Listing of FIM homologated motorcycles for 2007 for the categories SUPERBIKE – SUPERSPORT SUPERSTOCK 600/1000 – SUPERPRODUCTION The list may be updated at any time during the year. SUPERBIKE Model Production period as from APRILIA RSV 1000 RP JAN 03 – end (+ optional fuel injection instrument) APRILIA RSV 1000 RR JAN 04 – end (+ optional fuel injection instrument) APRILIA RSV 1000 RR JAN 06 – present (+ optional fuel injection instrument) DUCATI 999 R (H4) JAN 03 – end (+ optional fuel injection instrument) DUCATI 999 R (H4) JAN 05 – present (+ optional fuel injection instrument) HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC57) JAN 04 – end HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC57) JAN 06 – present KAWASAKI ZX 10 RR JAN 04 – end KAWASAKI ZX 10 RR JAN 06 – present MONDIAL PIEGA 1000 JUL 03 – present (+ optional fuel injection instrument) MV AGUSTA F4 1000 (MT) JAN 05 – present (MT=Tamburini model) MV AGUSTA F4 1000 R 312 MARCH 07 – present PETRONAS FP1 JAN 03 – JUL 03 (+ optional fuel injection instrument) SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K3) JAN 03 – end SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K5) JAN 05 – end SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K7) JAN 07 – present YAMAHA YZF R1 (2004 model) JAN 04 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2006 model) JAN 06 – end YAMAHA YZF R1-SP (2006 model) JAN 06 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2007 model) JAN 07 – present (4-valve engine) SUPERSPORT 600 – SUPERSTOCK 600 Model Production period as from DUCATI 749 R (H5) JAN 04 – present HONDA CBR 600 RR (PC37) JAN 03 – end HONDA CBR 600 RR (PC37) JAN 05 – end HONDA CBR 600 RR (PC40) JAN 07 – present KAWASAKI ZX 600 K (ZX-6RR) JAN 03 – end KAWASAKI ZX 600 M (ZX-6RR) JAN 04 – end KAWASAKI ZX 600 N (ZX-6RR) JAN 05 – end KAWASAKI ZX 600 P (ZX-6RR) JAN 07 – present SUZUKI GSX 600 R (K4) JAN 04 – end SUZUKI GSX 600 R (K6) JAN 06 – present TRIUMPH DAYTONA 600 JUL 03 – end TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 JAN 06 present*** (***Please note: For 2007, the Triumph Daytona ‘675’ model is homologated to participate in open National/International Supersport 600/Superstock 600 events only; a possible participation in the 2008 FIM Supersport World Championship events will be announced in 2007. YAMAHA YZF R6 JAN 03 – end YAMAHA YZF R6 JAN 05 – end YAMAHA YZF R6 JAN 06 – present SUPERSTOCK 1000 & SUPERPRODUCTION Model Production period as from APRILIA RSV 1000 RP JAN 03 – end APRILIA RSV 1000 RR JAN 04 – end APRILIA RSV 1000 RR JAN 06 – present DUCATI 999 S (H4) JAN 03 – end DUCATI 999 R (H4) MAR 06 – end DUCATI 1098 S (H7) JAN 07 – present HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC 57) JAN 04 – end HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC 57) JAN 06 – present KAWASAKI ZX 10 RR JAN 04 – end KAWASAKI ZX 10 RR JAN 06 – present MV AGUSTA F4 1000 R (+1) APRIL 06 – present MV AGUSTA F4 1000 R 312 MARCH 07 – present SUZUKI GSX R 750 (K4) JAN 04 – end (including LTD version) SUZUKI GSX R 750 (K6) JAN 06 – present SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K3) JAN 03 – end SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K5) JAN 05 – end SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K7) JAN 07 – present YAMAHA YZF R1 (2004 model) JAN 04 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2006 model) JAN 06 – end YAMAHA YZF R1-SP (2006 model) JAN 06 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2007 model) JAN 07 – present (with 4-valve engine)

FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Everything I have ever read about a rear slide as said that you should turn into it. I disagree. It is well established that you must countersteer a bike in order to properly control it. In a car however, you turn right to go right and left to go left. This being true, why would you attempt to correct a slide on a bike in the same manner as you would a car (turn into it)? Turning into a slide in a car increases radius therefore reducing lateral force on the rear tire. To cause a sliding car to oversteer more you turn away from the slide. If you want to stop a slide you turn into it (in a car). Imagine a bike turning right and the rear is sliding. A steering input to the left will still cause a deeper lean to the right. This requires more traction from the rear tire which exacerbates the slide. If you want to stop the slide you need to turn the bars to the right (relative to the path of travel) in order to stand the bike up and therefore reduce the lateral load on the tires. This needs to happen before the bike gets too far sideways. If a bike gets sideways to the point that the steering hits the lock it causes the front tire to ‘counter steer’ relative to the path of travel. At this point the machine will highside. If the counter steering is done earlier in the slide it will simply correct the slide. Robert Kasten Fort Myers, Florida And now, some