Team Roadracingworld.com Suzuki’s Chris Ulrich gave several media members rides on the back of his brand-new, two-seat, 2007 GSX-R1000 AMA Superstock racebike during a Suzuki media event Wednesday at California Speedway, in Fontana, California. The main attraction of the event was the domestic press introduction of the 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000, but American Suzuki asked Ulrich to bring his new, two-seat GSX-R1000 racebike to the launch to give rides to Southern California television and newspaper reporters. Ulrich ended up giving three-lap rides to 10 individuals, ranging from KTLA-TV Sports Anchor Damon Andrews to motorcycle industry journalists riding at the launch to 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz. “Chris does a great job on that thing,” said Schwantz after a stint with Ulrich. “He never makes you feel scared out there. He’s pushing the limits, but being a professional he has a good feel for the bike and how it moves around underneath you. “I guess the most intimidating thing for me is not being in control at all, and feeling like you’re hanging off the edge of a skyscraper. You’re sitting up so high and that bike is leaned so far over you’re just waiting for everything to drag. That was a lot of fun. I’ve never been on the back of one.” Asked what he thought of the Team Roadracingworld.com Suzuki two-seat racebike program, which is designed to introduce main-stream media members to motorcycle road racing, Schwantz said, “To somebody who doesn’t know motorcycles it’s got to be an absolute kick in the butt, a rush, a thrill. To be able to give them an up-close view of what it’s like to go at a pretty decent clip around a race circuit like [California Speedway] is great. Like that girl who was just on there, she’s going to be talking about her ride for weeks.” Schwantz proved to be spot-on, as all of the media guests came back from their rides with Ulrich with once-in-a-lifetime experiences to share and new-found knowledge and appreciation for motorcycle road racing. “That was intense, but it was a lot of fun. He’s a great driver,” said Laila Derakhshanian, a reporter with the Squeeze OC, a weekly newspaper in Orange County, California, and www.squeezeoc.com. Asked if she could compare the experience with anything she had done in her life, Derakhshanian said, “A roller coaster, I guess, but this was more exhilarating than any roller coaster I’ve been on. It’s hard to compare, it’s such a unique experience. I’ve seen [motorcycle road racing] on television before, but I’ve never watched a complete race. I want to come back this weekend and watch them do their thing.” “It was unbelievable,” said KNBC-TV’s Amanda Maynard, after a ride with Ulrich. “It was definitely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It was very cool, very cool. It also gives me a completely different level of respect for these guys. [Ulrich] said they race for 17 laps, but two was good [for me], two and a half was pushing it.” “That was awesome,” said Andrews. “This is nothing like most guys get on a bike and go do. This is like being on Mars as opposed to roaming the Earth. This thing is outstanding. The bike is just incredible. And the tires, just to go through a turn like that. I swear I could pick some daisies as I was going through the turn — they were that close. But then of course, Chris got the gas and I felt I was going to crap my pants, but I didn’t. I was OK. Or at least I’ll check later. “I’ve ridden dirt bikes. I’ve ridden a streetbike through the streets of LA. Riding is riding, except when you’re doing it out here at California Speedway. This is totally different than what most guys do. This is all together something different. This is outstanding. I have a new-found appreciation for the guys who do this week-in and week-out on the professional level. You guys make it look easy. I have a new-found appreciation.” Ulrich set several records for the Team Roadracingworld.com Suzuki two-seat ride-along program Wednesday. Andrews, at 6’6″ and 263 pounds, was the largest person to ever ride on the back of Ulrich’s racebike. With Maynard on board, Ulrich reached a speedometer-indicated 163 mph on California Speedway’s front speedway, surpassing his previous best mark of 160 mph. And with Schwantz as his passenger, Ulrich lapped the 2.36-mile infield road course in 1:38.0, the fastest lap time he has ever turned with a passenger in several years of giving two-seat rides around the track. In fact, Ulrich’s two-up lap time was faster than any of the motorcycle industry journalists at the intro went while riding solo, according to unofficial lap times taken by trackside observers, and within six seconds of the time needed to qualify for last year’s AMA Superstock race at California Speedway. Update: Video of Andrews’ 150-mph ride with Ulrich aired on his late evening news report April 25 on KTLA-TV Channel 5. Andrews said he would have more on his ride during his sports wrap-up show Sunday, April 29.