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More From This Past Weekend’s Various Races
Millnic Media Honda on the Podium, first for the all new Honda CBR600RR! www.millnicmediahonda.com The Millnic Media Honda team of Melissa Paris and Greg White finished the first round of the WERA/AMA National Endurance Series on the Middle Weight Superstock podium at Roebling Road Raceway over the weekend. Millnic Media Honda had a great first outing on the all new Honda CBR600RR by posting some fast lap times and holding off Apex Racing by just over six seconds to finish third in class. WERA announced that the National Endurance Series is now co-sanctioned by the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) making it a “Pro” Series. With the co-sanctioning of WERA and the AMA for the National Endurance Series, Millnic Media is the first team to put the 2007 CBR600RR on the podium. Even before race action gets started, the planning of pit strategies plays an important role in any Endurance race result. Millnic Media Honda talked extensively about the tire situation. With the help of Steve Brubaker from Dunlop, Millnic Media Honda felt confident going the entire four hour race on one set of tires. The talk around the paddock was how hard the fresh pavement at Roebling Road Raceway was eating front tires. Steve told Greg White and Melissa Paris of Millnic Media Honda that a one heat cycled front would go the distance”¦ and it did! The big unanswered question for the team was fuel consumption. The 2007 CBR600RR Millnic Media Honda raced had zero miles on it Friday morning and started the race Saturday afternoon with just over 200 miles on it. With the stock fuel gauge intact the plan was to ride the motorcycle until the last bar was blinking red. That plan worked out great. Melissa Paris started the team from the second wave. After 50 minutes at full throttle she rode the Honda into the pits 4th in class. When Greg brought the motorcycle back in to the pits for the second pit stop of the day the Millnic Media Honda Team was 2nd in class. Toward the end of the race and 2 pit stops later Melissa found herself 3rd in class, but right on the edge of a possible last lap pit stop for fuel. So with the help of 2006 AMA Formula Xtreme Champion Josh Hayes, master mechanic Chuck Giacchetto and Millnic Media Honda team rider Steven Breckenridge it was decided that with 12 minutes to go they would bring Melissa in, do a splash and go and put Greg on the bike for the last part of the race. When Greg re-entered the race track to finish things off he was only 5 seconds ahead of fourth place Apex Racing. A few quick laps ensured a solid 3rd place in class for the first time endurance team. After the race it was noted that Greg White of the Millnic Media Honda team set the team’s personal fastest lap of the race on lap 141 of 177! How good were the Dunlop tires? The team did the entire race on one set of Dunlop D209 DOT approved tires. After the race Melissa Paris has this to say, “I am totally stoked on this result! We came into the weekend not expecting anything. We just wanted to set some good laps, represent our sponsors well and most of all have fun. Finishing on the podium is a great way to start the season. This is exactly the quality track time I need to keep my lap times low during my sprint races on Sunday.” Greg White echoed Melissa comment with this statement, “3rd today is a great boost for our team. Not having to make tire changes saved us a lot to time in the pits and Melissa really got us off to a great start. We really have to thank Josh Hayes for all his work. That guy sat on pit wall all day long taking every single lap time. A huge thanks to Chuck Giacchetto who worked the fuel can and Steven Breckenridge for the pit board and fire extinguisher work. This is such great motivation to keep working out and working on my riding. WERA put on a great event, without any red flags. You can check out www.millnicmediahonda.com for more information about the team. Look for a variety of video features from the team over the course of the 2007 racing season.
Pridmore, Yates To Appear At Grand Opening Of Hudson Valley Motorcycles In New York
Hudson Valley Motorcycles is excited to announce a Grand Opening and Open House celebration event weekend, Saturday March 24th and Sunday March 25th. We will have the Jordan Suzuki Racing Team truck on site, as well as Jordan Suzuki Racing Team riders Jason Pridmore and Aaron Yates. Kawasaki Drag Racing rider Rickey Gadsen will be available for autographs and one on one question and answer sessions as well! Are you looking to start racing? Jason, Aaron and Rickey will be there to answer all your questions, discuss advanced riding techniques, throttle control, braking, body position drills and more! Learn from the professionals about your new ride! Local radio and news stations will be present, broadcasting live over the weekend! We will also have plenty of door prizes with tons of cool gear for all ages! Hudson Valley Motorcycles has recently relocated to a new 15,000 sq/ft building in Ossining NY, only 5 miles from the former location in Millwood, just 10 minutes north of White Plains, and 35 minutes north of New York City! Please come by to see the gorgeous new showroom, Westchester County’s largest selection of parts and accessories, and the expanded service facility! Since 1966 Hudson Valley Motorcycles has been known as the source for professional service, technical expertise, and great customer care in Westchester County NY. Join us for this event and see why our customers are raving! Do you need new gear? Representatives from the best companies in the industry like Arai, Joe Rocket, Alpinestars, First Gear, Icon, Shoei, HJC, Held, Sidi, Answer, KBC, AGV, Thor, Fox, Ohlins, Dunlop, Metzler, Michelin, Brembo Maxima, Sato Racing, TiForce, NOS, Vance & Hines, Orient Express and others will be on hand to give you the best advice and inside information! The Grand Opening and Open House celebration event weekend will run Saturday March 24th from 9am to 4pm, and Sunday March 25th from 9am to 2pm. Please bring your friends and family to see what Hudson Valley Motorcycles has to offer! Food and beverages will be provided, so come hungry! www.hudsonvalleymotorcycles.com 179 North Highland Ave Ossining, NY 10562 914.762.2722 Tel 914.762.4402 Fax
NESBA Announces 2007 Track Day Calendar
2007 season promises to be most expansive in club’s history Mohnton, PA Northeast Sportbike Association (NESBA,) the countries largest volunteer run track day organization, is proud to announce its 2007 schedule. With 153 events being held in 5 regions across the country this schedule has something for everyone. MIDATLANTIC REGION 4/7/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 4/7/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 4/8/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 4/8/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 4/14/2007 Pocono Raceway East 4/21/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 4/22/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 5/4/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 5/5/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 5/5/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 5/6/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 5/6/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 6/8/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 6/9/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 6/10/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 6/23/2007 Nelson Ledges 6/24/2007 Nelson Ledges 7/7/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 7/8/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 7/9/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 7/14/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 7/15/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 8/4/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 8/11/2007 Pocono Raceway Formula USA 8/25/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 8/26/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 8/27/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 9/2/2007 Pocono Raceway East 9/7/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 9/8/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 9/8/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 9/9/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 9/9/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 9/29/2007 Pocono Raceway East 9/30/2007 Pocono Raceway East 10/13/2007 Nelson Ledges 10/14/2007 Nelson Ledges 10/20/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 10/21/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 10/26/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 10/27/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 10/28/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson SOUTHEAST REGION 3/3/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 3/4/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 3/10/2007 Virginia International Raceway South 3/11/2007 Virginia International Raceway South 3/12/2007 Virginia International Raceway North 3/24/2007 Roebling Road Raceway 3/25/2007 Roebling Road Raceway 4/6/2007 Road Atlanta 4/7/2007 Road Atlanta 4/8/2007 Road Atlanta 4/28/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 4/29/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 5/5/2007 Talladega GP 5/6/2007 Talladega GP 5/26/2007 Road Atlanta 5/27/2007 Road Atlanta 6/9/2007 Carolina Motorsports Park 6/10/2007 Carolina Motorsports Park 6/23/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 6/24/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 7/7/2007 Virginia International