1:43.774 17. Massimo ROCCOLI (Yam YZF-R6), 1:43.775 18. Fabien FORET (Kaw ZX-6R), 1:43.780 19. Robbin HARMS (Hon CBR600RR), 1:43.785 20. Vladimir IVANOV (Yamaha YZF-R6), 1:43.885 More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Racing: The new term started well today for the Yamaha World Supersport Team despite the weather not exactly according to plan this morning at Lausitz, Germany. Parkes finished the day in third with Tommy Hill taking provisional seventh. With light drizzle during the morning’s free practice most of the field decided to sit out the first session of the weekend, not wanting to make any early mistakes. Parkes was one such rider as he already knows the circuit very well. Team mate Tommy Hill could not afford such luxury as this is his first time at the German track and so he went out for ten minutes in the drier moments of the session, finishing tenth. Yamaha still managed to fill the top two slots in free practice with Yamaha Team GMT-94 riders Gimbert and Checa taking the two fastest times respectively. The afternoon qualifying session was when the gloves came off, or rather went on, for both riders. With the weather drier and warmer than this morning, both riders set out on long runs. Parkes ran near the top from the start, taking second place with half an hour to go. He focused on finding the right set-up and brought his times down lap by lap but finished third when Charpentier took first. Tommy Hill climbed his way up from 14th to sixth, where he remained until the last minute when the change in the leader pushed him down into seventh. Yamaha Team Italia rider Massimo Roccoli had less success today, battling against set-up problems throughout the day. He finished the day in an uncharacteristic 17th place. Broc Parkes (3rd – 1’41.994 – Yamaha World Supersport Team) “My result is good so to have so early on in the weekend. I have some improvements to make during tomorrow because of today’s damp start slowing improvement down. I really wanted to test more tyres than I had time for because rain tomorrow would make it more difficult to check tyre choice. But I think I have it almost sorted with regards to tyres. I’m pleased with a front row result on a Friday; I’m keen to get out there tomorrow and really give it my best to get pole.” Tommy Hill (7th – 1’43.215 – Yamaha World Supersport Team) “I only did five laps this morning but I’ve learnt the track pretty quickly. Though to learn is one thing; to master it is another. I’m pretty happy at the moment, I feel I’m there or thereabouts with pace and set-up. I wanted to spend quite a bit of time on track today and I didn’t get quite as much time as I would’ve liked but I have a good basis to progress from tomorrow. The track is quite tricky; the corners pull you into them which can make you run in too quickly and mess up the following corner. You have to get the first corner right to get the third corner right at this circuit.” Massimo Roccoli (17th – 1’43.775 – Yamaha Team Italia) “I’ve got a lot of work to tomorrow following today’s results. In this morning’s session I had set-up problems. This afternoon I was trying to improve my time with a soft rear tyre when I encountered a slower rider in front of me. I hope there is no rain tomorrow; if it rains improving my grid position will be much harder.” More, from a press release issued by HANNspree Ten Kate Honda: HANNspree Ten Kate Honda dominates at Lausitz Round 11 of the 2007 World Supersport Championship kicked off at the 4.265km Eurospeedway Laustiz in Germany today. Despite unsettled weather, HANNspree Ten Kate Honda ended the qualifying session in a positive mood having secured the top two spots on the first-day timesheet for the third consecutive round. Kenan Sofuolglu and Sébastien Charpentier opted out of this morning’s free practice due to the wet conditions on track. However, this had no effect on their performance in the afternoon qualifying as both riders secured impressive lap times on race tyres. Sofuoglu dominated the majority of the 45-minute session, securing the fastest lap seven times and ending with a final best time of 1’41.837. He was just beaten by team-mate Charpentier, who put in a fast lap of 1’41.366 in the dying seconds – shaving four tenths of a second off his team-mate’s time. Both riders are confident that they can hold on to the top spots for Sunday’s 23-lap race. Ronald ten Kate, Team Manager: “It’s been a perfect start to the weekend on the Supersport side of things with a first and second position. With the unsettled weather conditions this morning we decided not to send the riders out to avoid any risk. The forecast was for dry weather in the afternoon anyway. Both boys were really quick to work and they have already done a number of good laps on the race tyres. I am especially delighted for Sébastien, who doesn’t have the best memory of this track in the past two seasons. He is already fastest on the first day so that is good to see. The Honda CBR600RR is performing well and we are on track to stay at the top tomorrow” Sébastien Charpentier: “This was not bad for the first day. This morning is was not easy for everybody because the weather was not good. This afternoon was much better and we have gathered a lot for information for the technicians. I think we will be able to stay at the front. I hope the weather is nice because that is very important. Overall, it is not completely perfect but the bike is feeling very good and I think we have a chance to be on pole tomorrow.” Kenan Sofuoglu: “Today has been quite good. It’s great to be back on track again and to get a first and second is great for the team. If someone has to be in front of me then I want it to be Sébastien and I am happy to see him back on form. I’m also pleased to be back on the bike and riding fast after such a busy time in Turkey after Brands Hatch. I think I can be faster tomorrow, but I am really happy with today – the bike feels good and I think I am capable of winning the race.”

