Funeral services for Chris McCauley will be held on Thursday (4/19/07) at 3:30 p.m. at the Calvary Chapel – Mission Viejo. Calvary Chapel 24821 Chrisanta Dr Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (949) 951-9678 Also, tribute website has been setup in honor of Chris. Infomation about the funeral service can be found on the web site. Please visit: ~http://www.chris515.com/~
IRVINE, Calif., April 18, 2007 – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation will host its annual So-Cal Free Ride – Experienced RiderCourseSM classes on May 4, 5 and 6 at the Verizon Amphitheater parking lot in Irvine, Calif. As in previous years, MSF will provide this valuable update training at no charge. However, class availability is limited. The MSF Experienced RiderCourse provides a great opportunity for riders to renew their overall motorcycle control and safety skills using their own motorcycle in a closed-range setting. Students must have a motorcycle endorsement on their drivers license and possess proof of insurance for the motorcycle. Motorcycles must be in safe operating condition and will be inspected at the beginning of each class. Students also must provide their own riding gear which at a minimum should include a D.O.T.- approved helmet, eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face shield) long-sleeve shirt or jacket, full-fingered gloves (preferably leather), long non-flare denim pants and over-the-ankle footwear (no canvas or cloth athletic shoes). Classes will be held in the afternoon of Friday, May 4, plus morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6. Each class will last four to five hours. To register for a Free Ride ERC class participants must use the California Motorcyclist Safety Program on-line registration system. Visit www.ca-msp.org and click on the ‘RiderCourse Information’ button or: https://online.msf-usa.org/CMSPEnroll/Enroll/EnrollIntro.aspx Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call 800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.
Since last month’s announcement of the first NATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY, women from across Canada and the United States have been contacting each other, as well as campaign organizer Vicki Gray, to make arrangements to be on their motorcycles on May 4th. NATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY, now slotted each year for the first Friday in May, appeals to females who ride, own or have access to a motorcycle. Friday, May 4 asks women to get on their bikes and “JUST RIDE”. No matter what style of motorcycle — sport, cruiser, scooter, dual purpose, street, off-road or dirt — NATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY aims to highlight the many numbers of females currently active in motorcycling and heighten awareness of female riders, inspiring those who have not yet taken it up. Not surprisingly to Vicki, NATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY has found support among riders, dealers and manufacturers in Canada, but she was very pleased to see so much support coming from across the border. For 2007, the event remains a national event, but as intended, 2008 will include an even broader community. “The aim of the campaign is to raise female rider awareness, promote those who already ride, while simultaneously encouraging other females to take up the activity,” says Vicki Gray, campaign organizer. “The ‘day’ places a spotlight on female riders,” she adds. Vicki Gray is a motorcycle racer, instructor, and coach, who has been riding since 1983. Originally, from Ontario, she got hooked on motorcycling when taking the rider training course in Nova Scotia, motivated by the need for an outlet away from her demanding career at Revlon International. Since then, she has taught motorcycle riding to thousands of beginners, trained police in the Caribbean (Netherlands Antilles), raced throughout Europe, co-instructed with MotoGP racer Katja Poensgen, partnered events with famed TT Circuit Assen, and co-hosted a television program for the Discovery Channel. Not long after relocating to Europe, Vicki started competing in motorcycle racing and founded RaceGirl Motorsport in 1999, a training and support community headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She also built renowned global brand RaceGirl and its popular website (www.racegirlmotorsport.com) — the first of its kind depicting female motorcycle riders in a sportive, strong and feminine role. Her courses, track days, workshops and rider training methods encourage women motorcyclists and continue to develop the female riding community. Vicki has returned to Canada taking her 24 years of first hand experience and applying it to an even broader mission with the introduction of her new brand MOTORESS, providing resource, training and support as well as sustaining a community where females can flourish in all diversities of motorcycling.
KAWASAKI READY TO FIGHT AGAIN IN ISTANBUL The well-deserved three-week break after the Spanish GP comes to an end this week with the Kawasaki Racing Team heading now to Asia for this weekend’s Grand Prix of Turkey at the stunning circuit of Istanbul Park. An anti-clockwise circuit with a total of 14 turns at which Kawasaki’s Randy de Puniet and Olivier Jacque will try to make up for the performance showed in Jerez at the second round of the 2007 season. After racing in Losail and Jerez, which held preseason tests prior to the GP’s, this weekend will be the first occasion this year for all MotoGP teams and riders to ride at the undulating 5.340 km Turkish circuit. Randy de Puniet is ready to make another step forward in the development of the Ninja ZX-RR after the successful two-day test that the Kawasaki Racing Team did in Jerez after a race at which the results were below expectations. The new rear suspension and chassis settings as well as some improvements on the engine side, means the 26-year-old faces with confidence his 20th MotoGP appearance. After having qualified sixth under the rain, his best grid position up to then, Randy de Puniet finished last year’s Turkish GP in twelfth position and collected the first MotoGP points of his career. Much more mature and experienced now, higher are the Frenchman’s expectations for this year’s race. De Puniet’s fellow countryman, Olivier Jacque, also worked hard during the tests in Jerez focusing on suspension and chassis set up. A different rear suspension configuration and the new front fork used there gave him a boost after the hard weekend he went through in Spain. Istanbul Park is not a mystery for the 33-year-old rider, who rode there for the Kawasaki Racing Team in 2005 as a replacement for the injured Alex Hoffmann. But this time, as a factory rider, there won’t be any excuses and he is certainly going to fight and put in the performance expected from a former World Champion. Even though the Bridgestone tyres were not very well suited in the past to the low-friction Istanbul circuit, the Kawasaki Racing Team is confident about the tyre’s choice they made for this race weekend after the positive test done in Qatar and following their Bridgestone technicians’ advice. With the tyres pretty much decided and the satisfactory improvements tested in Jerez, now it is time for the riders and their respective crews to put everything together in a bid to get the best result of the season for the Kawasaki Racing Team in Sunday’s 22-lap Turkish GP. Randy de Puniet Kawasaki MotoGP Pilot #14 “I am really looking forward to this weekend’s race. My beginning of the season was not as good as I expected it to be but Jerez was kind of a turning point. We improved a lot the bike during the tests and I left with a good feeling, which makes me face the Turkish GP with a lot of confidence. However, I don’t want to be under any illusions. Istanbul Park is a nice and fast circuit; I like it! Last year it was difficult to set up the bike but I hope this time, with a year of experience, it is going to be easier. The part that I like the least is the final one, after the back straight. It is too small and slow. It is difficult to say in which position I will finish but for sure I will try my best this weekend.” Olivier Jacque Kawasaki MotoGP Pilot #19 “We didn’t have much time to rest since we started in January and this break has been great for all of us to recharge batteries and come back stronger. Now I’m really excited about getting back on the bike, and even more after the successful tests we did in Jerez. The race there was a nightmare for me, but the tests let me leave with a better taste in my mouth. I’m really eager to try the engine improvements in Istanbul. I like the track; it’s quite surprising with all its ups and downs and the first high-speed corner. Definitely, we will need a powerful engine but we cannot forget the last section, which requires an easy handling bike. We don’t know what to expect but I will be happy if I can finish among the first ten riders.” Ichiro Yoda Kawasaki Racing Director “Jerez race wasn’t what we were expecting but we left with a very positive feeling. We tested our bike in full wet conditions for the first time as well as a new chassis, some new parts and made adjustments on the geometry to make it better handling. Rear traction, one of the main issues during the weekend, was improved and so was rider’s performance. We also checked some engine parts which seemed to make the engine work better, especially in acceleration. Istanbul is a technical and low-friction circuit that combines fast and low speed sections. Last year’s race was difficult, not only for Bridgestone but also for Kawasaki, but we both have improved since then. It is a fast track and we could be a little handicapped there but sure we will do better with respect to Jerez. The target is always the same one: finish in the top ten. However, we are not going to know where we are until the first practice. We still can improve the bike three or four tenths and I am confident we will do it if we keep working in that direction.”