Raceway South 7/8/2007 Virginia International Raceway South 7/9/2007 Virginia International Raceway North 7/20/2007 Virginia International Raceway Full Course 7/21/2007 Virginia International Raceway Patriot 7/22/2007 Virginia International Raceway Patriot 7/28/2007 Road Atlanta 7/29/2007 Road Atlanta 8/18/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 8/19/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 8/25/2007 Virginia International Raceway South 8/26/2007 Virginia International Raceway South 8/27/2007 Virginia International Raceway North 9/1/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 9/2/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 9/8/2007 Carolina Motorsports Park 9/9/2007 Carolina Motorsports Park 10/6/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 10/7/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 10/20/2007 Virginia International Raceway Patriot 10/21/2007 Virginia International Raceway Patriot 10/22/2007 Virginia International Raceway Full Course 11/10/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 11/11/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 11/12/2007 Barber Motorsports Park MIDWEST REGION 4/14/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 4/15/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 4/21/2007 Grattan Raceway Park 4/22/2007 Grattan Raceway Park 5/5/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 5/6/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 5/28/2007 Road America 5/29/2007 Road America 6/2/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 6/3/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 6/16/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 6/17/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 6/23/2007 Grattan Raceway Park 6/24/2007 Grattan Raceway Park 6/30/2007 Gingerman Raceway 7/1/2007 Gingerman Raceway 7/4/2007 Road America 7/5/2007 Road America 7/14/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 7/15/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 7/23/2007 Autobahn Country Club Full Course 7/28/2007 Autobahn Country Club North 7/29/2007 Autobahn Country Club North 9/1/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 9/2/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 9/8/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 9/9/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 9/22/2007 Gingerman Raceway 9/23/2007 Gingerman Raceway 10/13/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 10/14/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 10/20/2007 Grattan Raceway Park NORTHWEST REGION 4/21/2007 Pacific Raceways 4/22/2007 Pacific Raceways 5/7/2007 Pacific Raceways 5/23/2007 Portland International Raceway 6/2/2007 Pacific Raceways 6/3/2007 Pacific Raceways 6/25/2007 Pacific Raceways 7/14/2007 Pacific Raceways 7/15/2007 Pacific Raceways 7/23/2007 Portland International Raceway 7/30/2007 Pacific Raceways 8/13/2007 Pacific Raceways 9/1/2007 Pacific Raceways 9/2/2007 Pacific Raceways 9/24/2007 Pacific Raceways 10/13/2007 Pacific Raceways 10/14/2007 Pacific Raceways MIDCENTRAL REGION 4/28/2007 Mid-America Motorplex 4/29/2007 Mid-America Motorplex 5/12/2007 Heartland Park Topeka 5/13/2007 Heartland Park Topeka 6/9/2007 Heartland Park Topeka 6/10/2007 Heartland Park Topeka 7/7/2007 Hallett Motor Racing Circuit 7/8/2007 Hallett Motor Racing Circuit 7/28/2007 Heartland Park Topeka 7/29/2007 Heartland Park Topeka 8/4/2007 Mid-America Motorplex 8/5/2007 Mid-America Motorplex 8/19/2007 Miller Motorsports Park AMA 8/20/2007 Miller Motorsports Park AMA 9/8/2007 Iowa Speedway 9/9/2007 Iowa Speedway NESBA would also like to remind its members that every event is run and organized only by NESBA staff in order to maintain the high standards our members expect from us. Visit us on the web at www.nesba.com for sign up and member information. See you at the track!
LRRS To Use Spec Fuels in 2007
2007 LRRS Spec Fuel Rule Details The LRRS staff, after much thought and consideration, has decided to implement a Spec Fuel for the 2007 race season, as announced at the LRRS awards banquet. Although the details of the rule were not completely finalized when the concept was announced, the intent to follow this course of action was made public to give the maximum amount of notice to LRRS competitors. In addition, LRRS officials wanted enough time to completely evaluate all of the options available before finalizing the rule. A number of comments were voiced through various channels, many of which contained solid ideas that helped to mold the original concept into what it has become today. Background There were many things that led us down this path. Over the past several years there have been several fuels introduced from a number of manufacturers in the motorcycle industry that have produced sizable performance gains — some as large as 6-7%. As these fuel companies worked to make better and better fuels, two things happened: (1) Many of the fuels became considerably more toxic and (2) Most the fuels got considerably more expensive. Riders and teams at national events in recent years have on occasion used fuels that have made crew members physically ill and even required the use of Haz-Mat suits while dispensing fuel into the tank. As these fuels become more commonplace, they will begin to trickle into club races like LRRS. You don’t even have to be the one running this fuel to be affected. Most people who have worked around top performing fuels can attest to the rather accelerated rate at which a person can feel the effects of being in any kind of proximity to these fumes. Long gone are the days of being competitive with other top riders while running $5-$6 per gallon gas. The top AMA fuels, most of which are currently present at every LRRS weekend, retail anywhere from $20-$25 per gallon. Even at the conservative consumption rate of 7 gallons per weekend, that nets out to over $150 per weekend in fuel. In addition, most of these fuels need to be flushed out every single weekend (top pro teams do it every night) or there is a strong likelihood of fuel system and/or valvetrain deterioration. After a brief survey, approximately 80% of the expert LRRS riders we polled had lost at least one fuel pump to the effects of these fuels. Thus, we feel that the Spec Fuel rule will be in the best interest of maintaining both the physical and financial health of the LRRS riders and crew. The Evolution of the Rule At the LRRS banquet it was announced that the LRRS riders would be allowed 2 options; either the Sunoco Race fuel at the track or Pump gas from a designated gas station. This concept has been altered for reasons of both enforceability and viability. It was extremely important to LRRS to offer fuel choices that did not place a significant financial burden on it’s racers. At 7 gallons per weekend, riders who used pump gas spent between $17.50 and $21 per weekend on fuel, depending mainly on the prices at the pump which varied from $2.50 to $3.00 per gallon during last season. The original concept was to allow for the use of this pump fuel, but this led to a problem of enforceability. The main issue is that pump gas is oxygenated, and it is very easy to introduce additives into oxygenated fuel that are very difficult to detect. There was also the issue of consistency and the ability to produce repeatable test results with fuel stored in underground tanks. The Sunoco fuel at the pumps in 2006 would have worked work for most riders, but since then NASCAR has outlawed their higher octane leaded fuels for 2007. This created a legitimate concern that certain riders with built engines would suffer failures if they used this new 98 octane fuel. This was obviously not an acceptable scenario. As such, LRRS put the word out that it was looking for a fuel company to work with. The primary targets were to find a company that had widely available fuels suitable for all bikes, the ability to easily test these fuels for legality and the desire to support LRRS riders with a contingency program. The 2007 Spec Fuel Rule Details After the consideration of several options, Bob Bahre of NHIS agreed to forgo the sale of track fuel in favor of program that was more beneficial to the LRRS riders. VP racing fuels will be the supplier of all racing fuel for LRRS, and will fully back the program with both a testing program to ensure enforceability and a contingency program to support the riders. All fuel should be purchased from the VP fuel truck at NHIS. There will be 2 fuels available. VP C12 will be sold at the track for $8/gallon. This is a long-standing benchmark racing fuel with a 108 octane rating that is capable of safely delivering solid performance in any motor without risk of detonation. It is widely available and many tuners have experience with it. For those riders running stock engines, VP MS93 will be sold at the track for $3.25/gallon. This is an affordable non-oxygenated unleaded fuel with a R+M/2 octane rating of 95, and is the spec fuel for a number of racing series around the country. The mapping for this fuel is identical to pump gas, and will allow riders formerly using pump gas to collect contingency money at LRRS events. The lack of oxygen in both of these fuels makes enforcement of the rule possible, as additives and foreign fuels are easily detected. Enforcement All riders are required to use VP spec fuel during all LRRS activities. This includes not only the races but also all Saturday and Sunday practice sessions. Random testing may be done at any time once the first practice goes green on Saturday. LRRS officials, in conjunction with VP technical personnel, will perform all tests at the track. In the event of a protest where fuel is in question and