2007 FIM Superbike World Championship Lausitzring, Germany September 7, 2007 Practice Results (dry conditions): 1. Troy BAYLISS (Duc 999F07), 1:39.452 2. James TOSELAND (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:39.628 3. Noriyuki HAGA (Yam YZF-R1), 1:39.773 4. Troy CORSER (Yam YZF-R1), 1:40.086 5. Karl MUGGERIDGE (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:40.337 6. Michel FABRIZIO (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:40.369 7. Max NEUKIRCHNER (Suz GSX-R1000K6), 1:40.548 8. Lorenzo LANZI (Duc 999F07), 1:40.557 9. Yukio KAGAYAMA (Suz GSX-R1000K7), 1:40.601 10. Ruben XAUS (Duc 999F06), 1:40.911 11. Roberto ROLFO (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:40.976 12. Max BIAGGI (Suz GSX-R1000K7), 1:40.984 13. Fonsi NIETO (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:41.023 14. Martin BAUER (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:41.594 15. Regis LACONI (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:41.824 16. Steve MARTIN (Suz GSX-R1000K6), 1:42.458 17. Shinichi NAKATOMI (Yam YZF-R1), 1:42.734 18. Yoann TIBERIO (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:43.400 19. Jiri DRAZDAK (Yam YZF-R1), 1:44.922 20. Luca MORELLI (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:45.441 21. Jakub SMRZ (Duc 999F05), 1:45.456, crash 22. Dean ELLISON (Duc 999RS), 1:47.663

2007 FIM Supersport World Championship Lausitzring, Germany September 7, 2007 Practice Results (wet/dry track conditions): 1. Sebastien GIMBERT (Yam YZF-R6), 1:47.123 2. David CHECA (Yam YZF-R6), 1:49.749 3. Stefan NEBEL (Kaw ZX-6R), 1:50.052 4. Joan LASCORZ (Hon CBR600RR), 1:50.474 5. Simone SANNA (Hon CBR600RR), 1:50.579 6. Gregory LEBLANC (Hon CBR600RR), 1:50.830 7. Arturo TIZON (Yam YZF-R6), 1:51.431 8. Katsuaki FUJIWARA (Hon CBR600RR), 1:51.565 9. Josh BROOKES (Hon CBR600RR), 1:51.570 10. Tommy HILL (Yam YZF-R6), 1:51.702 Sebastien Charpentier (Hon CBR600RR), no time Robbin Harms (Hon CBR600RR), no time Broc Parkes (Yam YZF-R6), no time Pere Riba (Kaw ZX-6R), no time Kenan Sofuoglu (Hon CBR600RR), no time

Honda dealers were told last night that the “2008 Dream Team” consists of Miguel Duhamel and Neil Hodgson riding American Honda CBR1000RRs in AMA Superbike, but the night at American Honda’s annual dealer convention (held this year in Anaheim, California), included no dream Superbike ride announcement for two-time AMA Formula Xtreme Champion Hayes. That’s the word from Hayes’ long-time friend, agent and former employer, Gina Nadeau, who told RoadracingWorld.com via phone that Hayes is extremely disappointed that he didn’t get a shot on a factory Honda Superbike for 2008. “We’re not signed with anyone and I’ve just started talking with Erion,” Nadeau said. “Josh is just…so disappointed (that he didn’t get a Superbike ride), and we have been talking with another team, with blue bikes.”

Donald got his first taste of the GSX-R Suzuki line-up in a closed test session at Kirkistown just a few days ago, completing 100 laps of the County Down circuit. And in the afternoon session on the Relentless Suzuki, the Australian consistently dipped under the outright lap record. Cameron Donald: “It just doesn’t get any better than this – I’m wrapped! I feel privileged to ride for Relentless Suzuki and it’s a great opportunity for me. Once we’d sorted out the deal I was anxious to get out on track and try the bikes. We all know how good the Supersport and Superstock Suzukis are but when I came in after riding the Superbike I couldn’t stop smiling. I just thought, ‘I can definitely win on this bike.’ I haven’t stopped smiling to be honest. It’s a new challenge for me and I’m also really looking forward to riding at the British circuits in 2008.” Philip Neill – Team Manager: “Cameron is a phenomenally talented rider with a good level of technical ability. He also has a great personality and has PR skills to match, so obviously we are delighted to have him on board for 2008. My Dad and I have actually had our eye on him for quite some time. He was unlucky to miss out on some international races this year due to injury but he has all but dominated the national scene in Ireland for the past two years. His second place at the 2006 TT in the Senior race was very impressive, especially as he also recorded a lap of 128mph in only his second appearance in the Isle of Man. “I am also pleased that we were able to give him a taste of what’s to come in a recent test session and he loved the GSX-R Suzukis. After completing around 100 laps on various machines he was able to consistently lap over half a second under the official outright lap record at Kirkistown on our Superbike.” A further announcement will be made later this week regarding other signings for 2008.

Mika Kallio re-signs with Red Bull KTM Mika Kallio has re-signed with the Red Bull KTM Team for the 2008 season, with an option for the following year. The signing took place after the San Marino and Riviera di Rimini Grand Prix in Misano last weekend. The talented 24-year-old Finn finalised the new contract with KTM Technical Director Harald Bartol, saying he believed that he could realise his dream of winning the world championship title with the Austrian manufacturer. “My dream is to win the world championship, and I believe with KTM, this dream can come true,” Mika said. “The team started their 250 cc project only two years ago. They started winning races last year and now we are riding with good chances of race wins and podium finishes at almost every venue. This shows the commitment and determination of every team member. The package that we now have is very good and everybody is working hard to improve it even further. I have no doubt that we will be again competitive in 2008 and that KTM is going to be a serious world championship title contender.” Kallio also praised the cooperation with Bartol, which he said has been very positive since they first met in 1993. “Since then, it has always been very special and inspiring to work with him and his team. He has proven on numerous occasions that he is simply the best as far as two-stroke technology goes. Everybody saw how he first turned Yamaha, then Derbi into winning machines, and how fast the KTM engine was right from its first year in the world championship. He works day and night to improve our bikes and his passion for this sport is second to none.” Kallio said he viewed the fact that the KTM team and racing structure was small compared to others as “a big advantage”. “With a bigger company or team structure you sometimes have to be very patient and wait for technical improvements. But with Red Bull KTM, I simply have to talk to Harald and he can take the appropriate decisions and go ahead with new parts and alterations straight away. We find problems, and we fix them without losing any time. The team feels like a well organised family enterprise. It’s just fantastic!” Harald Bartol was also delighted with Kallio’s decision to stay aboard. “He is a great guy, uncomplicated and easy to deal with – you couldn’t wish for a nicer person in a team,” he said. “And of course, he is a great talent. He is fast by nature and can pretty much ride anything with two wheels and an engine.” “Mika is not only fast and intelligent when it comes to the race, he also has a deep and thorough technical understanding of what’s going on underneath. He’s got a good feeling for the set-up and for all technical changes to the bike, and he is able to give the engineers all the right input.” Bartol described the union as “a dream partnership for KTM, not only in terms of the further development of the bike, but also of podium finishes and race wins”. “Mika has the talent, the skills and the experience to win the World Championship,” the Technical Director concluded.