HONDA MEN ON TURKISH MISSION TO REEL IN ROSSI Pressure is on the increase as riders contemplate this third round race at the imposing Istanbul Park track. Honda men have done well here in the two previous races, none better than Marco Melandri (Gresini Honda RC212V) who has won both premier class races held here, in 2005 and last season. The Italian challenger could do with a strong result here on Sunday as he currently lies in fifth place overall in the World Championship points table with 19 points to leader Rossi’s 45. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC212V) is second equal with Casey Stoner (Ducati) on 36 points. As this intensely paced season gathers momentum riders are keen to prevent anyone beginning to dominate results to the extent that a sizeable points gap opens out. No one will be more conscious of that than reigning World Champion Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC212V) who lies sixth at the moment with 17 points. But the dogged American has tasted success here in Turkey with a stirring ride to third place last year. It was enough to aid his quest to win in motorcycle racing and he will be hoping to go even better here this weekend in a bid to close the gap on his title rivals. There has been no pre-season testing here and so this challenging 5.430km track will be fresh to all riders this weekend bringing the new tyre regulations in the premier class this year into sharp focus. With just 14 fronts and 17 rears available to each rider choice of rubber will be critical. This circuit, situated on the Asian side of the huge city of Istanbul, is one of the better ‘new’ circuits to be built. It features six right-hand turns, a medium-length 720m straight and eight left-hand turns. Designed by Hermann Tilke, the man responsible for the Shanghai track, the Otodrom International Circuit is something of a pastiche of existing circuits. Turns one and two are an unashamed copy of the Senna Esses at Sao Paulo while turn 11 mimics Eau Rouge at Spa Francorchamps. A high degree of varied elevation makes many corner entries blind and extremely challenging. Turn eight is a double-apex high-speed left that demands inch-perfect precision riding and raw nerve of a rare degree. This corner is critical for a good lap time entry, mid-turn and exit are all equally important get any parts wrong and the time penalty is a heavy one. Dani said, “I’m feeling ready for this race because there has been a big break and I’m sure all the riders are excited about the weekend. We haven’t tested the new 800cc bikes at this track, unlike in Qatar and Spain, so everyone will face the same questions: what to do and how to do it with regard to the bike, tyres and the whole package. We will have to see if the weather works in our favour to make this process easier and allows us to make good use of all of the practice time. With the new tyre rules it’s difficult to predict how things will work out. A lot will depend on the meeting with Michelin on Thursday when we’ll look at the tyre plan and the weather forecast and decide on the strategy whether to go for a risky one or safety. It should be an interesting weekend for everyone.” Nicky Hayden said, “It’s been a good few weeks off and so I’m definitely looking forward to getting back into it in Turkey and really getting the summer started. Istanbul Park is quite a cool track, especially with that fast 5th gear corner. On the 990cc bike that corner was wild, though on these bikes it might not really be a corner any more it’ll be interesting to see how the 800s feel through there. It’s a really good track and I like the layout because it’s got some serious elevation changes. Turn One’s really technical and TV doesn’t really do that corner justice. People at home don’t really see how blind the entry is and what a drop off there is, so that’s pretty fun. It’s been a decent track to me in the past and I’m looking forward to racing there again.” “The Jerez test was really important,” said Marco. “We’ve taken a step forward and that allows me to look ahead with confidence to Istanbul, a special circuit that holds wonderful memories for me. I scored my first MotoGP victory there in 2005, the first time we had visited the circuit. In 2006 I repeated the win after a breathtaking battle with Casey Stoner. I like the track a lot it’s balanced and technical, characterised by frequent changes in direction and pace. I’m confident that the feeling we found in the test, my determination to have fun, and the good memories I have of this circuit will give me the ammunition I need.” His team-mate Toni Elias (Gresini Honda RC212V) said, “I feel really motivated ahead of the trip to Istanbul. That fourth place at Jerez and the work we completed in the test after the race has given me optimism because we took a big step forward with the set-up and the feeling with the tyres has improved once again. Istanbul is a circuit I like a lot because there are so many elevation changes, hard braking areas, a mixture of fast and slow corners and I have always been fast there. Last year I made a good fight-back from twelfth to fifth place and even set a new circuit record!” Carlos Checa (LCR Honda RC212V) said, “I like the Turkish track and after the good results we got in Jerez testing I feel very confident. However we must continue our progression with set-up and tyres as we’ve never been here before on this bike. I hope the weather conditions remain uniform for the whole weekend so we can do a good job in the practice.” Shinya Nakano (Konica Minolta Honda RC212V) said, “Our test after Jerez was very good for us as we managed to get the feeling from the front of the bike that I need for my riding style. This was in the wet, but this is the same feeling we’re chasing for the bike in the dry conditions too. This data is important, as once I have found a setting to give me the same feeling in the dry, then I know we will go much faster. I’m hoping we can find this at Turkey as I want to push hard and get even better results.” “We’ve got to get back to where we were at the end of last season at the right end of the grid,” said Kenny Roberts (Roberts KR212V). “Everyone’s working hard and in Turkey everyone starts from the same position in terms of set-up so we’ve got to make sure we’re real smart about how we use our tyres in all the sessions.” In the 250cc class all riders will be aiming to halt the progress of Jorge Lorenzo (Aprilia) who has a perfect record so far this season of two poles and two wins. Andrea Dovizioso (Scot Honda RS250RW) lies third in the overall standings so far and the determined Italian knows he needs a big result to haul in runaway Lorenzo. His team-mate Yuki Takahashi (Scot Honda RS250RW) is now nearing full fitness after breaking a leg at the end of last season and the tough Japanese rider will be aiming to get even closer to the lead riders after scoring two top ten finishes so far this year. Dovi said, “The Istanbul track isn’t among my favourites, it’s technical and very fast and last year I made only a few laps in dry conditions because it rained on the second day of qualifying. Despite this I managed a third place in the race and I hope to get a good result also this year.” His team-mate Takahashi said, “I like it here and I think that as I get fitter I stand a good chance of doing well here. From Jerez race until now I’m getting into much better shape and I’m confident. Last year I got a good position (5th) and I want at least a repeat of that.” Thai rider Ratthapark Wilairot (Stop And Go Racing Honda RS250RW) said, “This will be the first time this year that we’re going to a circuit that will be completely new for me and I’ll have to focus on learning the track on Friday and also adapting myself to the bike as we’ll also work on the set-up of the machine. It won’t be easy, but I’m up for the challenge as I will have to learn many tracks this year.” Honda riders are having a hard time in the 125cc class so far this season and all will be anxious to reel in the class leaders. Bradley Smith (Repsol Honda RS125R) and Esteve Rabat (Repsol Honda RS125R) will be going all out to elevate themselves in the points table. Mike di Meglio (Scot Honda RS125R) will not race here in Turkey after an operation on the shoulder he injured in a big crash at Jerez. But he will be on the grid at Shanghai in early May. “I’m not able to move it yet. The fracture is too young and the operation too recent. But in China I’ll be there!!” Kev Coghlan, a 19-year-old Scotsman, will get a ride with Team Scot this weekend. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be given a Grand Prix ride and with such a high quality team as Team Scot is fantastic. It’s been frantic trying to get everything ready but I am sure it will be well worth it. I can’t wait!”