a laboratory test is required, a protest fee schedule and procedure will be announced at the first race weekend of 2007 during the Saturday riders meeting. At the discretion of LRRS officials, penalties for noncompliance may result in fines and/or license suspension for blatant violations. Fuel that is purchased from VP dealers outside of the track will not be eligible for contingency and may not pass the fuel test due to cross contamination from reused drums. The VP sold at the track will all come out of new drums to ensure no cross contamination. The drums at the track will be used as the baseline for testing all season long. Contingency Requirements In addition to running a VP decal on each side of your motorcycle, you must buy at least 5 gallons of VP fuel from the racetrack vendor at LRRS events each weekend. Again, fuel that is purchased from VP dealers outside of the track will not be eligible for contingency and may not pass fuel test due to the contamination. The VP vendor at the track will record your purchase and your number at each event to qualify you for contingency on that weekend. The payout will be as follows: 1st – $25, 2nd-6th – $10. This payout schedule is specific to LRRS and replaces the current posted CCS contingency postings. An added bonus for the LRRS program is that your contingency will be claimed directly at the track, and will be available at the conclusion of each race weekend and useable at any subsequent LRRS in 2007. Riders buying drum of fuel from the track vendor will be made eligible for multiple weekends as follows: 15 gallon drum – 3 weekends, 30 gallon drum – 6 weekends, 55 gallon drum – all of 2007. However, in order for VP to ensure rider eligibility, riders who intend to collect contingency may not share drums of fuel. Program Effective Date & Fuel Distribution It is apparent to LRRS that many riders will want the opportunity to tune their motorcycles for this new fuel. These VP fuels are available prior to the first LRRS weekend from dealers across New England and New York. For the name of the local dealer near you please contact VP at VP-Atlantic Newark, DE Phone: 302-368-1500 Fax: 302-368-1869 [email protected] This program will become effective on the 2nd LRRS weekend of 2007 on May 12/13. This will not only allow riders a chance to test and tune their motorcycles, but will also give everyone the chance to buy a drum of fuel to last them for several weekends. Riders can also use the first LRRS weekend to burn off any fuel remaining from past weekends of racing. All riders are encouraged to pre-order fuel from VP Atlantic for delivery to NHIS during the first LRRS weekend in April. We look forward to seeing everyone at Loudon on April 28/29 to kick off a new season.
BMW Motorrad Posts Record Gains In Sales, Production And Profits For 2006
BMW MOTORRAD MAINTAINS CONSISTENT SUCCESS Increase in all key figures once again. Munich. All the figures point upwards: BMW Motorrad’s sales, production, turnover and operating profits achieved new records in the business year 2006. The pre-tax operating profits increased by 10.0 per cent to 66 million euros (previous year 60 million euros). Turnover climbed by 3.4 per cent to 1,265 million euros (previous year 1,223). Product and sales increased impressively an outstanding feat in view of the currency-related position of Japanese competitors and the regressive German market. For the first time in the company’s history, over 100,000 motorcycles were produced at the Berlin plant 101,352 units to be precise. In addition, 2,407 units were produced in cooperation with Aprilia (Piaggio S.p.A.). At the Berlin plant alone six new model launches were successfully handled in 2006. In sales, too, a historical record was achieved. Exactly 100,064 BMW motorcycles were supplied by dealers to customers worldwide. As compared to the previous year (97,474 units) this meant a sales increase of 2.7 per cent, underscoring the success of the current product offensive. These sales figures appear even more impressive in the context of the last few years. Starting from a figure of 50,465 units in 1996, sales of BMW motorcycles have virtually doubled within the last ten years. Another historic figure was achieved for company statistics last business year: the total number of BMW motorcycles since 1923 passed the two-million mark in 2006; exactly 2,061,977 motorcycles have been built bearing the blue and white logo. Experts estimate that over 70 per cent of motorcycles built since the war are still functional and owned by customers an impressive confirmation that BMW Motorrad builds motorcycles which consistently sustain demand. The new models presented at INTERMOT 2006 have already given the market important impulses. The new single cylinder series is built by BMW in cooperation with the Italian manufacturer Aprilia an important role model for the strengthening of the motorcycle industry in Europe as a whole. While the 4-cylinder BMW K 1200 R Sport has already met with a positive response, the market launch of the highly exclusive HP2 Megamoto in May is anticipated with great excitement. In addition to the US market, it is the markets in Western Europe which have the largest share in the impressive sales figures. In Germany, 23,617 units were supplied, making BMW the market leader in its home country. The second strongest market was Italy (13,651 units), while Spain ranked third with 10,002 units here sales have doubled in just two years. Since 2004, BMW Motorrad has put 17 new models on the market and undertaken a complete revision of its model range over two-year period. In just a single decade, BMW Motorrad has become the biggest and most important European manufacturer of large-volume motorcycles.
Nakano Hopeful Of A Good Result At Jerez
KONICA MINOLTA Honda hopeful of better things at Jerez KONICA MINOLTA Honda are confident of better things at this weekend’s race at Jerez in southern Spain. At the first round in Qatar ten days ago, a steady start saw Shinya Nakano come home in 10th place, while other championship challengers crashed around him. Finishing the race was the aim for the former 250GP runner-up, but as the season progresses, both Team and rider are confident of improved results on the new-for-2007 800cc V4. The KONICA MINOLTA Honda Team have been scrutinizing the data from Qatar at their technical headquarters in Verona to ensure that the lack of corner-entry confidence that afflicted Shinya at the Losail circuit isn’t a problem in Spain. It is hoped that the tighter Jerez circuit should better suit both the bike and the 29-year-old Japanese rider’s style. Gianluca Montiron Team Manager KONICA MINOLTA Honda “We all expect maximum effort from each other, the rider, Team and myself this is why we compete, so we will give 100% at Jerez. Qatar was the first race in a long season, so I think we will have to be three or four races in before we have a clear vision of where we are in comparison with our competitors and at every race we will work hard to close the gap on the leaders. For Jerez, we are aiming to be in the top five or six positions. I believe we have the best technical package in MotoGP, but everything must work at 100% for us to give the best package to Shinya and then he can improve too. We acquired a lot of information from Qatar GP, they’ll be useful to make steps ahead in all sectors.” Shinya Nakano Rider, KONICA MINOLTA Honda “We learned a lot about the bike at Qatar, but we didn’t get a good start, and this is so important at Jerez, so hopefully we can adjust something for this weekend. We didn’t have any big problems in Qatar, the bike was stable, and it feels good everywhere, but we need some strong point in our technical package to move us forward. Everyone tells me I have a classic 250cc style, which is smooth and hopefully as we progress this will suit the new 800cc bike. I’ve tried changing my style in the past, to try to be more aggressive on the brakes, but then I crash, so I believe in my riding style! I need a good contact feeling with the front tyre, but being smooth should also be better for longer tyre life. I like the Jerez track a lot it’s very technical and for the last two years I’ve had good qualifying and race positions, so I’m hopeful of a good result. Jerez always gives me a very special feeling as it’s one of the best GPs to race at and attend. It’s a pleasure to ride in front of so many fans and I’m also very excited that my father is flying in from Japan to watch! My parents have flown in a few times to Europe to watch races, but never Jerez. With its unique atmosphere I wanted to show him the Spanish GP at Jerez. I think he will love it!” Giulio Bernardelle Technical Director, KONICA MINOLTA Honda “We have checked the data from Qatar and we understand that on the entry of the corner Shinya was not so confident. To help with this we have decided to test something different with the front tyre on Friday morning in Jerez, so we shall see how this helps. Machine balance is one of most important differences between the five-cylinder Honda RC211V and the four-cylinder 212V, as with the new bike there’s more weight over the front. So, we will make some small adjustments in the machine geometry to see if that helps. Our base setting from the IRTA test last month is good, so we are hopeful that Shinya can be fast from Friday morning. With race starts, we knew what Shinya’s habits were with the Kawasaki and we’ve tested a lot over the winter with the new electronic set-up of the starting system on the 800cc machine, so we’re hoping we can improve that also. Jerez is a different track and our winter tests results have been much better than Qatar, so we’re more confident of a good result at Jerez.”