CANADIAN KAWASAKI CELEBRATES BACK TO BACK CHAMPIONSHIPS! 2007 PARTS CANADA SUPERBIKE CHAMPION 2007 YOSHIMURA PRO600 SPORT BIKE CHAMPION The Canadian Kawasaki Factory Road Race Team ended the 2007 Parts Canada Superbike Championship in winning style by reclaiming the highly coveted Superbike and Supersport Canadian championship titles. Jordan Szoke successfully defended both of his #1 plates by taking the checkered flag in the final round of the Yoshimura PRO600 and crossing the line a conservative 4th in the Parts Canada Superbike race. The team’s achievements over the weekend also encompassed rookie team member Brett McCormick’s first time to podium in both classes at an event this season. Although a victory was not necessary to clinch the Yoshimura PRO600 championship, the current number 1 plate holder Szoke had every intention of hanging on to his title. If series rival Steve Crevier were to win Round 7, Szoke would have to finish no lower than 3rd to retain his title. Crevier led most of the race until, Szoke dug deep on the final lap of the race to make a brilliant pass on Crevier and take the top spot as well as the Yoshimura PRO600 Sport Bike Championship for the second year in a row. In what spectators deemed a thrilling race, McCormick made it Kawasaki first and third after emerging at the front of a four way battle for the final podium step. No easy feat, he worked his way through the pack from his seventh qualifying spot to finish a convincing third. Kawasaki Team Manager Jeff Comello had nothing but praise for both of his pilots. “Jordan is one of just two riders to have four or more championships to his name. He’s a really smart rider and he proved it by winning back to back titles. Then we also have Brett who has impressed everybody. This season is his first with the team and he’s exceeded all expectations.” In Superbike qualifying action, Szoke captured his 5th pole of the season. With just minutes remaining in the session, Szoke broke the track record with an astonishing lap of 1:04:632 around Shannonville’s 2.4-KM Pro Track configuration. Not to be left out, McCormick made it a Kawasaki 1-2 with an outstanding lap of his own, just 0.050 behind his teammate! In the process, the two riders demolished the previous lap record at Shannonville. On race day, Szoke needed to finish 7th or better to follow up his 2006 championship and make it back to back titles. Szoke ran a smart race and rode his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R conservatively to finish 4th in last round of the series at Shannonville Motorsport Park. Those points were more than enough for the Brantford, Ontario native to hoist the Canada Cup as the series 2007 Champion. “When you have the number 1 on your bike, it’s always hard to defend your title,” explained Szoke, “the other two championships I’ve won, I wasn’t able to defend those titles for some reason or another. This one is pretty cool. I’m really happy to make it back to back championships for the first time in my career.” After a strong performance earlier in the day, 16 year old boy wonder McCormick continued his impressive form by finishing a career best 2nd place on his ZX 10-R in the Superbike race and setting the second fastest lap of the race. McCormick thought it might have been the top step of the podium if it wasn’t for his start. “I had a horrible start! By the time we got to turn one, I went from 2nd to 6th. I passed Clint McBain on the first lap and started to make my way through the field. If it was a 30 lap race, I may have caught Crevier. But one thing is for sure, my ZX-10R was really consistent throughout the race and was perfect all weekend. The team did another great job!” Comello sums up the 2007 campaign, “At the beginning of the season, there was a lot of speculation from would be critics regarding our team and product. I think that we proved that our entire team is committed, talented and able to continue to raise our game at every event. That was key factor in bringing home both of these championships.” For the latest series information, visit kawasakiracing.ca and cdnsuperbike.com. Starting September 11th, TSN will have coverage of all seven races of the 2007 Parts Canada Superbike Championship beginning with Round 1 from Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant. The series will also be broadcast on RDS. More, from a press release issued by Joe Rocket: JORDAN SZOKE DOUBLE DIPS BOTH THE SUPERBIKE AND PRO 600 CROWNS Randy Robison, President of Joe Rocket is thrilled to congratulate Rocket Racer and Canadian Kawasaki Motors factory pilot Jordan Szoke on not only 1 — but 2 national championships. This past weekend in Shannonville Ont., Canada, aboard his Kawasaki ZX machinery, Szoke clinched both the Canada Superbike Championship and the Yoshimura Pro 600 Sportbike Championship — each being second consecutive titles respectively. “The past two years have been phenomenal,” said Szoke who became just the second rider in history to win four Canadian Superbike championships. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world to defend a number one plate. Winning it is nice but defending it is even nicer.” “Jordan Szoke has long been an integral part of the successful Joe Rocket family,” said Randy Robison. “We have witnessed him ply his talents to all brands of machinery in numerous race series in many different countries of the world. I am very proud to see Jordan win two championships on his home turf. Congratulations to Jordan and to the whole Canadian Kawasaki race team,” Robison went on to say. Forcing Szoke to work extremely hard throughout the season, fellow Rocket Racer Steve Crevier finished a close second to Jordan in both the Superbike and Pro 600 race series. Look for the Rocket Racing Team to next take flight during the AMA Superbike Series at Mazda Laguna-Seca Raceway, September. 15-16 in Monterey California.