Steve Martin Left Speechless by Spanish Sagas The third round of the Superbike World Championship at Valencia in Spain proved another saga filled race meeting for Steve Martin, with the ongoing events of the weekend leaving him speechless. The vastly experienced Aussie rider was initially left perplexed when he was approached by fellow countryman Andrew Pitt, informing him that the DFX team had contacted him about testing the Honda CBR1000 machine. This news was then compounded when, due to a lack of mechanics, team-mate Michel Fabrizio’s father was brought in as a substitute mechanic for Steve, having never worked in a Superbike paddock before. Steve explained, “I’m pleased that Andrew came and spoke to me as at least we were able to have a good chat and establish how things stood. But needless to say it was a bit of a shocker and what with that and then finding out about my mechanic situation, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry!” And with the bikes arriving at Valencia directly from the previous round at Donington, without any mechanical preparation or set up work, Steve’s crew chief and chief mechanic had their work cut out from the start. Steve spent much of the first free practice session setting up the new HRC electronic system on his number one bike, which proved a much welcomed benefit to his Honda’s performance and helped Steve achieve 7th position in the morning timesheet. A quick shifter problem and other niggling mechanical set-backs during the afternoon dry qualifying session caused Steve to switch to his number two bike, but, this didn’t have the new electronic system set up and, coupled with only minutes remaining of the qualifying session meant that Steve was unable to improve his lap time and qualify anywhere near his capability. With a downpour on Saturday morning meaning that no riders would be able to better their lap times and therefore improve their qualifying positions from the previous day, Steve used the second qualifying session to set up the electronic system on his second bike as the quick shifter issue with his first bike remained unresolved. “Although that session was wet, we were able to achieve quite a lot with the set up and I ended that session in 10th position, which wasn’t bad for an hour’s work,” Steve continued. Still lapping on wet tyres for Saturday afternoon’s second free practice session, Steve high sided coming out of turn one in the slippery conditions. Fortunately, he walked away with only minor bruising, but damage in the form of a hole was caused to the clutch cover, although this did not become apparent until race two when it provided the channel for an oil leak oil, on to Steve’s boot and bike. “For the morning warm up on Sunday I just rode round to shake down the bike ready for the race, as there was no point in pushing for a lap time and I also wanted to preserve the bike as it was the only one I had that was set up,” Steve explained. He continued, “Although the track was still damp, everyone started race one on slicks and up until lap nine, when my race was over, I had achieved the second fastest lap time of the race behind James Toseland. It was at this point, having managed to catch up with the group of riders who were dicing for the sixth position, that the throttle assembly just fell off my handle bar and almost caused me to crash!” Race two proved another bitter disappointment, when an oil leak sprayed oil over Steve’s boots causing the gritty rider to call it a day and be forced to retire into the pits on lap 14, concluding the weekend of woe. Steve said, “It is obvious the team is not putting a great deal of effort or funds in to my side of the team, due to the underlying situation regarding my ride and team’s lack of funds. We have had so many stupid, and potentially dangerous problems caused due to lack of experienced people. I have a fantastic crew chief and first mechanic but it’s too much pressure on them and unfair to rely on two people to do the work of five when also, there’s just not enough time even if it was possible. Therefore mistakes get made and it’s as simple as that.” Steve stayed on at Valencia for a test the next day and, following a first lap out oil leak, was able to consistently improve on his lap time to finish the day over a second faster than his best race lap time from the day before, on the same tyres and with a hotter and more slippery track surface. Steve commented, “That test was probably the best test I have had with the team. We finally got the chance to work with the suspension settings and new electronic system and now I’m pretty confident we are in the best position that we have been in all year! “So I’m looking forward to Assen as the bike should be ready to go when we get there as we’ve already achieved improvements from the one day test, rather than being in the usual situation of having to test new things on the Friday of the race meeting. “We’ve got a week at home now before heading to Assen for the next round and in that time I’ll be keeping up my training and looking for a new ride, as I now know that Monza will definitely be my last race with the DFX team. “I’m bitterly disappointed that the team hasn’t delivered all that it promised at the start of the season but, at the same time, there is an element of relief over the situation as there is just no point continuing the season with just more of the same, as that no good for me or my bike crew. “Now I’m just trying to look onwards and upwards, enjoy the next two races as much as possible and do my best to sort out a ride for the rest of the season.” Steve’s Weekend Round Up Friday 1st Free Practice: 7th – 1:36.574 1st Qualifying Practice: 21st – 1:37.403 Saturday 2nd Qualifying Practice: 10th – 1:53.868 Overall Combined Qualifying: 21st 2nd Free Practice: 14th – 1:56.210 Superpole: n/a Sunday Warm Up: 17th – 1:52.625 Race 1: DNF (lap 9 with a throttle falling off the handle bar) fastest lap 1:37.321 Race 2: DNF (lap 14 with an oil leak) fastest lap 1:37.063
With Team Stargel Yamaha rider Brian Stokes recovering from injuries sustained before the AMA Daytona kick off, team owner Rocky Stargel has brought Daytona team substitute rider, Tony Meiring, to ride at this weekend’s Barber Round. Stargel commented, “Tony did a fantastic job for us at Daytona. He came in with no time on our bikes and impressed us with his work ethic, his desire to produce and his professionalism and he did the job. Brian is still sidelined so the choice was obvious.” Team Stargel Yamaha and Meiring will be competing in Formula Xtreme and Supersport on the Michelin shod Stargel R6s. “We have been working non-stop since Daytona to give Tony the best weapon with which to compete. Leo Vince, all the guys at BRC and Kevin at KWS have given us considerable help to bring our best to the track. Anyone who thinks Xtreme and Supersport are easy classes need only look at who we’re up against. Josh Hayes is running great, the M4 EMGO guys are running hungry and all the teams are out to show the racing world who is best. It’s a huge challenge and we’re not a huge team but we’re going in to show everyone we’re a force.” commented Stargel
TOOELE VALLEY, UTAH “” A once-in-a-lifetime experience will be available to motorcycle enthusiasts when Racing 2 Save Lives (R2SL) returns to Miller Motorsports Park May 3-6, as four lucky auction winners will be able to have a hour of exclusive on-track training with motorcycle racing superstars Eric or Ben Bostrom. R2SL will hold an auction on its website, www.racing2savelives.org, starting at 5:00 pm MT on Wednesday, April 18, and ending at 11:59 pm MT on Friday, April 27, offering two one-hour sessions with Eric Bostrom and two one-hour sessions with Ben Bostrom. The on-track sessions are scheduled for 10:30 am 11:30 am on Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 6. R2SL is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children’s charities by raising awareness, involvement, and capital within the motorcycling community through donations, corporate sponsorship and fund-raising events. All profits generated by R2SL, including the auction proceeds, will be distributed among carefully selected organizations that have a significant impact on the lives of children-in-need, and their families. The Bostrom brothers have been strong supporters of R2SL since its inception, and admit to enjoying the tutoring sessions as much as the auction winners. “In an hour you can learn a lot,” said Ben. “Usually only a factory rider gets this chance. To have the track to themselves with an instructor is huge.” “It’s a unique opportunity all the way around,” Eric concurred, “especially at a world-class facility like Miller, and the bonus is that it’s for a good cause!” During the four-day R2SL event, motorcycle riders will be able to ride on Miller Motorsports Park’s state-of-the-art track on both street and racing bikes, with separate tracks set up for each group. The R2SL event represents the best value in motorcycle track time of the season at MMP. Riders interested in participating should visit the R2SL website at www.racing2savelives.org, where classes and fees are detailed. Last year, R2SL attracted a record 350 participants and raised $65,000, half of which was distributed through Larry H. Miller Charities, and $27,000 of which went directly to the Tooele and Grantsville school districts. The event is open to both street and racing bikes, with separate tracks set up for each group. The R2SL event represents the best value in motorcycle track time of the season at MMP. Riders interested in participating should visit the R2SL website at www.racing2savelives.org, where classes and fees are detailed. Spectator tickets for Riding 2 Save Lives at Miller Motorsports Park are on sale now. Trackside Viewing tickets are priced at only $5. Tickets can be purchased at the Miller Motorsports Park Welcome Center or online at www.ticketmaster.com. As always, Trackside Viewing tickets for children aged 12 and under are free of charge at Miller Motorsports Park. Miller Motorsports Park is a state-of-the-art, multi-configurational road racing circuit located in Tooele, Utah, just 25 minutes from Salt Lake City. The 500-acre facility, which earned the prestigious “2006 Motorsports Facility of the Year” award from the Professional Motorsports World Expo, includes the 4.5-mile main circuit as well as a 0.9-mile karting/Supermoto circuit. Miller Motorsports Park is also home to the Ford Racing Performance Training Center; Freddie Spencer’s High-Performance Riding School; the Race Fanzz retail store; the Larry H. Miller Auto Museum; and a 22,000-sq.ft. Clubhouse which offers a variety of membership packages for motorsports enthusiasts. For more information, visit the track’s website at www.millermotorsportspark.com or call (435) 277-8500. For more information about Racing 2 Save Lives, visit their website at www.racing2savelives.org.