More On The Recent World Superbike Test At Valencia
Some useful basic work During two days of testing at the Valencia circuit, the Team YZF Yamaha and Shinichi Nakatomi have done a lot of basic work to improve the performance of the R1. This session was the opportunity for the team to try many new solutions, including the engine mapping. Some work was done also on the suspensions to have a better feeling regarding the tyres. Everything went well. There was not the smallest crash, nor any technical failure. Shinichi Nakatomi had the possibility during those two days to ride a total of 134 laps, which is the fourth overall total distance between all the riders in attendance, behind Bayliss, Biaggi and Morelli. So this test session was very positive regarding the next round of the World Championship that will be held at Donington. Shinichi Nakatomi: “I tried many new suspension settings on the machine in this test and some new parts. We worked a lot on suspension. We were looking for a base setting for the Valencia race and the feeling with the bike got better and better. We set the best lap time in the last session, even in the strong wind, so that proves that we made improvements.” Martial Garcia (team manager): “These tests were satisfying. We did not use qualifying tyres, because we did not look for the last tenths of a second. We have done a lot of basic work, which is very important.” Tests results: 1-Bayliss (Ducati) 1:34.102; 2-Xaus (Ducati) 1:34.565; 3-Lanzi (Ducati) 1:34.584; 4-Biaggi (Suzuki) 1:34.708; 5-Corser (Yamaha) 1:34.851; 6-Haga (Yamaha) 1:35.029; 7-Nieto (Kawasaki) 1:35.410; 8-Muggeridge (Honda) 1:35.470; 9-Neukirchner (Suzuki) 1:35.532; 10-Laconi (Kawasaki) 1:35.639 — ¦15-Nakatomi (Yamaha) 1:36.832 World Championship standings: 1-Toseland (Honda) 90 points, 2-Biaggi (Suzuki) 74, 3-Bayliss (Ducati) 64, 4-Haga (Yamaha) 50, 5-Corser (Yamaha) 45 –¦15-Nakatomi (Yamaha) 10 Valencia stats Practice record (2003): 1:34.633 Neil Hodgson (Ducati) 152.360 kph Lap record (best race time 2003): 1:35.007 Neil Hodgson (Ducati) 151.760 kph 2006 Yamaha Motor France practice times: Nakatomi: 1:36.794 / 21st; Abe: 1:35.974 / 8th; Alfonsi: 1:39.117 / 33rd Race 1 results 2006: 1- Bayliss (Ducati), 2-Corser (Suzuki), 3-Lanzi (Ducati), 4-Abe (Yamaha), 5-Haga (Yamaha) 2006 Yamaha Motor France race 1 results: Nakatomi: 12th; Abe: 4th; Alfonsi: DNF Race 2 results 2006: 1- Bayliss (Ducati), 2-Corser (Suzuki), 3-Lanzi (Ducati), 4-Abe (Yamaha), 5-Haga (Yamaha) 2006 Yamaha Motor France race 2 results: Nakatomi: 12th; Abe: 4th; Alfonsi: DNF 3rd round of the Superbike World Championship: April 1st at Donington (United Kingdom)
Bridgestone Looking For Another Win At Jerez
Bridgestone Motorsport returns to the scene of its first European success this weekend as the second round of the 2007 MotoGP world championship is held at the Circuito de Jerez in southern Spain. Ducati’s Loris Capirossi scored a memorable win in Jerez last season which marked the first occasion that a rider on Bridgestone tyres had won a MotoGP race on European soil. A trio of Bridgestone-shod riders were at the head of the grid as well with Capirossi’s pole position well supported by Sete Gibernau in second for Ducati and Shinya Nakano in third for Kawasaki. Tyre Talk with Hiroshi Yamada Bridgestone Motorsport – Manager, Motorcycle Sport Department Jerez Testing “Similar to the last race in Qatar, we have had the opportunity to test in the run-up to the GP with our five teams. Since the end of last season, we have carried out two important test sessions at the track, one in November and one in February, both of which were highly productive for us from a tyre development point of view. In November, we did some initial studies for 800cc tyre development using similar tyre specifications to what had been raced in 2006. We then used the big pre-season test in February to finalise our development work for 800cc from the results obtained in November.” Jerez Tyre Performance 990cc Vs 800cc Bikes “Whereas our new generation tyres showed a marked difference in performance at Qatar compared to last year’s specification, we have seen from the results of testing that the differences in tyre characteristics between the 990cc and 800cc machines at Jerez are actually not so vast. The new 800cc machines are more agile at turning and the cornering speed is relatively higher from the entry to the exit, so the bike demands more ultimate grip on both front and rear tyres at tracks like Jerez.” Track Characteristics “We consider Jerez to be quite a standard circuit in terms of its technical challenge. The grip level is quite average compared to other tracks on the calendar, but the circuit boasts a real variety of corners. The range from slow to high speed cornering, places emphasis on higher grip front tyres as well as rear tyres, while high speed traction is also important. The circuit characteristics and climatic condition is totally different to what we faced in Qatar two weeks ago, so we will supply a very different specification of tyre; the compound will be softer and the construction will be adapted to fit the Jerez track character. We will mainly supply soft and medium specs to our teams, while we will also bring new rear qualifying tyres, which have been fine-tuned from the results of February’s IRTA test.” The Weekend Ahead “We always enjoy a massive and passionate crowd at Jerez which gives the whole weekend a special atmosphere. The pre-season test was attended by around 30,000 spectators demonstrating the enthusiasm of the Spanish fans for MotoGP. We will certainly work hard with all of our teams to help a rider on Bridgestone tyres take the top step of the podium for the second consecutive Jerez GP and for the second race in a row after Casey Stoner’s great win in Qatar.” Riding Perspective with Honda Gresini’s Toni Elias “The Circuito de Jerez comprises a combination of fast and slow corners. There are some strong braking points around Jerez and it is particularly important to have a good set-up for these heavy braking areas. There is also the need to carry mid-corner speed through the long corners as this is where important lap time can be lost. A compromise of these two elements is required to post competitive times. Specifically for Jerez, we made a good step ahead at the pre-season test in February and we believe that we will have competitive material at our disposal. I am sure that we will also make a positive step forward in terms of qualifying performance – this was an area highlighted for improvement after the Jerez test, but Bridgestone has reacted quickly on this matter. I am really happy with the work that Bridgestone has done for Honda Gresini as a team and for me personally as a rider. They have listened to our feedback and provided me with tyres that better suit my riding style.” 2006 Flashback Race Winner and Top Rider on Bridgestone Loris Capirossi Ducati 45m57.733s Pole Position and Top Rider on Bridgestone Loris Capirossi Ducati 1m39.064s
Kawasaki Previews Round Two Of The MotoGP World Championship At Jerez