Yamaha Raring to go after Summer Break This weekend sees the return of the World Superbike Championship after the traditional summer break and the Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team are fired up and raring to go. With Haga in second place and 66 points behind the current championship leader, the team has worked hard during the weeks since the last round at Brands Hatch to ensure that the fight for the title will go right to the wire this weekend at the German circuit in Lausitz. The Eurospeedway circuit is Germany’s youngest track and was built in Lausitz to help rejuvenate the old mining area following the closure of many coal pits. Although the circuit was first conceived in the 1980s building work didn’t start until 1998. Development of the circuit was dogged by financial crises as well as local petitions both for and against the track but it was finally opened in August 2000 in front of an 110,000 strong crowd. The circuit is built on 370 hectares, which is almost twice the size of Monaco and features seven different track layouts. Prior to the summer break, the Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team claimed three podium positions at Brands Hatch, with Haga taking a second position finish while Corser took second and third. Yamaha also took their 150th WSB podium with Corser’s race one second place. Corser’s best result at Lausitz to date is third, which he has achieved twice, but following a few weeks rest he is determined to improve on this result. “It’s been good to have a rest from racing for a few weeks as it’s given me time to get some training in. I now feel a lot more refreshed and am focused and raring to go for the last three rounds,” Corser says. “Lausitz is quite a different track to many of those on the calendar and I like it for that reason. It’s a bit like an American track with the infield section and grandstands around the outside. From a riding point of view it’s quite challenging for set-up and you also have quite an unusual turn at the end of the straight where you join the infield section,” Corser says of the track. “This weekend I’m going all-out to win; I’ve gone well at Lausitz in the past and Nori’s previous results there show that the Yamaha also goes well so it should be a good weekend.” Haga has an impressive previous form at the German circuit with a pair of second places last year and a second and a third in 2005, as well as the fastest lap of both races that year, which gave him his 25th fastest lap of his WSB career. “Last year was a difficult race for me at Lausitz because I hurt my wrist there in the last practice session on the Saturday. I’d been doing some long runs and was on a final one when I almost high-sided twice which sprained my wrist. I had to have pain killing injections for the race which, in my opinion, hampered my results,” Haga says looking back to last year’s race. “Even though I got two second places I feel I could’ve done better under other circumstances. The bike was good then and it’s even better now so this weekend I’m determined for the race win.” Talking about his riding style, Haga says “During the summer rest period I’ve given much thought to how I can improve my riding and I’m going to be trying a slightly new riding style this weekend to see if it has any effect. Don’t worry; the usual Haga-style will still be there though!” World Supersport This weekend also sees the season resume for the Yamaha World Supersport Team and Parkes is joined once again by Tommy Hill following his good performance and fifth place finish at Brands last month. The star of the Brands weekend, though, was Parkes who took his first victory of the season which puts him in fifth championship place going into the 11th of 13 rounds. The team actually returned from their summer break last week when they attended a test at Magny-Cours. Despite wet weather hampering the test, the team gained some good data and set-up options in addition to brushing away the cobwebs in anticipation of the start of the final push to the season finale. Parkes didn’t race at Lausitz last year due injury sustained in a crash at Assen but he took second in 2005, proving his capability on the R6 at this circuit. This weekend he will be looking for a good result, not least because the German round is the home round for the Yamaha World Supersport Team. “Although I didn’t race at Lausitz last year because of my Assen crash I’ve normally had good results at this circuit, including when I rode in WSB here in 2001 and 2002. The track is good; it’s very technical and demanding because the corners are pretty tight and there aren’t a lot of straights. It’s also quite a tough track for hard braking,” Parkes says. “Brands was a real boost to my confidence and, with good results also in the last three races, I’m looking to get some more wins before the end of the season and I’ll be working towards one this weekend.” This weekend’s race comes hot on the heels of Yamaha’s announcement of their WSS rider line up for 2008. Parkes will continue to ride the R6 for the Yamaha World Supersport team and will be joined by Fabien Foret for next season. “I’m really excited to be staying with the team for a fourth year,” Parkes says. “I’m getting back to peak fitness following my accident at Donington earlier this season and I’m getting to the point where I wanted to be originally. I really like the team and am positive I can do a good job for them next year. Foret is a strong team mate to have and it’ll be good to have two of us in the team who can push the bike’s development even further.” Tommy Hill is reunited with Parkes for this weekend; his second race partnering the Australian in the Yamaha World Supersport Team. Hill’s first appearance with the team was last month at his home track in the UK where he brought the bike home in