reader reaction: FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Much of what is said in the previous email to Roadracingworld.com will only work (as said) if you notice and are able to react to the slide before it gets “too far sidesways.” Too far sideways being an arguable level of measurement. Perhaps Kevin Schwantz can control a slide that would be “too far sideways” for the average punter like me. In the majority of cases regarding slides, the bike is already too far sideways to be able to make the kind of inputs onto the handlebars to make a difference. I’m no physics expert but to me it sounds like goal of the description offered would be to grant traction to the rear tire. Well, as anyone can tell you, the last thing you want in ANY kind of a slide is for the rear tire to suddenly regain traction. The answer to this that I’ve been told by everyone from club racers to AMA privateers is to keep on the gas. You have to keep the rear tire sliding (somewhat) so that it doesn’t suddenly regain traction and sling you off. Even the legends of bike racing who’ve written auto biographies say this. Mike Weiss Reno, Nevada FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I believe the author of the wonderfully complex paper on sliding left out a crucial component: The Earth’s rotation. Indeed, whereas it is common knowledge that a rider should turn away from a slide in the Northern Hemisphere, the opposite is true in the Southern Hemisphere. This explains why American racers have not been dominant in the Australian Superbike Championship. Australians, on the other hand, practice riding upside down in anticipation of a potential career away from their island. I thought I should provide that extra bit of information for the sake of accuracy. Sincerely, Papa A. Thiam Papua New Guinea FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: What this does not consider is the value of TV air time to sponsors. The proper input, when the rear breaks loose abruptly and violently, is to slam the throttle shut. It won’t solve the slide but it will help you make the highlight reels. Always think of the sponsors. Gary Hilliard Dover, Delaware FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: re: Updated: And Now A Word On Slides And Highsides From The Counter-Rotating Rotors Guy, Our Favorite Mad Scientist And Physics Buff Maybe some of you should come out and try short track? Elliott Iverson Riverside, California

Jeff Wood is pleased to announce he has signed a multi-year deal with Performance Factor of Medford, MA. Performance Factor will be the exclusive engine builder for Jeff Wood’s Yamaha Motor Corp. supported road race team. Jeff Wood said, “I was extremely pleased with the R6 engine Performance Factor built for me at Daytona this year. After seeing their abilities, I am pumped they will be helping me with all my bikes for the entire season!” Performance Factor’s Sean Sweeney had this to say of the new deal: “Performance Factor is excited to be involved with the #1 team in ASRA and look forward to a great season with Jeff in ASRA and in the AMA!” More, from a press release issued by Mike Morgan: RIM Racing and Mike Morgan AMA #811 would like to welcome Komodo riding apparel as a sponsor for the 2007 season. Mike will be competing in all East Coast events in the AMA Formula Xtreme class. Mike said “after seeing and talking with Opie Caylor last year about his get off at over 100 mph and seeing the Komodo FX suit sustained very minor damage and stay together was very impressive.” Komodo has been proven by many top level riders in AMA, WERA, CCS, CMRA and other racing organization over the last few years. Some of the features found on all Komodo suits are triple and double stitched seems, Keprotec stretch material in the thigh area, YYK zippers, CE approved armor, and 1.2mm / 1.4mm thick leather. “I’m confident in the Komodo FX leathers, gloves, and boots to keep me safe when riding at that level and this will allow me to push a little bit more this year. And the fit of the suit rivals the custom suits I have worn in the past, it’s very good!” Mike stated. More, from a press release issued by Go Big Racing: Millson and Glenn at Motorsports Expo, Then Off To Homestead Keene Ontario – The Go BIG Racing team will be taking time out from preparing for round two of the Suntrust MOTO-ST endurance series, to appear at the inaugural Canadian Motorsports Expo, April 6, 7 and 8 at the Toronto Congress Center. The Canadian Motorsports Expo has something for racers and race fans. In addition to display booths for local tracks and racing organizations, there will be lots of racing related items for sale, safety equipment, collectibles, ‘how-to’ seminars, racing history, fan forums, celebrity appearances and autograph sessions. Go BIG Racing team-mates Ross Millson and Paul Glenn, are looking forward to chatting with racing fans and signing a few autographs while promoting the team’s sponsors, the