Jett Chandler, in only his fourth ever race weekend, impressed the Arroyo Seco Motorcycle Association (ASMA) regulars by taking Expert class wins in Unlimited Superstock, Middleweight Superstock and Middleweight Superbike on his Supersport-spec, Dunlop-equipped, 2007-model Honda CBR600RR. Chandler’s only non-win was a second place finish behind former ASMA Champion Roger Heemsbergen in Formula Arroyo Unlimited GP. Chandler and father Doug Chandler made the most of the Saturday practice day by putting in many laps of the difficult, technical, 1.4-mile Arroyo Seco Raceway. After some minor setup changes and some coaching from the three-time AMA Superbike Champion, the junior Chandler settled into lap times in the mid-1:11 second range that he was able to repeat on race day. Two out of three of Jett Chandler’s wins were closely fought, including some unintentional contact with fellow competitor Alejandro Pino in the Unlimited Superstock race. Pino, riding a Dunlop-equipped Suzuki GSX-R600, passed Chandler in turn two on the last lap of the seven-lap race. Chandler fought back and got around Pino two corners later. In the next corner, Chandler used a different line, the two riders made contact and Pino crashed out. Pino injured his hand and was unable to continue. Chandler’s other hard fought race was the Middleweight Superbike race, where he battled series regular Hunter Shingler. Shingler, riding his Pirelli-equipped Kawasaki ZX-6RR, took the lead early, but was passed on the second lap by Jett Chandler. Shingler was never more than a few bike lengths behind Chandler for the entire race. Domningo Degrazia, riding his Dunlop-equipped Yamaha YZF-R6, recovered from a bad start and caught the leaders two laps into the seven-lap race. Degrazia was clearly the best of the three on the brakes at the end of the long back straight, showing Shingler a wheel and briefly coming past into the sweeping carousel corner, but Degrazia left his best for the last lap, outbraking both Chandler and Shingler to take the lead into the carousel corner. Degrazia carried just a bit too much speed, ran wide, and was re-passed by Chandler at the exit of the same corner. Degrazia then lost the drag race with Shingler to the finish line. The finishing order was Chandler, Shingler, and Degrazia. Heemsbergen won two races on the day: Heavyweight Superbike and Formula Arroyo Unlimited GP. Heemsbergen pulled out to a comfortable lead in each race and controlled the pace on his Pirelli-equipped Suzuki GSX-R750. Heemsbergen, clearly the fastest rider on the day with laps in the 1:09s, was not challenged for the win in either race. Degrazia rebounded from his heartbreak in the Middleweight Superbike race by winning the Unlimited Superbike race. He battled early with Hunter Shingler, but Shingler dropped out of the race with an unspecified problem. Series regular and first-year Expert Kevin Edgington took the holeshot but dropped out of the race early, leaving the battle to Degrazia and series newcomer Rich Derousse on his Honda CBR1000RR. Derousse was able to match the pace of Degrazia but could not pass Degrazia and had to settle for second place. Other race winners: Ken Murray (Suzuki SV650S) – Lightweight Superbike and Lightweight GP, Thomas McFarland (Suzuki GSX-R1000) – Formula 40, Mike Ortiz (Honda CBR900RR) – Modern Vintage, Mike Browne (Ducati 999S) – Heavyweight Twins. Arroyo Seco Raceway is located near Deming, NM. For more information, visit ~http://www.ASMAracing.com~ or call Roger Heemsbergen at 505-494-4794. More, from a press release issued by Rubanatug Racing: Rubanatug Racing Continues New Racer Support Package (NRSP) Program Round #2 of the Arroyo Seco Motorcyclist Association Roadracing Series (www.asmaracing.com) was held on April 14th – 15th in Deming, NM and the New Racer Support Package Program offered by Rubanatug Racing (www.rubanatugracing.com) was once again in full swing. This months contest offered a full support package to THREE new racers for the License Clinic, gate fees, bike preparation, bike transportation, pit help and entry fees into the Beginner Race. Details of the contest were given in this earlier press release dated April 3, 2007: ~https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=28612~ Rubanatug Racing brought out our 3 NRSP winners to the track this past weekend and as an added bonus, two of the people that entered the contest, but did not win, decided to come to Arroyo Seco and race anyway. Talk about a serendipitous turn of events! Twelve (12) new racers took the Saturday License Clinic and 11 of them raced on Sunday (gravity ended one weekend early). Through the efforts of Roger Heemsbergen (track owner) and Phil Neuzil (race school instructor) who allowed a group of fellow racers to work with the License School students, almost everyone received one-on-one training. The contest winners were – Chuck Kiley (Phoenix), Doug Smith (Tucson) and Nia Pinnow (Phoenix). All three of the NRSP winners displayed ear-to-ear grins all weekend and will continue racing the ASMA Series the remainder of the season. Special mention should be given to Nia, who entered the contest and raced without ever haven ridden a road bike prior to this weekend’s races. She is undoubtedly one of the more impressive 15 year old girls you will ever meet. Check out the NRSP winners Race Reports in the “blog” section of our website. Thank you to all those that helped make this weekend a huge success. Please watch the Rubanatug Racing website for future announcements and additions to the New Racer Support Package Program as we work to expand and improve it for future events.
Team Alpha Boilers Racing took on the awesome Landshaag race held on the open roads of Austria on the 14th 15th April. Klaus Klaffenböck and his sidecar passenger Christian Parzer won the tough races while superbike rider Michael Witzeneder finished second in his three races Irish Champion, Martin Finnegan was also present to cheer on his team from the side lines. The Landshaag is the only pure road race in Austria, held on a mountain course which is short but difficult. The track istself is dangerous, bumpy and of course up hill! The sunny conditions brought out a good crowd of spectators totaling 20,000. Klaffenböck/Parzer were running their new LCR sidecar that they will race at the TT and they were feeling confident having won the event last year. Austrian rider, Witzeneder was aboard Martin Finnegan’s original CBR1000RR that he will contest this year’s TT on. During practice Klaffenböck/Parzer set the pace with a time of 1min 25.349secs while Witzeneder posted a time of 1min 15.705secs putting him third. Once the racing started Klaffenböck/Parzer further improved on their time, completing the arduous course in 1min 23.882secs and taking the win. Witzeneder came a close fought second place just 0.47secs off the winner’s time. Speaking after the race Witzeneder said, “This is the original bike that Martin will ride at this year’s TT. It has more than 200 PS; it is difficult to control this power!” “The track is not easy, especially in the last sectors; it is very tight, if you don’t find your line you risk touching the guard rails,” he continued, “I have a lot of experience with the Fireblade because I was test rider for Alex Barros in 2006. All in all I did 3 races at Landshaag, and I was faster and faster. If there had been a 4th heat I would have been the winner,” he exclaimed. “Thanks to the Klaffi Honda team. They prepared an extremely fast bike. The CBR1000RR is perfect for Martin and the TT,” said Witzeneder. Klaffenböck said, “Landshaag is very important for Christian and me to qualify for the TT. It is the only road race in Austria, and the roads are in a condition as those on the Isle of Man. Landshaag is a dangerous track and it would be a mistake to undervalue it.” “We used a CBR600RR engine, I thought this would be a disadvantage to go up, but I was really surprised how well the new sidecar did. We were even a second faster as last year with the long F1 sidecar and its 1000 ccm engine. This season we already did 4 starts and got 4 wins a good sign for the TT,” he concluded. Martin Finnegan who visited the challenging race said, “This is my first time at Landshaag and I’m impressed. The course is fantastic and if I’ve time next year I’ll race at Landshaag too.”