a credible fifth position. Tommy has been drafted in from the Yamaha Virgin Media Optima Loans British Superbike Team for this weekend’s race following a good test session with the team last week at Magny-Cours. “I’ve never been to the Lausitz circuit before so it’s not going to be easy this weekend. I need to get to know the track before I can start to focus on my times but I learnt the Magny-Cours circuit quite quickly last week and the team say that circuit is harder than this one so I’m hopeful of being able to put in some good times by the second practice session,” Hill says. “I’m looking forward to working with the team again – they are so professional and good to work with. I’m also keen to get back on the R6 again. I want to be on the podium this weekend and right now I don’t see why I shouldn’t be.” As a point of note Jason O’Halloran recently took the Australian Supersport Title. 19-year old Jason was a guest rider for the Yamaha World Supersport Team in Brno in July, where he finished a credible 12th. FIM Superstock 1000 Cup Brands Hatch provided a dramatic race for the Yamaha Superstock riders with Corti taking third after a race-long battle for all three podium positions while Van Keymeulen was forced to retire after running wide off the track. Umbria Bike rider Matteo Baiocco maintained his championship lead despite finishing fourth and Corti’s team mate, Pirro, struggled with some arm pain, eventually finishing in ninth. This weekend Baiocco will be looking to increase his 12-point lead but he will have to watch out for Corti and Van Keymeulen, who won at Lausitz in 2006 and 2005 respectively. Pirro is hoping to have resolved his arm-pump issues in order to return to this season’s previously good form. With only 51 points between Pirro in seventh and lead-man Baiocco, he is certain to be keen to finish on the podium in Germany. More, from a press release issued by Xerox Ducati: WORLD SUPERBIKE ENTERS FINAL STAGES WITH GERMAN ROUND AT EUROSPEEDWAY Lausitz (Germany), Thursday 6 September : World Superbike takes up again after the summer break with the eleventh round of 13 at the ultra-modern and impressive Eurospeedway circuit in the eastern part of Germany. Following the previous round at Brands Hatch, Troy Bayliss’s hopes of winning a third WSBK title are all but over as current leader James Toseland (Honda) now has a 97 point advantage over the Australian with just three rounds remaining. Both third and second place are within striking distance however and Troy will be aiming to get ahead of Max Biaggi (Suzuki) and Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha) before the season’s end. Troy Bayliss, 4th in championship (258 points) This year’s event will be the fourth time the 38-year-old Australian has competed at Lausitz. He won three of the four races there in 2001 and 2002 but failed to take the top spot in his title-winning season in 2006. “I’ve always done OK at Lausitz, I enjoy riding there and I’ve had some good races, even though last year was not good. I crashed out on lap 5 of race 1 while leading, recovering from 23rd to finish seventh, and then finished third in race 2” he remembers. “Ducati don’t really have any advantage at Lausitz, it’s one of the harder circuits for us. Even though I’ve won races there, we do tend to struggle a bit, probably because of the short, smaller corners. Lausitz could go either way, good or bad, but the weather being cooler than Brands could work in our favour now that the summer is over. Brands Hatch was a big disappointment for us and the title is out of reach now so I’m just going to try and win races and finish runner-up in the championship”. Lorenzo Lanzi, 7th in championship (161 points) Lanzi remembers the Eurospeedway well as he shocked the WSBK regulars with a sensational win in his first race for the factory Ducati Xerox team in 2005. Last year things went less well, with an eighth and a sixth place. “I have really good memories of Lausitzring but you can’t live on what you did in the past. Last year didn’t go very well for me, so hopefully I can get off to a good start in first practice tomorrow. Despite my win here in 2005, I don’t really like this track very much and it becomes very tricky when it rains, but the cooler temperatures at this time of the year should help us a bit. In the first part of the track it’s difficult to overtake, but there are two passing points that really make the difference. In the championship I’m fighting with Ruben for sixth place. It’s tough because Ruben has a similar bike to ours so it’s obvious that he’s up there fighting at the front, but I aim to finish as high up as possible in the championship.” Championship Points (after 10 of 13 rounds): Riders – 1. Toseland (Honda) 355; 2. Haga (Yamaha) 289; 3. Biaggi (Suzuki) 286; 4. Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) 258; 5. Corser (Yamaha) 227; 6. Xaus (Ducati) 163; 7. Lanzi (Ducati Xerox) 161; etc. Manufacturers – 1. Honda 369; 2. Yamaha 343; 3. Ducati 325; 4. Suzuki 305; 5. Kawasaki 130; 6. MV Agusta 1. The Circuit Name: Eurospeedway Lausitz Length: 4.265 km Pole Position: right Corners Left/Right: 6/4 Finish line length: 650 m Race distance: 2 x 24 laps / 102.360 km Statistics : Best lap: Bayliss (Ducati) 1m37.623s (2006). Lap record: Bayliss (Ducati) 1m38.635s (2006). Superpole: Bayliss (Ducati) 1m37.923s (2006). 2006 Results : Race 1: 1. Kagayama (Suzuki); 2. Haga (Yamaha); 3. Corser (Suzuki). Race 2: 1. Toseland (Honda); 2. Haga; 3. Bayliss (Ducati Xerox). TV Coverage Europe: Eurosport – Sunday 1200 Superbike Race 1 (live). Eurosport 2 – Saturday 2130 Superpole (delayed), Sunday 1130 Superstock 1000 (delayed), 2130 Superbike Race 2 (delayed). TV Coverage Italy: La7 – Saturday 1550 Superpole (live), Sunday 1150 Race 1 (live), 1630 Race 2 (delayed). RaiDue – Races 1 + 2 (highlights).