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: The squid (motorcyclown squidus) is found for the most part in the northern hemisphere and tends to be most active during the warmer months in temperate climates. Although he comes in all shapes and colors, he can generally be identified by certain specific behaviors that we have been able to map out after studying him for about 15 years. The squid has a very high opinion of himself. “Modesty” is generally not part of his vocabulary and he often believes that his skills, knowledge and experience level make him something to be admired or at the very least, respected. The squid generally has a fascination with horsepower. In many instances, the obsession is inversely proportional to his actual skill level. However, in the depths of the ocean, skill seems to be measured by the ability to twist the throttle in sixth gear on the interstate. So obviously, the squid can feel his skills grow as he buys increasingly faster motorcycles. The squid is often the best friend of the sales manager, and the worst nightmare of the service department. The parts guy generally has mixed feelings. Indeed, the squid often needs the most expensive accessories to match his awesome skill level. However, the squid also says things like “I need a piston for a blue Yamaha” which signal to the parts guy that the next 15 minutes are not going to be fun. The squid has rituals, generally weekly, which are repeated throughout the riding season and become a major part of his life. They often involve cruising and hanging out on two or three crowded streets on weekends. Like South Street, in Philadelphia. Very little happens during those gatherings which for the most part have an excitement level that ranks somewhere between that of watching paint dry and watching golf on TV. The squid generally stands next to his motorcycle and answers questions from curious passersby. Generally, “how fast can it go?” The squid loves the Internet. It is generally the best place for him to spread his knowledge and tell people how ignorant they are. He can often be identified early by specific items in his signature line. Buzzwords such as “fender eliminator kit” or “flush mounted turn signals.” Indeed, those are considered essential modifications to any self-respecting squid and must be mentioned as part of his signature line. The only people a squid shows any kind of respect for are racers of the Isle of Man TT. On occasion, the squid allows himself to be impressed with some Superbike or Grand Prix racers, even though going through the same corners over and over is not very manly and must be, to the squid’s thinking, rather boring even though he has actually never been on a racetrack himself. But not those pussies on the little 125cc and 250cc bikes with the foreign-sounding names. The squid often seems to have information coming directly from the major factories involved in racing. His statements are to be considered factual and anything else will be met with a healthy dose of aggressiveness (and e-gangsta threats on motorcycle forums). It should be noted, for the sake of accuracy, that not all street riders are squids. Far from it, actually. But the vast majority of squids are street riders, although some squids have been known to purchase a racing license for the sole purpose of increasing their credibility on the street. Papa A. Thiam, Director Monaco Oceanographic Institute Paris, France Papa Thiam is a former motorcycle racer with first-hand experience why Airfence and other soft barriers are a good thing to have in front of an embankment outside a fast corner. He is also a former resident of, and street rider in, Philadelphia, and his writing has been previously published in Roadracing World as well as in Sport Rider magazine..Editor. And now some reader reaction: FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: As a continuation”¦”¦.. Squids also invariably ride with jeans and t-shirts or tank tops only. Jackets are never optional. Full leathers are expensive, so they are deemed not necessary. Squids usually never have a clue about which rider is involved in what series: Max Biaggi is now in AMA, Mat Mladin is in MotoGP, Dani Pedrosa is in BSB. (British Superbike). Knowledge is POWER!! (Sarcastic) Squids believe that because they can do a good or excellent wheelie that this translates to “knowing how to ride” Squids usually conduct lanesplitting at an incredibly ridiculous pace thinking they will NEVER get hit. Squids will usually buy the best liter bike available then either wreck it or run it into the ground before putting on some decent mileage. When said squid buys the latest and greatest why do they spend $100 on the cheapest helmet with the “coolest” graphics? Could it be that they don’t believe an Arai, Suomy, Shoei, etc. is necessary because it’s expensive? Just my 2 cents, but hey what do I know? I’m just a guy who has been riding for a number of years, been involved in an accident before and respects the road, the track and racers who make the sport what it is. Squids respect “Biker Boyz” and “Torque” Maurice Thune Anaheim, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I love it, finally someone writes a commentary on the nature and behavior of Street Squids, who happen to be a big pet peeve of mine. Living 2 blocks behind MMI in Phoenix, I am surrounded by them. Papa nailed it head on but lets not forget that the Street Squid also thinks that they are invincible and thus, does not need any protective gear such as a helmet, long sleeve shirt or pants. Or if they own a helmet, it’s attached to the passenger seat (assumably because it offers them more protection there than on their head) Around here, especially in the summer, you can find them with no helmet, tank tops, shorts and often time, flip flops. And I’ve also found that Street Squids that own Suzuki GSXR models all call them Gixxers. I don’t know why but I’ve never like the way that sounds. Calling a Ducati a Duc I can handle but Gixxer? It’s a GSXR, not a Gixxer. Here’s hoping that Suzuki never coins that nickname in any of their advertising for any of the GSXR models. Anyways, I just had to write in and say Props to Papa – it made me laugh and I’m with ya 100%!! Dorina Groves Phoenix, Arizona Dorina Groves worked as the Media Manager For the AMA Superbike Series in 2002…Editor.