KAWASAKI FACES WITH CONVICTION EUROPEAN DEBUT IN JEREZ After a hard start to the year in Qatar just over seven days ago, the Kawasaki Racing Team head for the first European round of the new season at the technical Jerez circuit, for Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix The technical Andalusian circuit welcomes back all the MotoGP teams less than a month after the Official IRTA test at the track, which saw Kawasaki’s Randy de Puniet and Olivier Jacque top the timesheets on the final day of testing. Now having got over the crash that saw him fail to finish in the season opener in Qatar, Randy de Puniet has good reason to be confident heading into the second round of the championship. The 26-year-old Frenchman finished twice on the podium at Jerez in the 250cc world championship, and was consistently in the top ten during the recent IRTA test, setting consistent times on race tyres before finishing fifth fastest overall during the annual qualifying shootout. Despite the fact that he had to withdraw from last year’s race after sustaining injuries in a morning warm up crash, Kawasaki’s young gun heads to Jerez determined to kick-start his season with a strong result in Sunday’s race. De Puniet’s Kawasaki teammate, Olivier Jacque, had a steady start to the season with a 12th place finish in Qatar, but the 33-year-old Frenchman heads for Jerez determined to take another big step forward in his transition from development rider to full-time racer. Jacque is the first to admit that he still has some work to do if he is to regain his race pace, which he hopes to achieve this week during the build up to the Spanish Grand Prix. The Kawasaki pilot will also work on taking full advantage of Bridgestone’s qualifying tyres, in a bid to improve on his fifth row grid position in Qatar. With race tyres already selected, both Kawasaki riders will be free to continue refining set-up on their Ninja ZX-RR machines during practice and qualifying for Sunday’s race. They will also have the first opportunity to test at Jerez changes to the ignition mapping tested in Qatar and designed specifically to alleviate the abrupt power delivery that both riders commented on during last month’s IRTA test. Randy de Puniet: #14 “Jerez is one of my favourite tracks; it is very technical but fun to ride. I like the style of the corners; second-third gear in the corner and even fourth gear at the last part, which makes you take them at very high speed. The atmosphere at this track is amazing, crowded with people from all over the world. The main straight is not so long, which is good for us, but it is not easy to overtake. There are only three points where you can pass: the first and last corners and after the back straight. We were very competitive there during the IRTA tests, with only an issue with the engine power delivery. In Qatar we tried different mappings that helped a lot and I hope we will confirm it on Friday. If we can get a good grid slot and make a good start, I hope I can fight for a top six or seven finish. But I won’t take unnecessary risks this time, as my main concern is to finish the race, though I will try to do it in the best position possible.” Olivier Jacque: #19 “The Qatar race was the first step, but I know that the race rhythm was not so fast and I need to improve it here. The most important thing was to understand the bike better and check myself. Now I know that I am still capable to race and that makes me face this GP with more confidence. Jerez is a demanding and technical circuit; short, narrow and a bit bumpy. The last test here was hard because the bike was not so easy to ride, but this time will be better. The straight is shorter than Qatar, the power delivery has been improved and one of the strengths of our machine is the corner speed, which is very important in Jerez. I am very optimistic for this race but not under any illusions as there are still some things that need to be improved, both from the machine side and myself, to be 100% competitive.” Ichiro Yoda: Kawasaki Racing Director “Randy didn’t achieve his target in Qatar, but I’m sure this time he will. We had a talk and I asked him to be calmer this time and finish the race. We would be happy if he could qualify on second or first row and finish the race among the first eight. Olivier showed his talent in Qatar and we hope he will start from third row and finish in the top ten this time. We already have a very good set up for Jerez that only needs to be adjusted. The procedure will be easier this weekend. We know the track and successfully tested there a month ago, finishing first and second. The engine was the main problem then, but in Qatar we found some solutions that made the power delivery friendlier from the bottom to full throttle. I hope we can corroborate that as the rest of the package is already working very well.”
Pinkys Pizza, Longtime Supporter Of Northern California Racing, Could Reopen This Week
Read About It Here: ~http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/16919232.htm~
More From This Past Weekend’s Various Races
Millnic Media Honda on the Podium, first for the all new Honda CBR600RR! www.millnicmediahonda.com The Millnic Media Honda team of Melissa Paris and Greg White finished the first round of the WERA/AMA National Endurance Series on the Middle Weight Superstock podium at Roebling Road Raceway over the weekend. Millnic Media Honda had a great first outing on the all new Honda CBR600RR by posting some fast lap times and holding off Apex Racing by just over six seconds to finish third in class. WERA announced that the National Endurance Series is now co-sanctioned by the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) making it a “Pro” Series. With the co-sanctioning of WERA and the AMA for the National Endurance Series, Millnic Media is the first team to put the 2007 CBR600RR on the podium. Even before race action gets started, the planning of pit strategies plays an important role in any Endurance race result. Millnic Media Honda talked extensively about the tire situation. With the help of Steve Brubaker from Dunlop, Millnic Media Honda felt confident going the entire four hour race on one set of tires. The talk around the paddock was how hard the fresh pavement at Roebling Road Raceway was eating front tires. Steve told Greg White and Melissa Paris of Millnic Media Honda that a one heat cycled front would go the distance”¦ and it did! The big unanswered question for the team was fuel consumption. The 2007 CBR600RR Millnic Media Honda raced had zero miles on it Friday morning and started the race Saturday afternoon with just over 200 miles on it. With the stock fuel gauge intact the plan was to ride the motorcycle until the last bar was blinking red. That plan worked out great. Melissa Paris started the team from the second wave. After 50 minutes at full throttle she rode the Honda into the pits 4th in class. When Greg brought the motorcycle back in to the pits for the second pit stop of the day the Millnic Media Honda Team was 2nd in class. Toward the end of the race and 2 pit stops later Melissa found herself 3rd in class, but right on the edge of a possible last lap pit stop for fuel. So with the help of 2006 AMA Formula Xtreme Champion Josh Hayes, master mechanic Chuck Giacchetto and Millnic Media Honda team rider Steven Breckenridge it was decided that with 12 minutes to go they would bring Melissa in, do a splash and go and put Greg on the bike for the last part of the race. When Greg re-entered the race track to finish things off he was only 5 seconds ahead of fourth place Apex Racing. A few quick laps ensured a solid 3rd place in class for the first time endurance team. After the race it was noted that Greg White of the Millnic Media Honda team set the team’s personal fastest lap of the race on lap 141 of 177! How good were the Dunlop tires? The team did the entire race on one set of Dunlop D209 DOT approved tires. After the race Melissa Paris has this to say, “I am totally stoked on this result! We came into the weekend not expecting anything. We just wanted to set some good laps, represent our sponsors well and most of all have fun. Finishing on the podium is a great way to start the season. This is exactly the quality track time I need to keep my lap times low during my sprint races on Sunday.” Greg White echoed Melissa comment with this statement, “3rd today is a great boost for our team. Not having to make tire changes saved us a lot to time in the pits and Melissa really got us off to a great start. We really have to thank Josh Hayes for all his work. That guy sat on pit wall all day long taking every single lap time. A huge thanks to Chuck Giacchetto who worked the fuel can and Steven Breckenridge for the pit board and fire extinguisher work. This is such great motivation to keep working out and working on my riding. WERA put on a great event, without any red flags. You can check out www.millnicmediahonda.com for more information about the team. Look for a variety of video features from the team over the course of the 2007 racing season.