Torrance, Calif.””American Honda Motor Company announced more additions today to its 2008 motorcycle, ATV, scooter and personal watercraft (PWC) products at the company’s annual dealer convention in Anaheim, California. “Our theme at this year’s show is Dream Team 2008 and Honda enthusiasts will be pleased to see the number of dreams we’ve brought to reality for 2008,” said Honda Press Manager Jon Row. “We have a number of new flagships in various segments. Our best-selling VTX1300 is now available as a turnkey touring model. We’re introducing an affordable, highly versatile, dual-sport bike, the CRF230L. The all-new TRX700XX introduces incredible power, comfort and handling to the high-performance ATV market. Two all new 1500cc four-stroke turbocharged AquaTrax with amazing power and handling will delight our PWC fans. “We are also especially pleased to early announce the 2009 Big Red, Honda’s first entry in the MUV (multi-use vehicle) side-by-side market. With the introduction of Big Red, it will soon be clear to our customers that Honda understands their needs better than any other manufacturer in the side by side market.” American Honda’s powersports product line now encompasses 58 models, many of them all new or significantly redesigned. New for 2008 VTX1300 Tourer For 2008, the popular VTX1300 is available right off the showroom floor in full touring trim with a stylish, full-size custom windscreen, chrome-padded backrest for passenger comfort and 24-liter leather saddlebags. Best of all, the turnkey package comes loaded straight from the factory. Offered in Black, Metallic Silver and Metallic Red. MSRP: $10,999 to $11,099 CRF230L The CRF230L is a compact and lightweight adventure-loving dual-sport motorcycle that can also do double duty as an economical commuter, motorhome runabout or weekend outback-exploration trail bike. With a dependable, torquey 223cc single-cylinder air-cooled four-stroke, electric starting, CRF-R-inspired bodywork/graphics and a user-friendly 267-pound curb weight (including all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel), this is one street-legal machine that can do it all. MSRP: $4,449 CRF450R, CRF250R, CRF450X, CRF250X Honda’s championship-winning, Unicam engine-equipped CRF-R motocrossers and CRF-X dirt bikes receive numerous upgrades for 2008. Most notable is the addition of the lightweight HPSD (Honda Progressive Steering Damper) system to the CRF450R/X and CRF250R. Specifically designed for the rigors of motocross and off-road riding, HPSD improves handling and reduces rider fatigue. Races are won or lost in the corners. Thanks to the exclusive advantage of HPSD, all three models are now fitted with new 22mm-offset triple clamps to further enhance cornering ability. Both motocross models benefit from numerous power-enhancing improvements and receive a revised Showa front fork with new damper rods and stiffer springs, plus rear shock valving that matches changes to the forks. The CRF450X features a HPSD setup tuned specifically for off-road use. It and the 250X both have new narrow-design fuel tanks for improved ergonomics and Dunlop 742FA front tires for improved turning feel and traction. All four models are also equipped with works-type front and rear brake discs to reduce unsprung weight. Offered in Red, the CRF450R and CRF250R are also available in a special 2008 Black color, a limited color run of less than 500 units per model. CRF450R MSRP: $7,199 to $7,399 CRF250R MSRP: $6,449 to $6,649 CRF450X MSRP: $7,399 CRF250X MSRP: $6,599 TRX700XX The TRX700XX re-defines the ATV Sport category with heretofore unobtainable levels of engine performance, handling, comfort and confidence. With double-wishbone independent rear suspension (IRS), a unique, centered, chain drive system and an all-new fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 686cc engine churning out monstrous torque, the TRX700XX is the new Sport ATV “King of the Hill.” For highly experienced riders 16 years of age and older, the TRX700XX is offered in Metallic Black/Silver and Metallic Black/Red. MSRP: $7,899 TRX400EX The sporty TRX400EX receives revised suspension components and settings, a lighter clutch pull for all-day riding comfort, a wider seat with a narrower seat/tank junction for improved ergonomics, aggressive, new next generation bodywork, long life LED brakelight and taillight. For highly experienced riders 16 years of age and older. Offered in Red/Black, Black/White. MSRP: $5,999 AquaTrax F-15X / AquaTrax F-15X with GPScape A day on the water will never be the same with the introduction of the AquaTrax F-15X and AquaTrax F-15X with GPScape Each version is built around a powerful turbocharged 1470cc fuel-injected dry-sump four-cylinder engine pumping out 200 bhp and matched to a special, hydrodynamically designed hull for optimum performance. The new hull allows incredible acceleration and fast planing, while delivering an improved ride, better steering feel and more splash protection. The F-15X is available in Pearl White/ Metallic Silver and Bright Blue Metallic. The GPScape- model features a built-in waterproof GPS unit with storage for up to 100 waypoints and a digital compass function indicating travel direction. Offered in Candy Red and Bright Blue Metallic. AquaTrax F-15 MSRP: TBD AquaTrax F-15X MSRP: TBD AquaTrax F-15X with GPScape MSRP: TBD Big Red (early-announcement 2009 model) Honda enters the MUV market with a side-by-side machine that leapfrogs the competition to set new standards in utility and recreation. With numerous automotive-based technologies, Big Red features a powerful 675cc OHV liquid-cooled PGM-fuel-injected single-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission with three selectable drive modes plus Reverse, front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension, a roomy cab featuring rubber-mounted bucket seats with adjustable backs, and a specially designed, highly durable, tilting cargo bed. A broad selection of Honda Genuine Accessories will also be offered. Big Red will be available in the Summer of 2008. Returning Models (does not include previously announced models) Street Motorcycles VTX1800 The popular VTX1800 is offered in the sporty F-style, neo-retro N-version and T-type Tourer. All three versions are available in two distinctive build variations, and numerous Genuine Honda Accessories ensure that each VTX version can be custom-tailored like no other cruiser on the market. The VTX1800F is available in Black and Candy Red Tribal; the VTX1800N is available in Black, Dark Orange Metallic (Spec 1), Black with Black Custom Art, Dark Orange Metallic (Spec 2); and the VTX1800T is offered in Black, Black/Candy Black Cherry and Black/Metallic Blue. VTX1800F MSRP: $13,499 to $15,799 VTX1800N MSRP: $13,699 to $16,649 VTX1800T MSRP: $14,899 to $16,449 ST1300/ST1300 ABS