Parts Canada Superbike Championship and the new Suntrust MOTO-ST series. Also on hand at the inaugural Canadian Motorsports Expo, will be several Canadian auto racing stars including, Ron Fellows, J.R. Fitzpatrick, D.J. Kennington, Scott Maxwell, and Pete Shepherd. Millson and Glenn recently took third spot on the podium aboard their #79 Suzuki SV650 in the Sport Twins (ST) Class at the SunTrust MOTO-ST season opener at Daytona and are looking to better their results at the Suntrust MOTO-ST, Homestead 500k, at Homestead-Miami Speedway, April 13-14. “This will be our first visit to the Homestead track and is sure to present some challenges.” said Millson “Chief Mechanic, Scott Laidman, myself and Paul have put in some long hours to prep the bike for the next round and we’re looking forward to a bit of a break and being a part of the Motorsports Expo.” he added. To learn more about the team, please drop by the Go BIG Racing booth at the Canadian Motorsports Expo, Toronto Congress Center, April 6, 7 and 8 or visit www.gobigracing.ca Go Big Racing The all-Canadian Go Big Racing team is comprised of Ross Millson from Hamilton, Ontario and Paul Glenn from Keene, Ontario. Millson and Glenn will enter the 2007 Parts Canada Superbike Championship as rookies. Millson, as a Pro, on a Suzuki GSX-R600 in the Hindle Pro 600 Sport Bike class and GSX-1000 in the Superbike Pro class. Glenn will compete in the International Motorcycle Supershow sponsored Amateur 600 Sport Bike class aboard a Suzuki GSX-R600. Canadian Motorsports Expo Canadian Motorsports Expo runs April 6, 7 & 8 at the Toronto Congress Centre from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Friday; 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Saturday; and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday. More information can be found by visiting the show website www.canadianmotorsportsexpo.com. More, from a press release issued by Samsung Superbike Team: Samsung Superbike Team gets mobile SAMSUNG SUPERBIKE TEAM Enters British Championships Samsung Mobile, a global leader in telecommunication, semiconductor, digital media and digital convergence technologies today unveiled the Samsung Superbike Team, which will compete in both the British Superbike and Superstock motorcycle championships. The partnership will include innovative on and off track marketing activity run in conjunction with Vodafone UK. The Samsung Superbike Team line up is completed by Dienza, the iconic motorcycle racing group, which has worked closely with Samsung Mobile to create the team. “Dienza recognised the strength of relationship between Vodafone and Samsung Mobile, and how the two companies could work together to add value to this season’s Superbike and Superstock championships”, said Mark Mitchinson, Director of Samsung Mobile. “Motorcycle racing is an exhilarating, high-speed, highly-charged sport and it’s these qualities and the team’s positive philosophy that make it the perfect partnership for us,” he added. The Dienza racing group bring and exciting blend of skill and talent to the British Championships with Dean Thomas (Suzuki GSXR Superbike) and Jon Kirkham (Ducati 1098 Superstock) both being successful in their respective categories. Dienza’s ability to create a top-of-grid team with far reaching commercial acumen enables them to reach fans and consumers alike. “we are thrilled to be working with Samsung Mobile to support their promotional activity with Vodafone UK and we now look forward to performing on and off the track in 2007″, said Enzo DiClemente, head of racing at Dienza. About Samsung Electronics Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 120 offices in 57 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com/uk About Vodafone UK Vodafone UK has 16.9 million customers and is part of the world’s leading international mobile telecommunications group. The company is committed to providing mobile solutions that allow both consumer and business customers to make the most of now. In addition, Vodafone connects customers across the globe with roaming agreements worldwide. It provides 3G roaming in 18 countries and offers great roaming value with Vodafone Passport. For more information, please visit www.vodafone.co.uk. About Dienza Racing Group Dienza have successfully competed at British and World Superbike level since 1998. Maintaining a private team status has enabled the team to create a strong marketing partnership with Wireless Economics Limited – a UK based agency that specialise in new media marketing – in order to strengthen the teams base commercial offer as well as develop bespoke channel and consumer sales activity with its partner family. For more information please visit www.dienza.co.uk More, from a press release issued by Centurion Racing: Centurion Ready to Race Brands Hatch April 7th 9th www.centurionracing.net As the new race season approaches, Centurion Racing are confident of another positive season