Funeral services for Chris McCauley will be held on Thursday (4/19/07) at 3:30 p.m. at the Calvary Chapel – Mission Viejo. Calvary Chapel 24821 Chrisanta Dr Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (949) 951-9678 Also, tribute website has been setup in honor of Chris. Infomation about the funeral service can be found on the web site. Please visit: ~http://www.chris515.com/~
IRVINE, Calif., April 18, 2007 – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation will host its annual So-Cal Free Ride – Experienced RiderCourseSM classes on May 4, 5 and 6 at the Verizon Amphitheater parking lot in Irvine, Calif. As in previous years, MSF will provide this valuable update training at no charge. However, class availability is limited. The MSF Experienced RiderCourse provides a great opportunity for riders to renew their overall motorcycle control and safety skills using their own motorcycle in a closed-range setting. Students must have a motorcycle endorsement on their drivers license and possess proof of insurance for the motorcycle. Motorcycles must be in safe operating condition and will be inspected at the beginning of each class. Students also must provide their own riding gear which at a minimum should include a D.O.T.- approved helmet, eye protection (glasses, goggles, or face shield) long-sleeve shirt or jacket, full-fingered gloves (preferably leather), long non-flare denim pants and over-the-ankle footwear (no canvas or cloth athletic shoes). Classes will be held in the afternoon of Friday, May 4, plus morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6. Each class will last four to five hours. To register for a Free Ride ERC class participants must use the California Motorcyclist Safety Program on-line registration system. Visit www.ca-msp.org and click on the ‘RiderCourse Information’ button or: https://online.msf-usa.org/CMSPEnroll/Enroll/EnrollIntro.aspx Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call 800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.
Since last month’s announcement of the first NATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY, women from across Canada and the United States have been contacting each other, as well as campaign organizer Vicki Gray, to make arrangements to be on their motorcycles on May 4th. NATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY, now slotted each year for the first Friday in May, appeals to females who ride, own or have access to a motorcycle. Friday, May 4 asks women to get on their bikes and “JUST RIDE”. No matter what style of motorcycle — sport, cruiser, scooter, dual purpose, street, off-road or dirt — NATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY aims to highlight the many numbers of females currently active in motorcycling and heighten awareness of female riders, inspiring those who have not yet taken it up. Not surprisingly to Vicki, NATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY has found support among riders, dealers and manufacturers in Canada, but she was very pleased to see so much support coming from across the border. For 2007, the event remains a national event, but as intended, 2008 will include an even broader community. “The aim of the campaign is to raise female rider awareness, promote those who already ride, while simultaneously encouraging other females to take up the activity,” says Vicki Gray, campaign organizer. “The ‘day’ places a spotlight on female riders,” she adds. Vicki Gray is a motorcycle racer, instructor, and coach, who has been riding since 1983. Originally, from Ontario, she got hooked on motorcycling when taking the rider training course in Nova Scotia, motivated by the need for an outlet away from her demanding career at Revlon International. Since then, she has taught motorcycle riding to thousands of beginners, trained police in the Caribbean (Netherlands Antilles), raced throughout Europe, co-instructed with MotoGP racer Katja Poensgen, partnered events with famed TT Circuit Assen, and co-hosted a television program for the Discovery Channel. Not long after relocating to Europe, Vicki started competing in motorcycle racing and founded RaceGirl Motorsport in 1999, a training and support community headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She also built renowned global brand RaceGirl and its popular website (www.racegirlmotorsport.com) — the first of its kind depicting female motorcycle riders in a sportive, strong and feminine role. Her courses, track days, workshops and rider training methods encourage women motorcyclists and continue to develop the female riding community. Vicki has returned to Canada taking her 24 years of first hand experience and applying it to an even broader mission with the introduction of her new brand MOTORESS, providing resource, training and support as well as sustaining a community where females can flourish in all diversities of motorcycling.
KAWASAKI READY TO FIGHT AGAIN IN ISTANBUL The well-deserved three-week break after the Spanish GP comes to an end this week with the Kawasaki Racing Team heading now to Asia for this weekend’s Grand Prix of Turkey at the stunning circuit of Istanbul Park. An anti-clockwise circuit with a total of 14 turns at which Kawasaki’s Randy de Puniet and Olivier Jacque will try to make up for the performance showed in Jerez at the second round of the 2007 season. After racing in Losail and Jerez, which held preseason tests prior to the GP’s, this weekend will be the first occasion this year for all MotoGP teams and riders to ride at the undulating 5.340 km Turkish circuit. Randy de Puniet is ready to make another step forward in the development of the Ninja ZX-RR after the successful two-day test that the Kawasaki Racing Team did in Jerez after a race at which the results were below expectations. The new rear suspension and chassis settings as well as some improvements on the engine side, means the 26-year-old faces with confidence his 20th MotoGP appearance. After having qualified sixth under the rain, his best grid position up to then, Randy de Puniet finished last year’s Turkish GP in twelfth position and collected the first MotoGP points of his career. Much more mature and experienced now, higher are the Frenchman’s expectations for this year’s race. De Puniet’s fellow countryman, Olivier Jacque, also worked hard during the tests in Jerez focusing on suspension and chassis set up. A different rear suspension configuration and the new front fork used there gave him a boost after the hard weekend he went through in Spain. Istanbul Park is not a mystery for the 33-year-old rider, who rode there for the Kawasaki Racing Team in 2005 as a replacement for the injured Alex Hoffmann. But this time, as a factory rider, there won’t be any excuses and he is certainly going to fight and put in the performance expected from a former World Champion. Even though the Bridgestone tyres were not very well suited in the past to the low-friction Istanbul circuit, the Kawasaki Racing Team is confident about the tyre’s choice they made for this race weekend after the positive test done in Qatar and following their Bridgestone technicians’ advice. With the tyres pretty much decided and the satisfactory improvements tested in Jerez, now it is time for the riders and their respective crews to put everything together in a bid to get the best result of the season for the Kawasaki Racing Team in Sunday’s 22-lap Turkish GP. Randy de Puniet Kawasaki MotoGP Pilot #14 “I am really looking forward to this weekend’s race. My beginning of the season was not as good as I expected it to be but Jerez was kind of a turning point. We improved a lot the bike during the tests and I left with a good feeling, which makes me face the Turkish GP with a lot of confidence. However, I don’t want to be under any illusions. Istanbul Park is a nice and fast circuit; I like it! Last year it was difficult to set up the bike but I hope this time, with a year of experience, it is going to be easier. The part that I like the least is the final one, after the back straight. It is too small and slow. It is difficult to say in which position I will finish but for sure I will try my best this weekend.” Olivier Jacque Kawasaki MotoGP Pilot #19 “We didn’t have much time to rest since we started in January and this break has been great for all of us to recharge batteries and come back stronger. Now I’m really excited about getting back on the bike, and even more after the successful tests we did in Jerez. The race there was a nightmare for me, but the tests let me leave with a better taste in my mouth. I’m really eager to try the engine improvements in Istanbul. I like the track; it’s quite surprising with all its ups and downs and the first high-speed corner. Definitely, we will need a powerful engine but we cannot forget the last section, which requires an easy handling bike. We don’t know what to expect but I will be happy if I can finish among the first ten riders.” Ichiro Yoda Kawasaki Racing Director “Jerez race wasn’t what we were expecting but we left with a very positive feeling. We tested our bike in full wet conditions for the first time as well as a new chassis, some new parts and made adjustments on the geometry to make it better handling. Rear traction, one of the main issues during the weekend, was improved and so was rider’s performance. We also checked some engine parts which seemed to make the engine work better, especially in acceleration. Istanbul is a technical and low-friction circuit that combines fast and low speed sections. Last year’s race was difficult, not only for Bridgestone but also for Kawasaki, but we both have improved since then. It is a fast track and we could be a little handicapped there but sure we will do better with respect to Jerez. The target is always the same one: finish in the top ten. However, we are not going to know where we are until the first practice. We still can improve the bike three or four tenths and I am confident we will do it if we keep working in that direction.”