For those seeking long-distance comfort along with exemplary engine performance and superior handling, the ST1300 earns high marks from riders all around the globe. Available in Candy Dark Red. ST1300 MSRP: $14,499 ST1300 ABS MSRP: $15,599 VTX1300 This muscular V-twin custom follows in the footsteps of the awesome VTX1800 and delivers distinctive custom styling and loads of torque in a high-value package. For 2008, VTX1300R & C models feature a sleek restyled two-into-two exhaust system with bullet-style mufflers for a classic custom look. The VTX1300R also features stylish chrome side covers. The VTX1300R is offered in Black, Pearl White, Dark Blue Metallic and VTX1300C colors include Metallic Black, Metallic Silver, Candy Red, Pearl Yellow. VTX1300R MSRP: $9,599 to $9,699 VTX1300C MSRP: $9,599 to $9,699 Interceptor/Interceptor ABS The quintessential sport touring motorcycle for sport bike riders, the Interceptor stands far above all others thanks to its exemplary handling, high-performance VTEC engine, all-day comfort and long-range amenities. Offered in Metallic Silver. Interceptor MSRP: $10,799 Interceptor ABS MSRP: $11,799 Shadow Spirit 750 C2 In addition to the Black, Metallic Silver, Candy Dark Red/Flame and Ultra Blue Metallic/Flame color schemes introduced earlier, the Shadow Spirit 750 C2 will also come in a 2008 special color of Metallic Silver/Flame that will be produced in a limited color run of less than 500 units. Shadow Spirit 750 C2 MSRP: $6,799 to $7,099 CBR600RR A winner on the racetrack and in magazine comparison tests, the light, compact and powerful Honda CBR600RR raises performance standards to new heights in the middleweight class. Exciting new color schemes include Red/Black, Pearl Orange/Black, Metallic Silver, and Graffiti. MSRP: $9,599 to $9,899 Nighthawk The Nighthawk is where full-size motorcycling meets small-sized budgets in a lightweight, easy-to-handle package. MSRP: $3,699 Returning ATV Models FourTrax Rancher ES/FourTrax Rancher Whether the day calls for work or for fun, the ready-and-willing Rancher is a great partner from sunup to sundown. Available with economical manual shifting or push-button shifting with Honda’s Electric Shift Program (ESP). New Yellow color joins Red and Olive. Rancher MSRP: $4,499 Rancher ES MSRP: $4,699 FourTrax Rancher 4×4 ES/FourTrax Rancher 4×4 Talk about tough customers, the 420cc FourTrax Rancher 4×4 cranks up outdoor adventures with a full list of features including selectable 4WD/2WD TraxLok, torque-sensitive front differential and fuel injection, plus the option of Honda’s Electric Shift Program. New Black color joins Red, Olive and NaturalGear™ Camouflage. Rancher 4×4 MSRP: $5,399 to $5,749 Rancher 4×4 ES MSRP: $5,599 to $5,949 FourTrax Recon ES/FourTrax Recon This rugged mid-size ATV continues to be a best seller thanks to its stylish appearance, get-it-done credentials and the option of manual or push-button electric shifting. New Blue color joins Red and Olive. Recon MSRP: $3,699 Recon ES MSRP: $3,899 Returning Scooter Models Silver Wing ABS/Silver Wing For performance that stands tall in the world of scooters, Honda’s Silver Wing offers an innovative blend of high performance, easy operation and distinctive styling. New Metallic Grey color. Silver Wing MSRP: $8,099 Silver Wing ABS MSRP: $8,599 Metropolitan With the Metropolitan scooter, riders looking for economical transportation and easy-to-operate features can also enjoy a fun and fashionable ride that comes in a variety of styles and colors. Available in Ruby and new colors: Ocean, Monza and Gothic. MSRP: $1,899 to $1,999 Ruckus An economical scooter that has plenty of attitude and a too-cool look, the Ruckus stands out from the two-wheel crowd. Metallic Silver joins Black for 2008 colors. MSRP: $2,049

World Supersport and Superbike Championships 2007 Round 11, Eurospeedway Lausitz German Round Race Preview 7-9 September 2007 World Supersport Round 11 of 13 SOFUOGLU BACK FOR MORE WITH CHAMPIONSHIP NOW WRAPPED UP In securing his first World Supersport title at the previous Brands Hatch round, Kenan Sofuoglu (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) delivered a sixth consecutive Riders’ Championship to both Honda and his Dutch-based Ten Kate team, but with three races remaining in the championship, he still has unfinished business. In the Manufacturers’ Championship, Honda has 226 points, some 56 more than the next closest competitor, and thus Sofuoglu and his Honda-riding peers will be out to keep the points margin of 50 or more, and thus win another prestigious title for Honda for the fifth consecutive season. Lausitz is something of a home-from-home for the Turkish rider, as his first career step after racing in his native country was in the German Supersport series. He also won the 2006 Lausitz WSS race when riding his first full season for his current Ten Kate Honda team. Sebastien Charpentier (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR) is looking to the Lausitz race to allow him to get back to his very best in real racing situations, after a tough and sometimes injury-blighted season, punctuated by both occasional highs and extreme lows. His recent pole position at Brands Hatch demonstrated that he has never lost his legendary speed, but at Lausitz he hopes to make that speed last all race long, and take his first podium since winning his second title at the last race of the 2006 season. Katsuaki Fujiwara (Althea Honda Team CBR600RR), like Sofuoglu, is a former Lausitz WSS race winner, albeit way back in 2002. Another rider with a tumultuous season behind him, he is nonetheless still third overall and enters the German race looking to start reeling in the 39 points he is adrift of the second place rider, Fabien Foret. Lorenzo Alfonsi (Althea Honda Team CBR600RR) is just inside his target top ten in his first full Honda season in WSS racing, but knows that he needs to ride at his very best to secure an overall top ten position after the last race at Magny-Cours in early October. For Sofuoglu, winning the championship at Brands was the culmination of a lifetime’s ambition, but he fully intends to carry on as if he were still fighting for the crown. “I am obviously incredibly happy to have secured the title, but I still have a job to do for my team and I will be approaching the next races in the same way as I have approached every race this year,” stated the new Turkish national hero. “I am focused and my aim is, as always, to get on the podium – and hopefully get the race win. I like Lausitz and I did well there last year, so I know that this is a possibility. I will do all I can for my team and the development of the bike because I owe them a lot for all their hard work this year.” Charpentier, champion in 2005 and 2006, is determined to get strong points on the board, and is equally keen to