Win a new DUCATI 1098 Super Bike Eastern Cycle DUCATI of Beverly, Massachusetts has contributed a 2007, 1098 DUCATI Motorcycle to the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline Massachusetts. The 1098 DUCATI Superbike will be raffled for $25 per ticket or five tickets for $100 with all proceeds benefiting the non-profit Museum.. The drawing for the 1098 DUCATI will be held August 5, 2007 during the TUTTO ITALIANO, Italian Car and Motorcycle event held on the Museum¹s grounds. Raffle tickets can be purchased directly by visiting Eastern Cycle DUCATI in Beverly, on-line at www.easterncycle ducati.com, or at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, www.mot.org. All proceeds will benefit the Larz Anderson Auto Museum that has served New England for fifty-years as a non-profit educational center in a beloved park setting capturing panoramic views to Boston from the former Gilded Age estate’s terraces. The Museum is recognized on a world scene for its lawn events, lectures by renowned designers, engineers, and racers, and for exhibiting America¹s oldest automobile collection within its preserved carriage house built in 1888 — a castle-like setting bequeathed in 1948 by Isabel Weld Perkins, wife of US Ambassador Larz Anderson. As long-time supporters of the Larz Anderson Museum programs and events, Eastern Cycle Ducati is also recognized as a motor sport leader. Thirty-six years in business makes them the oldest, most experienced Italian motorcycle dealerships in New England. Owner, Steve Keegan and the team, Randy Pawlyk, Paul D’Franco, and Gido Brasse pride themselves on being a “traditional” shop where one-on-one customer service from professional staff provides level of service you should expect when purchasing, tuning, or modifying a high-end European motorcycle. Eastern sells and services Ducati, MV Augusta, Moto-Guzzi and Benelli and stocks a full-line of accessories and apparel.

HONDA IS BACK IN AMA SUPERSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP PICKERINGTON, Ohio (April 25, 2007) The AMA Supersport Championship has long been sponsored by Pro Honda Oils, but it’s been four years since Honda has seriously contested the highly competitive series. Last week at Barber Motorsports Park Josh Hayes rode to a convincing victory on his Erion Honda CBR600RR in the second round of the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei. This Sunday, April 29 the Supersport series moves to California Speedway in Fontana with Honda’s Hayes tied atop the standings with Daytona winner Roger Lee Hayden, of the Monster Energy Kawasaki team. Hayes not only won last weekend, but he ran away and hid from the rest of the field. It was Hayes’ first Supersport victory and marked the first win in the class for Honda since 2003. It was a surprising turn of events in the class that saw the Kawasaki’s of Hayden and Jamie Hacking dominate the field in the Daytona season opener. “My expectations were really high coming into the season,” Hayes said. “There are so many fast guys. This class has a really deep field this year. Winning last week and to do it for Honda for the first time in a long time, and to do it on this new motorcycle was fantastic. I think it’s great that we have Jamie [Hacking] and me, champions in two different classes going head to head this year.” Hayes will try to give Honda its first Fontana Supersport win. Hacking, the defending and two-time series champ and last year’s winner at Fontana, was involved in spectacular chain reaction crash at the end of the first lap at Barber. The melee was triggered when Hacking high-sided his Kawasaki coming onto the front straight. As he was sliding, M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Geoff May had nowhere to go, hit Hacking’s bike and launched his motorcycle high into the air. The rest of the field did an outstanding job missing the downed Hacking and May. Both riders were unable to make the restart. Hacking dropped from second to 11th in the standings. May from ninth to 18th. Both were banged up in the crash, but are expected to race in Fontana. Hacking’s teammate Roger Lee Hayden is tied for the series lead with Hayes. Hayden suffered a practice crash last week and rode injured. Hayden was still able to score a fifth-place finish. “I wasn’t feeling 100 percent, but I put in as much as I could to get the most points as possible,” said Hayden after the race. Yoshimura Suzuki’s Tommy Hayden is another two-time Supersport champion. He comes to Fontana third in the standings. “We were definitely competitive [at Barber] but we just had a few issues that held us back a little bit. I think we can resolve those before the race at Fontana next weekend.” Attack Kawasaki’s Steve Rapp proved he is also a contender for the Supersport championship this year by scoring his first podium in the class last weekend. The same can be said for 16-year-old phenom Josh Herrin of Graves Yamaha. Herrin was second in Alabama and Rapp third. Rapp is fourth in the standings, one point ahead of Herrin. Sunday’s Pro Honda Supersport final is part of the AMA Suzuki Superbike Challenge at California Speedway in Fontana, Calif., on April 27-29. The Supersport race will be shown on SPEED Sunday, May 6 at 3 pm Eastern. Tickets for the AMA Suzuki Superbike Challenge are available online at www.californiaspeedway.com Admission is free for ages 12 and under with a paid adult General Admission.