HONDA MEN ON TURKISH MISSION TO REEL IN ROSSI Pressure is on the increase as riders contemplate this third round race at the imposing Istanbul Park track. Honda men have done well here in the two previous races, none better than Marco Melandri (Gresini Honda RC212V) who has won both premier class races held here, in 2005 and last season. The Italian challenger could do with a strong result here on Sunday as he currently lies in fifth place overall in the World Championship points table with 19 points to leader Rossi’s 45. Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC212V) is second equal with Casey Stoner (Ducati) on 36 points. As this intensely paced season gathers momentum riders are keen to prevent anyone beginning to dominate results to the extent that a sizeable points gap opens out. No one will be more conscious of that than reigning World Champion Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC212V) who lies sixth at the moment with 17 points. But the dogged American has tasted success here in Turkey with a stirring ride to third place last year. It was enough to aid his quest to win in motorcycle racing and he will be hoping to go even better here this weekend in a bid to close the gap on his title rivals. There has been no pre-season testing here and so this challenging 5.430km track will be fresh to all riders this weekend bringing the new tyre regulations in the premier class this year into sharp focus. With just 14 fronts and 17 rears available to each rider choice of rubber will be critical. This circuit, situated on the Asian side of the huge city of Istanbul, is one of the better ‘new’ circuits to be built. It features six right-hand turns, a medium-length 720m straight and eight left-hand turns. Designed by Hermann Tilke, the man responsible for the Shanghai track, the Otodrom International Circuit is something of a pastiche of existing circuits. Turns one and two are an unashamed copy of the Senna Esses at Sao Paulo while turn 11 mimics Eau Rouge at Spa Francorchamps. A high degree of varied elevation makes many corner entries blind and extremely challenging. Turn eight is a double-apex high-speed left that demands inch-perfect precision riding and raw nerve of a rare degree. This corner is critical for a good lap time entry, mid-turn and exit are all equally important get any parts wrong and the time penalty is a heavy one. Dani said, “I’m feeling ready for this race because there has been a big break and I’m sure all the riders are excited about the weekend. We haven’t tested the new 800cc bikes at this track, unlike in Qatar and Spain, so everyone will face the same questions: what to do and how to do it with regard to the bike, tyres and the whole package. We will have to see if the weather works in our favour to make this process easier and allows us to make good use of all of the practice time. With the new tyre rules it’s difficult to predict how things will work out. A lot will depend on the meeting with Michelin on Thursday when we’ll look at the tyre plan and the weather forecast and decide on the strategy whether to go for a risky one or safety. It should be an interesting weekend for everyone.” Nicky Hayden said, “It’s been a good few weeks off and so I’m definitely looking forward to getting back into it in Turkey and really getting the summer started. Istanbul Park is quite a cool track, especially with that fast 5th gear corner. On the 990cc bike that corner was wild, though on these bikes it might not really be a corner any more it’ll be interesting to see how the 800s feel through there. It’s a really good track and I like the layout because it’s got some serious elevation changes. Turn One’s really technical and TV doesn’t really do that corner justice. People at home don’t really see how blind the entry is and what a drop off there is, so that’s pretty fun. It’s been a decent track to me in the past and I’m looking forward to racing there again.” “The Jerez test was really important,” said Marco. “We’ve taken a step forward and that allows me to look ahead with confidence to Istanbul, a special circuit that holds wonderful memories for me. I scored my first MotoGP victory there in 2005, the first time we had visited the circuit. In 2006 I repeated the win after a breathtaking battle with Casey Stoner. I like the track a lot it’s balanced and technical, characterised by frequent changes in direction and pace. I’m confident that the feeling we found in the test, my determination to have fun, and the good memories I have of this circuit will give me the ammunition I need.” His team-mate Toni Elias (Gresini Honda RC212V) said, “I feel really motivated ahead of the trip to Istanbul. That fourth place at Jerez and the work we completed in the test after the race has given me optimism because we took a big step forward with the set-up and the feeling with the tyres has improved once again. Istanbul is a circuit I like a lot because there are so many elevation changes, hard braking areas, a mixture of fast and slow corners and I have always been fast there. Last year I made a good fight-back from twelfth to fifth place and even set a new circuit record!” Carlos Checa (LCR Honda RC212V) said, “I like the Turkish track and after the good results we got in Jerez testing I feel very confident. However we must continue our progression with set-up and tyres as we’ve never been here before on this bike. I hope the weather conditions remain uniform for the whole weekend so we can do a good job in the practice.” Shinya Nakano (Konica Minolta Honda RC212V) said, “Our test after Jerez was very good for us as we managed to get the feeling from the front of the bike that I need for my riding style. This was in the wet, but this is the same feeling we’re chasing for the bike in the dry conditions too. This data is important, as once I have found a setting to give me the same feeling in the dry, then I know we will go much faster. I’m hoping we can find this at Turkey as I want to push hard and get even better results.” “We’ve got to get back to where we were at the end of last season at the right end of the grid,” said Kenny Roberts (Roberts KR212V). “Everyone’s working hard and in Turkey everyone starts from the same position in terms of set-up so we’ve got to make sure we’re real smart about how we use our tyres in all the sessions.” In the 250cc class all riders will be aiming to halt the progress of Jorge Lorenzo (Aprilia) who has a perfect record so far this season of two poles and two wins. Andrea Dovizioso (Scot Honda RS250RW) lies third in the overall standings so far and the determined Italian knows he needs a big result to haul in runaway Lorenzo. His team-mate Yuki Takahashi (Scot Honda RS250RW) is now nearing full fitness after breaking a leg at the end of last season and the tough Japanese rider will be aiming to get even closer to the lead riders after scoring two top ten finishes so far this year. Dovi said, “The Istanbul track isn’t among my favourites, it’s technical and very fast and last year I made only a few laps in dry conditions because it rained on the second day of qualifying. Despite this I managed a third place in the race and I hope to get a good result also this year.” His team-mate Takahashi said, “I like it here and I think that as I get fitter I stand a good chance of doing well here. From Jerez race until now I’m getting into much better shape and I’m confident. Last year I got a good position (5th) and I want at least a repeat of that.” Thai rider Ratthapark Wilairot (Stop And Go Racing Honda RS250RW) said, “This will be the first time this year that we’re going to a circuit that will be completely new for me and I’ll have to focus on learning the track on Friday and also adapting myself to the bike as we’ll also work on the set-up of the machine. It won’t be easy, but I’m up for the challenge as I will have to learn many tracks this year.” Honda riders are having a hard time in the 125cc class so far this season and all will be anxious to reel in the class leaders. Bradley Smith (Repsol Honda RS125R) and Esteve Rabat (Repsol Honda RS125R) will be going all out to elevate themselves in the points table. Mike di Meglio (Scot Honda RS125R) will not race here in Turkey after an operation on the shoulder he injured in a big crash at Jerez. But he will be on the grid at Shanghai in early May. “I’m not able to move it yet. The fracture is too young and the operation too recent. But in China I’ll be there!!” Kev Coghlan, a 19-year-old Scotsman, will get a ride with Team Scot this weekend. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be given a Grand Prix ride and with such a high quality team as Team Scot is fantastic. It’s been frantic trying to get everything ready but I am sure it will be well worth it. I can’t wait!”