Pridmore, Yates To Appear At Grand Opening Of Hudson Valley Motorcycles In New York
Hudson Valley Motorcycles is excited to announce a Grand Opening and Open House celebration event weekend, Saturday March 24th and Sunday March 25th. We will have the Jordan Suzuki Racing Team truck on site, as well as Jordan Suzuki Racing Team riders Jason Pridmore and Aaron Yates. Kawasaki Drag Racing rider Rickey Gadsen will be available for autographs and one on one question and answer sessions as well! Are you looking to start racing? Jason, Aaron and Rickey will be there to answer all your questions, discuss advanced riding techniques, throttle control, braking, body position drills and more! Learn from the professionals about your new ride! Local radio and news stations will be present, broadcasting live over the weekend! We will also have plenty of door prizes with tons of cool gear for all ages! Hudson Valley Motorcycles has recently relocated to a new 15,000 sq/ft building in Ossining NY, only 5 miles from the former location in Millwood, just 10 minutes north of White Plains, and 35 minutes north of New York City! Please come by to see the gorgeous new showroom, Westchester County’s largest selection of parts and accessories, and the expanded service facility! Since 1966 Hudson Valley Motorcycles has been known as the source for professional service, technical expertise, and great customer care in Westchester County NY. Join us for this event and see why our customers are raving! Do you need new gear? Representatives from the best companies in the industry like Arai, Joe Rocket, Alpinestars, First Gear, Icon, Shoei, HJC, Held, Sidi, Answer, KBC, AGV, Thor, Fox, Ohlins, Dunlop, Metzler, Michelin, Brembo Maxima, Sato Racing, TiForce, NOS, Vance & Hines, Orient Express and others will be on hand to give you the best advice and inside information! The Grand Opening and Open House celebration event weekend will run Saturday March 24th from 9am to 4pm, and Sunday March 25th from 9am to 2pm. Please bring your friends and family to see what Hudson Valley Motorcycles has to offer! Food and beverages will be provided, so come hungry! www.hudsonvalleymotorcycles.com 179 North Highland Ave Ossining, NY 10562 914.762.2722 Tel 914.762.4402 Fax
NESBA Announces 2007 Track Day Calendar
2007 season promises to be most expansive in club’s history Mohnton, PA Northeast Sportbike Association (NESBA,) the countries largest volunteer run track day organization, is proud to announce its 2007 schedule. With 153 events being held in 5 regions across the country this schedule has something for everyone. MIDATLANTIC REGION 4/7/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 4/7/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 4/8/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 4/8/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 4/14/2007 Pocono Raceway East 4/21/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 4/22/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 5/4/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 5/5/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 5/5/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 5/6/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 5/6/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 6/8/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 6/9/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 6/10/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 6/23/2007 Nelson Ledges 6/24/2007 Nelson Ledges 7/7/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 7/8/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 7/9/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 7/14/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 7/15/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 8/4/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 8/11/2007 Pocono Raceway Formula USA 8/25/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 8/26/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 8/27/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 9/2/2007 Pocono Raceway East 9/7/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 9/8/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 9/8/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 9/9/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 9/9/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 9/29/2007 Pocono Raceway East 9/30/2007 Pocono Raceway East 10/13/2007 Nelson Ledges 10/14/2007 Nelson Ledges 10/20/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 10/21/2007 BeaveRun Motorsports Complex 10/26/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Main 10/27/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson 10/28/2007 Summit Point Motorsports Park Jefferson SOUTHEAST REGION 3/3/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 3/4/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 3/10/2007 Virginia International Raceway South 3/11/2007 Virginia International Raceway South 3/12/2007 Virginia International Raceway North 3/24/2007 Roebling Road Raceway 3/25/2007 Roebling Road Raceway 4/6/2007 Road Atlanta 4/7/2007 Road Atlanta 4/8/2007 Road Atlanta 4/28/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 4/29/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 5/5/2007 Talladega GP 5/6/2007 Talladega GP 5/26/2007 Road Atlanta 5/27/2007 Road Atlanta 6/9/2007 Carolina Motorsports Park 6/10/2007 Carolina Motorsports Park 6/23/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 6/24/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 7/7/2007 Virginia International Raceway South 7/8/2007 Virginia International Raceway South 7/9/2007 Virginia International Raceway North 7/20/2007 Virginia International Raceway Full Course 7/21/2007 Virginia International Raceway Patriot 7/22/2007 Virginia International Raceway Patriot 7/28/2007 Road Atlanta 7/29/2007 Road Atlanta 8/18/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 8/19/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 8/25/2007 Virginia International Raceway South 8/26/2007 Virginia International Raceway South 8/27/2007 Virginia International Raceway North 9/1/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 9/2/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 9/8/2007 Carolina Motorsports Park 9/9/2007 Carolina Motorsports Park 10/6/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 10/7/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 10/20/2007 Virginia International Raceway Patriot 10/21/2007 Virginia International Raceway Patriot 10/22/2007 Virginia International Raceway Full Course 11/10/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 11/11/2007 Barber Motorsports Park 11/12/2007 Barber Motorsports Park MIDWEST REGION 4/14/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 4/15/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 4/21/2007 Grattan Raceway Park 4/22/2007 Grattan Raceway Park 5/5/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 5/6/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 5/28/2007 Road America 5/29/2007 Road America 6/2/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 6/3/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 6/16/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 6/17/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 6/23/2007 Grattan Raceway Park 6/24/2007 Grattan Raceway Park 6/30/2007 Gingerman Raceway 7/1/2007 Gingerman Raceway 7/4/2007 Road America 7/5/2007 Road America 7/14/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 7/15/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 7/23/2007 Autobahn Country Club Full Course 7/28/2007 Autobahn Country Club North 7/29/2007 Autobahn Country Club North 9/1/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 9/2/2007 Blackhawk Farms Raceway 9/8/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 9/9/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 9/22/2007 Gingerman Raceway 9/23/2007 Gingerman Raceway 10/13/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 10/14/2007 Putnam Park Road Course 10/20/2007 Grattan Raceway Park NORTHWEST REGION 4/21/2007 Pacific Raceways 4/22/2007 Pacific Raceways 5/7/2007 Pacific Raceways 5/23/2007 Portland International Raceway 6/2/2007 Pacific Raceways 6/3/2007 Pacific Raceways 6/25/2007 Pacific Raceways 7/14/2007 Pacific Raceways 7/15/2007 Pacific Raceways 7/23/2007 Portland International Raceway 7/30/2007 Pacific Raceways 8/13/2007 Pacific Raceways 9/1/2007 Pacific Raceways 9/2/2007 Pacific Raceways 9/24/2007 Pacific Raceways 10/13/2007 Pacific Raceways 10/14/2007 Pacific Raceways MIDCENTRAL REGION 4/28/2007 Mid-America Motorplex 4/29/2007 Mid-America Motorplex 5/12/2007 Heartland Park Topeka 5/13/2007 Heartland Park Topeka 6/9/2007 Heartland Park Topeka 6/10/2007 Heartland Park Topeka 7/7/2007 Hallett Motor Racing Circuit 7/8/2007 Hallett Motor Racing Circuit 7/28/2007 Heartland Park Topeka 7/29/2007 Heartland Park Topeka 8/4/2007 Mid-America Motorplex 8/5/2007 Mid-America Motorplex 8/19/2007 Miller Motorsports Park AMA 8/20/2007 Miller Motorsports Park AMA 9/8/2007 Iowa Speedway 9/9/2007 Iowa Speedway NESBA would also like to remind its members that every event is run and organized only by NESBA staff in order to maintain the high standards our members expect from us. Visit us on the web at www.nesba.com for sign up and member information. See you at the track!