ahead. After dominating the Supersport Cup Championship in 2006 they are hoping their two new riders, James Westmoreland and Dan Cooper will also gain some consistently strong results. The opening round of the Championship take place at Brands Hatch Circuit, Kent this Easter Weekend, 7th 9th April. After some extensive pre season testing the team are eager to get back out on track and race. 18-year-old James ‘Westy’ Westmoreland has been putting in some strong times and has adjusted well to the Honda 600. He is excited about Brands and commented “I am looking forward to a positive weekend at Brands. It’s my favourite circuit and I’m in a confident mood. I need to make sure we come out the blocks strong on Saturday morning and get a good set up, then look for a very good qualifying position for Mondays’ race. After months of training and testing, I can’t wait to get going on race day and see what happens! I’m ready!” His new team mate is 19-year-old Dan Cooper, the youngster from Stoud has had a little less time on the bike after only joining the team less than a month ago. He enjoyed a successful test on the bike at Valencia where he only managed to get two days on his new machinery. Despite this, he is keen to get out there in the main Supersport Class, saying “As we are approaching the first round at Brands Hatch, I am really excited about the season ahead. No doubt it is going to be a difficult season, as the Supersport Class has some world class riders in it and I am looking forward to the challenge. I couldn’t think of a better track to start the season than Brands, especially the GP circuit. I can’t wait to start working with my new team this weekend and knowing that the team are very professional fills me with confidence. I have had very limited testing on the bike due to my late arrival to the team so in a way this weekend is all about getting used to riding a 600 more and gelling with the team but I will be trying my very hardest to produce the best result I can.” Team Manager Gary Stubbington commented “We’ve got a whole new rider line up for 2007, which will be a new challenge to all of us. I’m very much looking forward to the season once again and hope that both Westy and Dan settle in well on the move up from the 125 class. They are great lads and I hope this year is a good one for them. I’m happy with the progress we have made in testing and hope that we can put that into the racing during the season.” More, from a press release issued by Silverstone Circuit: British Superbikes kick-start Silverstone’s season The nation’s premier motorcycle racing series the Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) – is coming to Silverstone on 28-29 April, to kick-start a full season of motorsport at the Northamptonshire circuit, and once again the best of British will be out to impress in front of their home crowd. Last year British Superbikes at Silverstone provided a real nail-biter as Ryuichi Kiyonari, Leon Haslam and Gregorio Lavilla fought it out for the UK’s top two-wheeled title. In 2007 the BSB championship will once again feature an all-star rider line-up, with reigning champion Kiyonari looking to defend his title against 30 other riders, including the fans’ favourite Chris Walker who makes a welcome return to BSB, from World Superbikes, this season. Silverstone is hosting the third round of the championship with high quality wheel-to-wheel action guaranteed around the 2.249 mile International Circuit, along with a number of support races, including the British Supersport Championship. Silverstone’s open paddock policy also means fans can get up close and personal with teams and riders, being able to take advantage of rider autograph opportunities. BSB is renowned as the best national Superbike series in the world, and boasts one of the best grids in recent years with strong rider and team pairings for 2007. In addition, the eagerly awaited 2007 championship presents a grid packed full of top manufacturers, with factory and semi-factory teams from world-class outfits such as HM Plant Honda and Airwaves Ducati. HM Plant Honda rider Ryuichi Kiyonari names Silverstone as one of his favourite circuits: “I enjoy racing at Silverstone very much, it is a very fast circuit and like going very fast. It was a good circuit for me last year, I won the double at Silverstone – I hope to repeat my performance there this season.” Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, commented: “Silverstone was voted the UK’s favourite Superbike venue in 2005 and we are looking forward to once again welcoming the British Superbike Championship to Silverstone. BSB opens our race programme for the 2007 season and promises to deliver a thrilling weekend of racing.” For further information, or to book tickets for round three of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Silverstone on 28-29 April, visit www.silverstone.co.uk, or contact the ticket hotline on 08704 588 260. Race day hospitality can be booked by calling 08704 588 230. More, from a press release issued by Rizla Suzuki: After a six year absence, Chris Walker returns to British Superbike action in the opening round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch this Bank Holiday Monday riding an all-new Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 and determined to establish himself as a title contender from the outset. A four-time runner up in the series, fans’ favourite ‘Stalker’ has spent the last half dozen years battling in the Grand Prix and World Superbike Championships. The 35 year old returns to British Superbikes with the Suzuki team he finished runner-up with in 2000 and is eager to go one better this year. Reigning British Supersport Champion Cal Crutchlow lines up for his first ever British Superbike race on his Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 at Brands Hatch. The 21 year old is one of the hottest young talents in British racing and is ready to seize his opportunity to show what he can do in the most competitive National Superbike Championship in the world. Both Stalker and Cal have enjoyed a successful pre-season developing the new Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 into a Superbike racer. Using the challenging 2.60-mile long GP circuit at the historic Brands Hatch venue in Kent, Superbike racing starts at 1230 on Monday April 9th… Chris Walker: “The talking and testing stop here – it’s time to race and I am very excited about the opening round at Brands Hatch. It’s been six years away for me and I am looking forward to racing full-time in front of the British fans again – they are the best in the world. “Our pre-season testing has been good and Rizla Suzuki has thrown the kitchen sink at getting the new GSX-R1000 ready in time for the opening round. I have unfinished business with this Championship and after collecting runner-up spot four times in a row, I really want to make the break to the top step of the podium. Realistically that means I need to be on the pace right from the opening race; so I’ll be giving it my all at Brands.” Cal Crutchlow: “I’ve always dreamed of being a Superbike racer and now it is coming true and I will be making my British Championship debut at Brands Hatch. Testing with Rizla Suzuki has been good and at all the circuits I have been close on the timesheets to my team mate and the other title contenders which has boosted my confidence. “I don’t know what to expect this weekend but I’ll be bringing all of the determination, skill and application to the races that I used to win the British Supersport Championship in 2006. This is my chance to make my mark in motorcycle racing and I’m not about to let it slip by.” Simon Buckmaster – Team Manager: “Rizla Suzuki, Chris Walker and Cal Crutchlow are in excellent shape and ready to race. Our test programme has been positive and we have improved the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 every step of the way. We are hopeful that we can continue our forward momentum and convert it into good results at Brands Hatch this Monday. “It’s been hard work developing the all-new GSX-R1000 into a racer capable of winning in such a short period of time but we think we are close. It’s going to be an exciting weekend of racing and I’m hoping the fans will turn out in force to cheer Chris, Cal and the Rizla Suzuki team on. See you all at the races.”

Current Irish Champion, Martin Finnegan, has teamed up once again with Klaffi (Klaus Klaffenboek) and Team Alpha Boilers Racing to contest the Isle of Man Centenary Races and the Southern 100. Like many riders the Centenary is in the fore front of their minds, the chance to be the man to win a Centenary TT race is a once in a life time opportunity and Finnegan is gearing up to be that man. “The Centenary is very important to me you only get one chance to win a Centenary race,” he explained, “All riders are under more pressure this year but you have to treat it as normal so as not to let the pressure get to you.” There is a huge buzz around the road racing scene this year largely due to the TT but it is spilling over into other events. Finnegan is happy to be back with his Austrian team once again for this historic season ahead, “I am glad to be back with Klaffi. We work well together we learned a lot from last year and we will even improve things,” he commented, “Also great to have the mechanics Leo and Henrik and Wolfgang who is responsible for data recording working with us too.” The plan for this year is to win, as Finnegan continued, “I hope to be on top step of the podium this year. I’ve done a lot of training over the winter so I’m better prepared for this season mentally and physically.” To keep on top of his training Finnegan hooked up with his local cycling team, “I’ve been training with the local cycling team this year, so I’ve done a lot of miles already. I also did some skiing in Austria which of course was very good!”