Steve Martin Left Speechless by Spanish Sagas The third round of the Superbike World Championship at Valencia in Spain proved another saga filled race meeting for Steve Martin, with the ongoing events of the weekend leaving him speechless. The vastly experienced Aussie rider was initially left perplexed when he was approached by fellow countryman Andrew Pitt, informing him that the DFX team had contacted him about testing the Honda CBR1000 machine. This news was then compounded when, due to a lack of mechanics, team-mate Michel Fabrizio’s father was brought in as a substitute mechanic for Steve, having never worked in a Superbike paddock before. Steve explained, “I’m pleased that Andrew came and spoke to me as at least we were able to have a good chat and establish how things stood. But needless to say it was a bit of a shocker and what with that and then finding out about my mechanic situation, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry!” And with the bikes arriving at Valencia directly from the previous round at Donington, without any mechanical preparation or set up work, Steve’s crew chief and chief mechanic had their work cut out from the start. Steve spent much of the first free practice session setting up the new HRC electronic system on his number one bike, which proved a much welcomed benefit to his Honda’s performance and helped Steve achieve 7th position in the morning timesheet. A quick shifter problem and other niggling mechanical set-backs during the afternoon dry qualifying session caused Steve to switch to his number two bike, but, this didn’t have the new electronic system set up and, coupled with only minutes remaining of the qualifying session meant that Steve was unable to improve his lap time and qualify anywhere near his capability. With a downpour on Saturday morning meaning that no riders would be able to better their lap times and therefore improve their qualifying positions from the previous day, Steve used the second qualifying session to set up the electronic system on his second bike as the quick shifter issue with his first bike remained unresolved. “Although that session was wet, we were able to achieve quite a lot with the set up and I ended that session in 10th position, which wasn’t bad for an hour’s work,” Steve continued. Still lapping on wet tyres for Saturday afternoon’s second free practice session, Steve high sided coming out of turn one in the slippery conditions. Fortunately, he walked away with only minor bruising, but damage in the form of a hole was caused to the clutch cover, although this did not become apparent until race two when it provided the channel for an oil leak oil, on to Steve’s boot and bike. “For the morning warm up on Sunday I just rode round to shake down the bike ready for the race, as there was no point in pushing for a lap time and I also wanted to preserve the bike as it was the only one I had that was set up,” Steve explained. He continued, “Although the track was still damp, everyone started race one on slicks and up until lap nine, when my race was over, I had achieved the second fastest lap time of the race behind James Toseland. It was at this point, having managed to catch up with the group of riders who were dicing for the sixth position, that the throttle assembly just fell off my handle bar and almost caused me to crash!” Race two proved another bitter disappointment, when an oil leak sprayed oil over Steve’s boots causing the gritty rider to call it a day and be forced to retire into the pits on lap 14, concluding the weekend of woe. Steve said, “It is obvious the team is not putting a great deal of effort or funds in to my side of the team, due to the underlying situation regarding my ride and team’s lack of funds. We have had so many stupid, and potentially dangerous problems caused due to lack of experienced people. I have a fantastic crew chief and first mechanic but it’s too much pressure on them and unfair to rely on two people to do the work of five when also, there’s just not enough time even if it was possible. Therefore mistakes get made and it’s as simple as that.” Steve stayed on at Valencia for a test the next day and, following a first lap out oil leak, was able to consistently improve on his lap time to finish the day over a second faster than his best race lap time from the day before, on the same tyres and with a hotter and more slippery track surface. Steve commented, “That test was probably the best test I have had with the team. We finally got the chance to work with the suspension settings and new electronic system and now I’m pretty confident we are in the best position that we have been in all year! “So I’m looking forward to Assen as the bike should be ready to go when we get there as we’ve already achieved improvements from the one day test, rather than being in the usual situation of having to test new things on the Friday of the race meeting. “We’ve got a week at home now before heading to Assen for the next round and in that time I’ll be keeping up my training and looking for a new ride, as I now know that Monza will definitely be my last race with the DFX team. “I’m bitterly disappointed that the team hasn’t delivered all that it promised at the start of the season but, at the same time, there is an element of relief over the situation as there is just no point continuing the season with just more of the same, as that no good for me or my bike crew. “Now I’m just trying to look onwards and upwards, enjoy the next two races as much as possible and do my best to sort out a ride for the rest of the season.” Steve’s Weekend Round Up Friday 1st Free Practice: 7th – 1:36.574 1st Qualifying Practice: 21st – 1:37.403 Saturday 2nd Qualifying Practice: 10th – 1:53.868 Overall Combined Qualifying: 21st 2nd Free Practice: 14th – 1:56.210 Superpole: n/a Sunday Warm Up: 17th – 1:52.625 Race 1: DNF (lap 9 with a throttle falling off the handle bar) fastest lap 1:37.321 Race 2: DNF (lap 14 with an oil leak) fastest lap 1:37.063
With Team Stargel Yamaha rider Brian Stokes recovering from injuries sustained before the AMA Daytona kick off, team owner Rocky Stargel has brought Daytona team substitute rider, Tony Meiring, to ride at this weekend’s Barber Round. Stargel commented, “Tony did a fantastic job for us at Daytona. He came in with no time on our bikes and impressed us with his work ethic, his desire to produce and his professionalism and he did the job. Brian is still sidelined so the choice was obvious.” Team Stargel Yamaha and Meiring will be competing in Formula Xtreme and Supersport on the Michelin shod Stargel R6s. “We have been working non-stop since Daytona to give Tony the best weapon with which to compete. Leo Vince, all the guys at BRC and Kevin at KWS have given us considerable help to bring our best to the track. Anyone who thinks Xtreme and Supersport are easy classes need only look at who we’re up against. Josh Hayes is running great, the M4 EMGO guys are running hungry and all the teams are out to show the racing world who is best. It’s a huge challenge and we’re not a huge team but we’re going in to show everyone we’re a force.” commented Stargel
TOOELE VALLEY, UTAH “” A once-in-a-lifetime experience will be available to motorcycle enthusiasts when Racing 2 Save Lives (R2SL) returns to Miller Motorsports Park May 3-6, as four lucky auction winners will be able to have a hour of exclusive on-track training with motorcycle racing superstars Eric or Ben Bostrom. R2SL will hold an auction on its website, www.racing2savelives.org, starting at 5:00 pm MT on Wednesday, April 18, and ending at 11:59 pm MT on Friday, April 27, offering two one-hour sessions with Eric Bostrom and two one-hour sessions with Ben Bostrom. The on-track sessions are scheduled for 10:30 am 11:30 am on Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 6. R2SL is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children’s charities by raising awareness, involvement, and capital within the motorcycling community through donations, corporate sponsorship and fund-raising events. All profits generated by R2SL, including the auction proceeds, will be distributed among carefully selected organizations that have a significant impact on the lives of children-in-need, and their families. The Bostrom brothers have been strong supporters of R2SL since its inception, and admit to enjoying the tutoring sessions as much as the auction winners. “In an hour you can learn a lot,” said Ben. “Usually only a factory rider gets this chance. To have the track to themselves with an instructor is huge.” “It’s a unique opportunity all the way around,” Eric concurred, “especially at a world-class facility like Miller, and the bonus is that it’s for a good cause!” During the four-day R2SL event, motorcycle riders will be able to ride on Miller Motorsports Park’s state-of-the-art track on both street and racing bikes, with separate tracks set up for each group. The R2SL event represents the best value in motorcycle track time of the season at MMP. Riders interested in participating should visit the R2SL website at www.racing2savelives.org, where classes and fees are detailed. Last year, R2SL attracted a record 350 participants and raised $65,000, half of which was distributed through Larry H. Miller Charities, and $27,000 of which went directly to the Tooele and Grantsville school districts. The event is open to both street and racing bikes, with separate tracks set up for each group. The R2SL event represents the best value in motorcycle track time of the season at MMP. Riders interested in participating should visit the R2SL website at www.racing2savelives.org, where classes and fees are detailed. Spectator tickets for Riding 2 Save Lives at Miller Motorsports Park are on sale now. Trackside Viewing tickets are priced at only $5. Tickets can be purchased at the Miller Motorsports Park Welcome Center or online at www.ticketmaster.com. As always, Trackside Viewing tickets for children aged 12 and under are free of charge at Miller Motorsports Park. Miller Motorsports Park is a state-of-the-art, multi-configurational road racing circuit located in Tooele, Utah, just 25 minutes from Salt Lake City. The 500-acre facility, which earned the prestigious “2006 Motorsports Facility of the Year” award from the Professional Motorsports World Expo, includes the 4.5-mile main circuit as well as a 0.9-mile karting/Supermoto circuit. Miller Motorsports Park is also home to the Ford Racing Performance Training Center; Freddie Spencer’s High-Performance Riding School; the Race Fanzz retail store; the Larry H. Miller Auto Museum; and a 22,000-sq.ft. Clubhouse which offers a variety of membership packages for motorsports enthusiasts. For more information, visit the track’s website at www.millermotorsportspark.com or call (435) 277-8500. For more information about Racing 2 Save Lives, visit their website at www.racing2savelives.org.