LRRS To Use Spec Fuels in 2007
2007 LRRS Spec Fuel Rule Details The LRRS staff, after much thought and consideration, has decided to implement a Spec Fuel for the 2007 race season, as announced at the LRRS awards banquet. Although the details of the rule were not completely finalized when the concept was announced, the intent to follow this course of action was made public to give the maximum amount of notice to LRRS competitors. In addition, LRRS officials wanted enough time to completely evaluate all of the options available before finalizing the rule. A number of comments were voiced through various channels, many of which contained solid ideas that helped to mold the original concept into what it has become today. Background There were many things that led us down this path. Over the past several years there have been several fuels introduced from a number of manufacturers in the motorcycle industry that have produced sizable performance gains — some as large as 6-7%. As these fuel companies worked to make better and better fuels, two things happened: (1) Many of the fuels became considerably more toxic and (2) Most the fuels got considerably more expensive. Riders and teams at national events in recent years have on occasion used fuels that have made crew members physically ill and even required the use of Haz-Mat suits while dispensing fuel into the tank. As these fuels become more commonplace, they will begin to trickle into club races like LRRS. You don’t even have to be the one running this fuel to be affected. Most people who have worked around top performing fuels can attest to the rather accelerated rate at which a person can feel the effects of being in any kind of proximity to these fumes. Long gone are the days of being competitive with other top riders while running $5-$6 per gallon gas. The top AMA fuels, most of which are currently present at every LRRS weekend, retail anywhere from $20-$25 per gallon. Even at the conservative consumption rate of 7 gallons per weekend, that nets out to over $150 per weekend in fuel. In addition, most of these fuels need to be flushed out every single weekend (top pro teams do it every night) or there is a strong likelihood of fuel system and/or valvetrain deterioration. After a brief survey, approximately 80% of the expert LRRS riders we polled had lost at least one fuel pump to the effects of these fuels. Thus, we feel that the Spec Fuel rule will be in the best interest of maintaining both the physical and financial health of the LRRS riders and crew. The Evolution of the Rule At the LRRS banquet it was announced that the LRRS riders would be allowed 2 options; either the Sunoco Race fuel at the track or Pump gas from a designated gas station. This concept has been altered for reasons of both enforceability and viability. It was extremely important to LRRS to offer fuel choices that did not place a significant financial burden on it’s racers. At 7 gallons per weekend, riders who used pump gas spent between $17.50 and $21 per weekend on fuel, depending mainly on the prices at the pump which varied from $2.50 to $3.00 per gallon during last season. The original concept was to allow for the use of this pump fuel, but this led to a problem of enforceability. The main issue is that pump gas is oxygenated, and it is very easy to introduce additives into oxygenated fuel that are very difficult to detect. There was also the issue of consistency and the ability to produce repeatable test results with fuel stored in underground tanks. The Sunoco fuel at the pumps in 2006 would have worked work for most riders, but since then NASCAR has outlawed their higher octane leaded fuels for 2007. This created a legitimate concern that certain riders with built engines would suffer failures if they used this new 98 octane fuel. This was obviously not an acceptable scenario. As such, LRRS put the word out that it was looking for a fuel company to work with. The primary targets were to find a company that had widely available fuels suitable for all bikes, the ability to easily test these fuels for legality and the desire to support LRRS riders with a contingency program. The 2007 Spec Fuel Rule Details After the consideration of several options, Bob Bahre of NHIS agreed to forgo the sale of track fuel in favor of program that was more beneficial to the LRRS riders. VP racing fuels will be the supplier of all racing fuel for LRRS, and will fully back the program with both a testing program to ensure enforceability and a contingency program to support the riders. All fuel should be purchased from the VP fuel truck at NHIS. There will be 2 fuels available. VP C12 will be sold at the track for $8/gallon. This is a long-standing benchmark racing fuel with a 108 octane rating that is capable of safely delivering solid performance in any motor without risk of detonation. It is widely available and many tuners have experience with it. For those riders running stock engines, VP MS93 will be sold at the track for $3.25/gallon. This is an affordable non-oxygenated unleaded fuel with a R+M/2 octane rating of 95, and is the spec fuel for a number of racing series around the country. The mapping for this fuel is identical to pump gas, and will allow riders formerly using pump gas to collect contingency money at LRRS events. The lack of oxygen in both of these fuels makes enforcement of the rule possible, as additives and foreign fuels are easily detected. Enforcement All riders are required to use VP spec fuel during all LRRS activities. This includes not only the races but also all Saturday and Sunday practice sessions. Random testing may be done at any time once the first practice goes green on Saturday. LRRS officials, in conjunction with VP technical personnel, will perform all tests at the track. In the event of a protest where fuel is in question and a laboratory test is required, a protest fee schedule and procedure will be announced at the first race weekend of 2007 during the Saturday riders meeting. At the discretion of LRRS officials, penalties for noncompliance may result in fines and/or license suspension for blatant violations. Fuel that is purchased from VP dealers outside of the track will not be eligible for contingency and may not pass the fuel test due to cross contamination from reused drums. The VP sold at the track will all come out of new drums to ensure no cross contamination. The drums at the track will be used as the baseline for testing all season long. Contingency Requirements In addition to running a VP decal on each side of your motorcycle, you must buy at least 5 gallons of VP fuel from the racetrack vendor at LRRS events each weekend. Again, fuel that is purchased from VP dealers outside of the track will not be eligible for contingency and may not pass fuel test due to the contamination. The VP vendor at the track will record your purchase and your number at each event to qualify you for contingency on that weekend. The payout will be as follows: 1st – $25, 2nd-6th – $10. This payout schedule is specific to LRRS and replaces the current posted CCS contingency postings. An added bonus for the LRRS program is that your contingency will be claimed directly at the track, and will be available at the conclusion of each race weekend and useable at any subsequent LRRS in 2007. Riders buying drum of fuel from the track vendor will be made eligible for multiple weekends as follows: 15 gallon drum – 3 weekends, 30 gallon drum – 6 weekends, 55 gallon drum – all of 2007. However, in order for VP to ensure rider eligibility, riders who intend to collect contingency may not share drums of fuel. Program Effective Date & Fuel Distribution It is apparent to LRRS that many riders will want the opportunity to tune their motorcycles for this new fuel. These VP fuels are available prior to the first LRRS weekend from dealers across New England and New York. For the name of the local dealer near you please contact VP at VP-Atlantic Newark, DE Phone: 302-368-1500 Fax: 302-368-1869 [email protected] This program will become effective on the 2nd LRRS weekend of 2007 on May 12/13. This will not only allow riders a chance to test and tune their motorcycles, but will also give everyone the chance to buy a drum of fuel to last them for several weekends. Riders can also use the first LRRS weekend to burn off any fuel remaining from past weekends of racing. All riders are encouraged to pre-order fuel from VP Atlantic for delivery to NHIS during the first LRRS weekend in April. We look forward to seeing everyone at Loudon on April 28/29 to kick off a new season.
BMW Motorrad Posts Record Gains In Sales, Production And Profits For 2006
BMW MOTORRAD MAINTAINS CONSISTENT SUCCESS Increase in all key figures once again. Munich. All the figures point upwards: BMW Motorrad’s sales, production, turnover and operating profits achieved new records in the business year 2006. The pre-tax operating profits increased by 10.0 per cent to 66 million euros (previous year 60 million euros). Turnover climbed by 3.4 per cent to 1,265 million euros (previous year 1,223). Product and sales increased impressively an outstanding feat in view of the currency-related position of Japanese competitors and the regressive German market. For the first time in the company’s history, over 100,000 motorcycles were produced at the Berlin plant 101,352 units to be precise. In addition, 2,407 units were produced in cooperation with Aprilia (Piaggio S.p.A.). At the Berlin plant alone six new model launches were successfully handled in 2006. In sales, too, a historical record was achieved. Exactly 100,064 BMW motorcycles were supplied by dealers to customers worldwide. As compared to the previous year (97,474 units) this meant a sales increase of 2.7 per cent, underscoring the success of the current product offensive. These sales figures appear even more impressive in the context of the last few years. Starting from a figure of 50,465 units in 1996, sales of BMW motorcycles have virtually doubled within the last ten years. Another historic figure was achieved for company statistics last business year: the total number of BMW motorcycles since 1923 passed the two-million mark in 2006; exactly 2,061,977 motorcycles have been built bearing the blue and white logo. Experts estimate that over 70 per cent of motorcycles built since the war are still functional and owned by customers an impressive confirmation that BMW Motorrad builds motorcycles which consistently sustain demand. The new models presented at INTERMOT 2006 have already given the market important impulses. The new single cylinder series is built by BMW in cooperation with the Italian manufacturer Aprilia an important role model for the strengthening of the motorcycle industry in Europe as a whole. While the 4-cylinder BMW K 1200 R Sport has already met with a positive response, the market launch of the highly exclusive HP2 Megamoto in May is anticipated with great excitement. In addition to the US market, it is the markets in Western Europe which have the largest share in the impressive sales figures. In Germany, 23,617 units were supplied, making BMW the market leader in its home country. The second strongest market was Italy (13,651 units), while Spain ranked third with 10,002 units here sales have doubled in just two years. Since 2004, BMW Motorrad has put 17 new models on the market and undertaken a complete revision of its model range over two-year period. In just a single decade, BMW Motorrad has become the biggest and most important European manufacturer of large-volume motorcycles.