Brandon Parrish, owner of the newly formed WERA Endurance team “bp concepts”; signs a two year deal with Crosley Radio, to contest the Middleweight Superbike Championship, riding a Dunlop shod 2007 GSXR 600 powered by NPSracing.com. The team includes, Brandon Parrish, Bo LeMastus, Andy Feuersthaler and Ben Thompson. Brandon Parrish comments: “The owner of Crosley, Bo LeMastus is a huge supporter of motorcycle racing and I am excited that Crosley wanted to come on board strong for 07. They have been an important asset to my racing program since I started racing in 2004 as well as being title sponsor of the WERA Senior Superbike class. Anyhow, we got off to a late start, I had two weeks to discuss the opportunity with my other sponsors, find two more riders, and build a machine for the 4 hour opener at Roebling Road in Georgia on March 17th. After discussing the logistics of the team with two of my best friends Andy and Ben, they both agreed to ride for the team. With the short time we had, we couldn’t get our quick change equipment and quick fill fuel system built in time and due to prior commitments Ben couldn’t make the first race. However we went to Roebling with some rigged up tire change equipment, the stock gas tank and a positive attitude. I started the race in Row 13 of 14 in the second wave, and came in after 36 laps running first in class. Throughout the 4 hours we had one rear, and one front tire change, and were running 3rd in class. With 18 minutes to go we had to come in for a splash and go. We ended up finishing 12.4 seconds behind 3rd place and 9th overall. I am excited, not because we had 5 pit stops, spending a little over 5 minutes in the pits; but the second and third place teams had two pits stops spending about a minute and a half in the pits, and for the remainder of the season we will be well equipped with our GP Tech quick change system and our larger fuel tank with a dry brake system that will help keep us out on the track.” Visit www.brandonparrish.com to learn more about the team! Go to www.wera.com for information about the WERA National Endurance Series. More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki Press Office: Yoshimura Suzuki’s Atsushi Watanabe raced the brand new GSX-R1000K7 to victory in the opening round of the Japanese Superbike Championship at Twinring-Motegi at the weekend after starting from sixth position on the grid. Following a wet Saturday qualifying session, the Suzuki rider made his challenge at the half-way stage of the dry 20-lap race, catching up to leaders and taking to the front with five laps remaining after carving past the leading trio in as many laps. Said Watanabe: “The all-new 2007 GSX-R1000 is awesome but the massive amount of power made it difficult to set up the chassis for the race on Saturday in the wet, so I asked my team staff to make it easier to ride. I didn’t have a good start but I had a lot of confidence in the bike and my team and am very happy with the result for both Yoshimura Suzuki and Bridgestone.” Superbike Results: 1: Atsushi Watanabe (Yoshimura Suzuki) 2: Tatsuya Yamaguchi (Moriwaki Honda) 3: Shogo Moriwaki (Moriwaki Honda) 4: Akira Yanagawa (Team Green Kawasaki) 5: Norick Abe (Yamaha) 6: Katsuyuki Nakasuga (Yamaha) 7: Chojun Kameya (Sakurai Honda) 8: Kousuke Akiyoshi (WINs Suzuki) 9: Daisaku Saka (Yoshimura Suzuki) 10: Takashi Yasuda (Harc Honda) More, from a press release issued by NCR: Vallelunga (Rome) – First race of the Italian Supertwins 2007 It will be a very competitive championship because of the opening duel between NCR and Moto Guzzi, the NCR Millano vs the Moto Guzzi MGS-01, Bartolini vs Guareschi. On the eve of the opening battle, Valter Barlolini was unfortunately injured during a training session on his Supermoto and was not able to contest the opening round of the Supertwins Championship. It was unfortunate because Valter was just coming off his amazing win on the NCR Millona Factory 2007, the very bike that won the Sound of Thunder at Daytona several weeks ago. NCR Corse then quickly engaged Paolo Bentivogli on the NCR Millona Factory 2007. Paolo already dominated and won the Supertwins championship on the Millona Factory in 2005. The practice sessions were interrupted by rain and cold weather and had resulted in the the three Moto Guzzis of Guareschi, Veghini and Liverani in front of Paolo Bentivogli in fourth. To note, Enrico Martini (57 years old) in the senior class qualified in 12th position on his NCR Millona One Shot. The race took place in perfect sunny