Jett Chandler, in only his fourth ever race weekend, impressed the Arroyo Seco Motorcycle Association (ASMA) regulars by taking Expert class wins in Unlimited Superstock, Middleweight Superstock and Middleweight Superbike on his Supersport-spec, Dunlop-equipped, 2007-model Honda CBR600RR. Chandler’s only non-win was a second place finish behind former ASMA Champion Roger Heemsbergen in Formula Arroyo Unlimited GP. Chandler and father Doug Chandler made the most of the Saturday practice day by putting in many laps of the difficult, technical, 1.4-mile Arroyo Seco Raceway. After some minor setup changes and some coaching from the three-time AMA Superbike Champion, the junior Chandler settled into lap times in the mid-1:11 second range that he was able to repeat on race day. Two out of three of Jett Chandler’s wins were closely fought, including some unintentional contact with fellow competitor Alejandro Pino in the Unlimited Superstock race. Pino, riding a Dunlop-equipped Suzuki GSX-R600, passed Chandler in turn two on the last lap of the seven-lap race. Chandler fought back and got around Pino two corners later. In the next corner, Chandler used a different line, the two riders made contact and Pino crashed out. Pino injured his hand and was unable to continue. Chandler’s other hard fought race was the Middleweight Superbike race, where he battled series regular Hunter Shingler. Shingler, riding his Pirelli-equipped Kawasaki ZX-6RR, took the lead early, but was passed on the second lap by Jett Chandler. Shingler was never more than a few bike lengths behind Chandler for the entire race. Domningo Degrazia, riding his Dunlop-equipped Yamaha YZF-R6, recovered from a bad start and caught the leaders two laps into the seven-lap race. Degrazia was clearly the best of the three on the brakes at the end of the long back straight, showing Shingler a wheel and briefly coming past into the sweeping carousel corner, but Degrazia left his best for the last lap, outbraking both Chandler and Shingler to take the lead into the carousel corner. Degrazia carried just a bit too much speed, ran wide, and was re-passed by Chandler at the exit of the same corner. Degrazia then lost the drag race with Shingler to the finish line. The finishing order was Chandler, Shingler, and Degrazia. Heemsbergen won two races on the day: Heavyweight Superbike and Formula Arroyo Unlimited GP. Heemsbergen pulled out to a comfortable lead in each race and controlled the pace on his Pirelli-equipped Suzuki GSX-R750. Heemsbergen, clearly the fastest rider on the day with laps in the 1:09s, was not challenged for the win in either race. Degrazia rebounded from his heartbreak in the Middleweight Superbike race by winning the Unlimited Superbike race. He battled early with Hunter Shingler, but Shingler dropped out of the race with an unspecified problem. Series regular and first-year Expert Kevin Edgington took the holeshot but dropped out of the race early, leaving the battle to Degrazia and series newcomer Rich Derousse on his Honda CBR1000RR. Derousse was able to match the pace of Degrazia but could not pass Degrazia and had to settle for second place. Other race winners: Ken Murray (Suzuki SV650S) – Lightweight Superbike and Lightweight GP, Thomas McFarland (Suzuki GSX-R1000) – Formula 40, Mike Ortiz (Honda CBR900RR) – Modern Vintage, Mike Browne (Ducati 999S) – Heavyweight Twins. Arroyo Seco Raceway is located near Deming, NM. For more information, visit ~http://www.ASMAracing.com~ or call Roger Heemsbergen at 505-494-4794. More, from a press release issued by Rubanatug Racing: Rubanatug Racing Continues New Racer Support Package (NRSP) Program Round #2 of the Arroyo Seco Motorcyclist Association Roadracing Series (www.asmaracing.com) was held on April 14th – 15th in Deming, NM and the New Racer Support Package Program offered by Rubanatug Racing (www.rubanatugracing.com) was once again in full swing. This months contest offered a full support package to THREE new racers for the License Clinic, gate fees, bike preparation, bike transportation, pit help and entry fees into the Beginner Race. Details of the contest were given in this earlier press release dated April 3, 2007: ~https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=28612~ Rubanatug Racing brought out our 3 NRSP winners to the track this past weekend and as an added bonus, two of the people that entered the contest, but did not win, decided to come to Arroyo Seco and race anyway. Talk about a serendipitous turn of events! Twelve (12) new racers took the Saturday License Clinic and 11 of them raced on Sunday (gravity ended one weekend early). Through the efforts of Roger Heemsbergen (track owner) and Phil Neuzil (race school instructor) who allowed a group of fellow racers to work with the License School students, almost everyone received one-on-one training. The contest winners were – Chuck Kiley (Phoenix), Doug Smith (Tucson) and Nia Pinnow (Phoenix). All three of the NRSP winners displayed ear-to-ear grins all weekend and will continue racing the ASMA Series the remainder of the season. Special mention should be given to Nia, who entered the contest and raced without ever haven ridden a road bike prior to this weekend’s races. She is undoubtedly one of the more impressive 15 year old girls you will ever meet. Check out the NRSP winners Race Reports in the “blog” section of our website. Thank you to all those that helped make this weekend a huge success. Please watch the Rubanatug Racing website for future announcements and additions to the New Racer Support Package Program as we work to expand and improve it for future events.
Team Alpha Boilers Racing took on the awesome Landshaag race held on the open roads of Austria on the 14th 15th April. Klaus Klaffenböck and his sidecar passenger Christian Parzer won the tough races while superbike rider Michael Witzeneder finished second in his three races Irish Champion, Martin Finnegan was also present to cheer on his team from the side lines. The Landshaag is the only pure road race in Austria, held on a mountain course which is short but difficult. The track istself is dangerous, bumpy and of course up hill! The sunny conditions brought out a good crowd of spectators totaling 20,000. Klaffenböck/Parzer were running their new LCR sidecar that they will race at the TT and they were feeling confident having won the event last year. Austrian rider, Witzeneder was aboard Martin Finnegan’s original CBR1000RR that he will contest this year’s TT on. During practice Klaffenböck/Parzer set the pace with a time of 1min 25.349secs while Witzeneder posted a time of 1min 15.705secs putting him third. Once the racing started Klaffenböck/Parzer further improved on their time, completing the arduous course in 1min 23.882secs and taking the win. Witzeneder came a close fought second place just 0.47secs off the winner’s time. Speaking after the race Witzeneder said, “This is the original bike that Martin will ride at this year’s TT. It has more than 200 PS; it is difficult to control this power!” “The track is not easy, especially in the last sectors; it is very tight, if you don’t find your line you risk touching the guard rails,” he continued, “I have a lot of experience with the Fireblade because I was test rider for Alex Barros in 2006. All in all I did 3 races at Landshaag, and I was faster and faster. If there had been a 4th heat I would have been the winner,” he exclaimed. “Thanks to the Klaffi Honda team. They prepared an extremely fast bike. The CBR1000RR is perfect for Martin and the TT,” said Witzeneder. Klaffenböck said, “Landshaag is very important for Christian and me to qualify for the TT. It is the only road race in Austria, and the roads are in a condition as those on the Isle of Man. Landshaag is a dangerous track and it would be a mistake to undervalue it.” “We used a CBR600RR engine, I thought this would be a disadvantage to go up, but I was really surprised how well the new sidecar did. We were even a second faster as last year with the long F1 sidecar and its 1000 ccm engine. This season we already did 4 starts and got 4 wins a good sign for the TT,” he concluded. Martin Finnegan who visited the challenging race said, “This is my first time at Landshaag and I’m impressed. The course is fantastic and if I’ve time next year I’ll race at Landshaag too.”