get back into race action after a five-week break. “I am looking forward to getting back on track after the break,” said Charpentier. “It’s fair to say that this year has been difficult for me, but I am determined to finish the season on a high note if I can. Lausitz is not my best circuit – I was forced to retire from last year’s race so of course I am hoping to do better this year. The bike was feeling really good at Brands Hatch and I completed some good laps, so we will have to wait and see what happens.” Fujiwara has had an incredible run of misfortune this year, but some strong finishes when he has been in a position to make them have kept him in the top three overall. “Looking at the table so far I cannot believe I am still third, because of all the problems we have had,” said ‘Kats’. “At Lausitz we have to make the effort to get back into contention for second in the championship. I have to push for podium finishes, so I really need to work to make sure we qualify well.” Alfonsi is not a big fan of the otherwise superbly appointed Eurospeedway Lausitz’ track layout, but he is ready to race as hard there as at any other venue. “Lausitz is OK, not a fast place but I think the track is OK,” said the former European Superstock champion. “I have been there before but I can say it is not a favourite circuit, not one of the very best on the calendar for a rider. I like faster corners!” World Superbike Round 11 of 13 TOSELAND DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM Despite a virtually washed out test session at Magny-Cours during the five-week break between the previous Brands Hatch round and the forthcoming Eurospeedway Lausitz event, James Toseland (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) will be going all out to continue mining a fantastic seam of points scoring form. Toseland, the 2004 World Superbike Champion, has taken a total of eight race wins this season, three in the last four races. These points have contributed to an overall championship lead of 66 points over Noriyuki Haga, with six individual races still to run. Max Biaggi is now 69 points behind Toseland, with 2006 champion Troy Bayliss some 97 points adrift. Roberto Rolfo (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) has a higher championship finish than his current eighth position in his sights, after a season of ups and downs. Still looking for his first podium finish in SBK racing solely because of ill-timed misfortune at Monza, Rolfo is understandably keen to score a top three before the season ends. Michel Fabrizio (DFX Corse Honda CBR1000RR) is more than ready for another podium push at Lausitz, after his Brno heroics earlier this year, when he finished third on his privateer machine. A recent fifth and fourth place at Brands underline his true abilities on a Superbike. Karl Muggeridge (Alto Evolution Honda CBR1000RR) heads to Lausitz after a very successful test at Mugello, and with a new approach to his suspension set-up, feels that Lausitz could deliver much to him after a turbulent year in the Alto Evolution Honda squad. Muggeridge is joined at Lausitz, as he was at the Mugello test, by 20 year-old French rider Yoann Tiberio (Alto Evolution Honda CBR1000RR) a proven WSS race winner in 2006. Luca Morelli (DFX Corse Honda CBR1000RR) returns to business after the long late summer break fully charged and ready to score more points in what is his rookie season in World Superbike racing. Toseland is fully aware that he has a lot of work still to do, but good memories of the 2006 event will be important in his approach to this weekend’s action. “We had a great result last year at Lausitz after winning a hard battle against Haga, so it’s a track we know we can do well at,” said Toseland. “If we can have a weekend similar to Brands Hatch then it will be difficult for the rivals to catch us in the championship. However, at this stage there is still all to play for and 66-points is not a big enough lead to enable us to relax. We still need to concentrate and hopefully we can do the job.” For Rolfo Lausitz means the chance to show his true colours once more, but just returning to the racetrack is a positive thing for him, especially after such a long break. “I can’t wait to get back to racing as we have had quite a break since Brands Hatch,” said Rolfo. “I am happy with the bike now and the feeling is very good. I feel like I have made good progress over the last few rounds and I am looking forward to Lausitz so I can try to get up to the front of the pack. The team is working really well together and I hope that I can bring home a good result for them this weekend.” Fabrizio’s fine podium finish in the Czech Republic and a strong ride at Brands Hatch are proof of what the CBR1000RR and the young Italian are capable of in tandem, and Fabrizio will be looking for more of the same at the tight German circuit. “Now my Honda CBR is very competitive and after the race in Brands Hatch the people have seen the real Michel Fabrizio,” said the Rome based rider. “I hope to continue in the same way in the future because for my career the races in Lausitz, Vallelunga and Magny Cours will be fundamentally important.” Muggeridge benefited greatly from his recent testing experiences, especially in one particular area of machine performance. “The test we did went quite well,” said Muggeridge in the build up to the Lausitz weekend. “We concentrated on the suspension mostly, and we made good progress with it. I’m quietly confident that it will help us at Lausitz. The track there is OK, it’s not the kind of place you can make or lose time so we have to qualify well and get good starts. We have very good brakes on our bike and that will help a lot there.” Morelli knows the challenge of Lausitz is going to be a great one, especially against riders who are more experienced than he. “The Lausitzring is an unknown circuit for me and it will be difficult,” said a realistic Morelli. “The World Superbike Championship is very complicated and I am not so experienced on a Superbike yet. My improvement is consistent, but is not yet sufficient for to compete with the leading riders. I hope to find a good set up in qualifying to help make it a good weekend for results.” Tiberio is looking forward to his first World Superbike experience, especially after enjoying a recent test session in Italy. “It was very exciting to ride the Superbike in the test, and that fact that it wheelies everywhere is a big change after my Supersport machine,” said the Monza WSS race winner for Honda in 2006. “I enjoyed the whole experience. I was impressed by the team and the set-up, so I hope for the best at Lausitz.” Back-to-back championship rounds in Vallelunga (30 September) and Magny-Cours (7 October) form the double-header denouement of the 2007 championship season, for both SBK and WSS classes.