weather with a slightly slower track but nonetheless, optimal racing conditions. Quickly Bentivogli and Guareschi create a gap over the other Moto Guzzi’s and by turning 1:45 laps. Paolo chose his moment in the 10th of 12 laps and passed the potent 4V Moto Guzzi in the fast section of the track. In the last lap, the Bentivogli’s NCR Millona was ahead of Guareschi’s Moto Guzzi and in the very last turn, Guareschi was able to take a risky move and squeeze by Bentivogli for the win. Considering that Bentivogli had very little time to acclimate to the 07 NCR Millona Factory bike, he was able to ride very competitively for the lead which shows that the NCR Millona package is a solid race bike. NCR also congratulates Enrico Martini for an overall 11th place position and winner of the senior class of the race. Next race is in Misano on May 20th. Keep up-to-date on the NCR racing world on http://www.ncrcorse.com/us

Yamaha-Sponsored Test Session Set for Infineon Raceway This Week SONOMA, Calif. (April 3, 2007) For the first time in six years, top AMA riders will be greeted with two days of sunshine at this week’s Yamaha-sponsored test session at Infineon Raceway on Thursday and Friday (April 5-6). Riders from top manufacturers like Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and Honda are expected to test the 12-turn, 2.22-mile road course in advance of the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts, May 18-20. Rain has either canceled or limited the annual two-day test session each year since 2001, but the forecast calls for sunny skies and 70-degree temperatures for the Sonoma Valley. That bodes well for riders like defending AMA Superbike champion and Infineon Raceway champion Ben Spies (Suzuki), six-time AMA Superbike champion Mat Mladin (Suzuki) and nine-time Infineon Raceway winner Miguel Duhamel (Honda). Other riders expected to test this week include Jamie Hacking and Roger Hayden from Kawasaki, Petaluma High School graduates Eric and Ben Bostrom (Yamaha), San Francisco native Jake Zemke (San Francisco) and Jason Disalvo (Yamaha). Kawasaki, Yamaha and Honda are scheduled to test both days, while Suzuki will be at Infineon Raceway only on Friday. The AMA began its season last month at Daytona Beach (Fla.) with Spies winning in both Superbike and Superstock. Roger Hayden led the charge for Kawasaki with a win in Supersport, while Acalanes High School graduate Steve Rapp captured the prestigious Daytona 200. Rapp will not be attending the test session in Sonoma this week. The second round of the AMA season is set for Birmingham (Ala.), April 20-22, followed by Fontana, April 27-29, before heading to Sonoma.

After a successful pre season test at Snetterton two weeks ago (25th March), Stuart Hicken and his Hawk Kawasaki Team are in high spirits as they head for the first round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch this Easter weekend (7th – 9th April). The four Hawk riders are keen to tackle the technical 2.6-mile track. This season Hawk are running former team member Scott Smart who is eager to gain similar results to which he achieved with the team in 2004 on board the new Kawasaki ZX10-R. He will be joined by youngster Peter Hickman, who will be competing in his second year in the fiercely competitive British Superbike Championship with Hawk. Smart commented “I’m looking forward to the start of the season and returning to Hawk, we had a good test at Snetterton and we know which direction we need to go with the bikes. Brands is my local track so I’m hoping that I will be able to start the year with a handful of strong results. I’m keen to work with the team again and have a good year.” New for this season are the Hawk Junior Team which will be running youngsters David Hallett and Jak Wright. The two used the test at Snetterton to their advantage and each were able to adjust to their new bikes and riding styles. 20-year-old Hallett will be riding the ZX10-R in the National Superstock Cup Championship and 19-year-old Wright will be riding the new ZX6 in the British Supersport Cup. Team Manager Stuart Hicken is delighted with his rider line up this year. ‘I’m extremely happy with the riders that I have riding for me this season. It’s good to have Scott back on board with Hicky and also the two younger riders in the junior team who I am hoping will develop and progress through the season. Everyone at Hawk have been working around the clock to ensure that the team are ready for the first race at Brands and we are looking forward to racing there.”