April 25th 2007, Glendale California- A second edition of the popular riding techniques book, A Twist of the Wrist I by Keith Code is being reprinted in German and will contain Notes and a Forward by 2005 World 125 GP Champion Thomas Lüthi. The original version of A Twist of the Wrist contained a Forward by 3 time World 500 GP Champion Wayne Rainey and commentary side notes from 4 time World 500 GP Champion Eddie Lawson. The second edition in German will continue to include Lawson’s notes, now at the end of the chapters, and will feature Lüthi’s notes in the side columns as well as all new graphics. This re-edited version of A Twist of the Wrist showcases the impressive lineage of World Champion contributors from the 80’s, 90’s and now into the 2000’s, spanning 8 world championships. Keith Code felt that Thomas Lüthi was the perfect candidate for writing the notes for the second edition in German because, as he says, “Thomas Lüthi is the product of the California Superbike school training which is based on data covered in the books, and is a shining example of the workability of the concepts and the schools theory and techniques.” Lüthi began racing mini-bikes at the age of 8 and riding a 125 at 14, while his real racing started in the German championships on a proper 125 GP bike. He rode for eight years without any formal training and it wasn’t until 2004 when his sponsor and student of the California Superbike School, Peter Kern said that Lüthi must attend the school. “The first day at the School was boring for me,” says Lüthi in the Forward of the book. “I rode around on a 600 and I thought that the schools would do nothing for me. I decided to complete the School just to keep Daniel Epp (my manager and the team owner) and Peter happy. But then I tried the techniques (taken from this book) more and more on my 125GP bike and then I discovered that I was getting very fast, step-by-step! Then I could see the difference and I really started to believe in the techniques. “Everyone is different,” explains Lüthi, “some riders can do it alone and be fast. Some riders need to be shown the way to be faster. For me I needed to be shown the way. It worked; in 2005 I won the 125 World Championship.” In February 2005 Andy Ibbott, director of the European, Middle Eastern and African arm of the California Superbike School took on the role of private coach for Lüthi. Together they travel to all of the races and test days. “When I was asked to work with Thomas,” said Ibbott, “I looked at his previous seasons and could see that he was fast but also crashed a lot. It was obvious he had a lot of natural talent but it was unfocused, he didn’t know why he was fast and why he crashed so much. “Thomas was a really quick learner and was soon putting all the tech from the book into good use. The proof came at the end of the year when he set five pole positions, one lap record, four race wins and won the Championship!” A Twist of the Wrist I was first published in the USA in 1983 and has remained a world wide bestseller ever since. It has been translated into German, French and Japanese and can be purchased at any bookstore or online through the California Superbike School website at www.superbikeschool.com For more information call the office at 1-800-530-3350 or visit the website Twist Of The Wrist ~http://www.atwistofthewrist.com~

Read about it here: ~http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sections/sports/other/~

This just in from a reader in England: FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Andrew Wright is in the UK, he is in Nottingham tomorrow wants to go to London then on to Italy. He says that some investment company are going to invest 2 million Euro into Mondial, which according to the internet is that he lost his money and asset strippers took over Mondial. He has no money and is trying to borrow the money to travel.