Nakano Hopeful Of A Good Result At Jerez
KONICA MINOLTA Honda hopeful of better things at Jerez KONICA MINOLTA Honda are confident of better things at this weekend’s race at Jerez in southern Spain. At the first round in Qatar ten days ago, a steady start saw Shinya Nakano come home in 10th place, while other championship challengers crashed around him. Finishing the race was the aim for the former 250GP runner-up, but as the season progresses, both Team and rider are confident of improved results on the new-for-2007 800cc V4. The KONICA MINOLTA Honda Team have been scrutinizing the data from Qatar at their technical headquarters in Verona to ensure that the lack of corner-entry confidence that afflicted Shinya at the Losail circuit isn’t a problem in Spain. It is hoped that the tighter Jerez circuit should better suit both the bike and the 29-year-old Japanese rider’s style. Gianluca Montiron Team Manager KONICA MINOLTA Honda “We all expect maximum effort from each other, the rider, Team and myself this is why we compete, so we will give 100% at Jerez. Qatar was the first race in a long season, so I think we will have to be three or four races in before we have a clear vision of where we are in comparison with our competitors and at every race we will work hard to close the gap on the leaders. For Jerez, we are aiming to be in the top five or six positions. I believe we have the best technical package in MotoGP, but everything must work at 100% for us to give the best package to Shinya and then he can improve too. We acquired a lot of information from Qatar GP, they’ll be useful to make steps ahead in all sectors.” Shinya Nakano Rider, KONICA MINOLTA Honda “We learned a lot about the bike at Qatar, but we didn’t get a good start, and this is so important at Jerez, so hopefully we can adjust something for this weekend. We didn’t have any big problems in Qatar, the bike was stable, and it feels good everywhere, but we need some strong point in our technical package to move us forward. Everyone tells me I have a classic 250cc style, which is smooth and hopefully as we progress this will suit the new 800cc bike. I’ve tried changing my style in the past, to try to be more aggressive on the brakes, but then I crash, so I believe in my riding style! I need a good contact feeling with the front tyre, but being smooth should also be better for longer tyre life. I like the Jerez track a lot it’s very technical and for the last two years I’ve had good qualifying and race positions, so I’m hopeful of a good result. Jerez always gives me a very special feeling as it’s one of the best GPs to race at and attend. It’s a pleasure to ride in front of so many fans and I’m also very excited that my father is flying in from Japan to watch! My parents have flown in a few times to Europe to watch races, but never Jerez. With its unique atmosphere I wanted to show him the Spanish GP at Jerez. I think he will love it!” Giulio Bernardelle Technical Director, KONICA MINOLTA Honda “We have checked the data from Qatar and we understand that on the entry of the corner Shinya was not so confident. To help with this we have decided to test something different with the front tyre on Friday morning in Jerez, so we shall see how this helps. Machine balance is one of most important differences between the five-cylinder Honda RC211V and the four-cylinder 212V, as with the new bike there’s more weight over the front. So, we will make some small adjustments in the machine geometry to see if that helps. Our base setting from the IRTA test last month is good, so we are hopeful that Shinya can be fast from Friday morning. With race starts, we knew what Shinya’s habits were with the Kawasaki and we’ve tested a lot over the winter with the new electronic set-up of the starting system on the 800cc machine, so we’re hoping we can improve that also. Jerez is a different track and our winter tests results have been much better than Qatar, so we’re more confident of a good result at Jerez.”
More On The Recent World Superbike Test At Valencia
Some useful basic work During two days of testing at the Valencia circuit, the Team YZF Yamaha and Shinichi Nakatomi have done a lot of basic work to improve the performance of the R1. This session was the opportunity for the team to try many new solutions, including the engine mapping. Some work was done also on the suspensions to have a better feeling regarding the tyres. Everything went well. There was not the smallest crash, nor any technical failure. Shinichi Nakatomi had the possibility during those two days to ride a total of 134 laps, which is the fourth overall total distance between all the riders in attendance, behind Bayliss, Biaggi and Morelli. So this test session was very positive regarding the next round of the World Championship that will be held at Donington. Shinichi Nakatomi: “I tried many new suspension settings on the machine in this test and some new parts. We worked a lot on suspension. We were looking for a base setting for the Valencia race and the feeling with the bike got better and better. We set the best lap time in the last session, even in the strong wind, so that proves that we made improvements.” Martial Garcia (team manager): “These tests were satisfying. We did not use qualifying tyres, because we did not look for the last tenths of a second. We have done a lot of basic work, which is very important.” Tests results: 1-Bayliss (Ducati) 1:34.102; 2-Xaus (Ducati) 1:34.565; 3-Lanzi (Ducati) 1:34.584; 4-Biaggi (Suzuki) 1:34.708; 5-Corser (Yamaha) 1:34.851; 6-Haga (Yamaha) 1:35.029; 7-Nieto (Kawasaki) 1:35.410; 8-Muggeridge (Honda) 1:35.470; 9-Neukirchner (Suzuki) 1:35.532; 10-Laconi (Kawasaki) 1:35.639 — ¦15-Nakatomi (Yamaha) 1:36.832 World Championship standings: 1-Toseland (Honda) 90 points, 2-Biaggi (Suzuki) 74, 3-Bayliss (Ducati) 64, 4-Haga (Yamaha) 50, 5-Corser (Yamaha) 45 –¦15-Nakatomi (Yamaha) 10 Valencia stats Practice record (2003): 1:34.633 Neil Hodgson (Ducati) 152.360 kph Lap record (best race time 2003): 1:35.007 Neil Hodgson (Ducati) 151.760 kph 2006 Yamaha Motor France practice times: Nakatomi: 1:36.794 / 21st; Abe: 1:35.974 / 8th; Alfonsi: 1:39.117 / 33rd Race 1 results 2006: 1- Bayliss (Ducati), 2-Corser (Suzuki), 3-Lanzi (Ducati), 4-Abe (Yamaha), 5-Haga (Yamaha) 2006 Yamaha Motor France race 1 results: Nakatomi: 12th; Abe: 4th; Alfonsi: DNF Race 2 results 2006: 1- Bayliss (Ducati), 2-Corser (Suzuki), 3-Lanzi (Ducati), 4-Abe (Yamaha), 5-Haga (Yamaha) 2006 Yamaha Motor France race 2 results: Nakatomi: 12th; Abe: 4th; Alfonsi: DNF 3rd round of the Superbike World Championship: April 1st at Donington (United Kingdom)
Bridgestone Looking For Another Win At Jerez
Bridgestone Motorsport returns to the scene of its first European success this weekend as the second round of the 2007 MotoGP world championship is held at the Circuito de Jerez in southern Spain. Ducati’s Loris Capirossi scored a memorable win in Jerez last season which marked the first occasion that a rider on Bridgestone tyres had won a MotoGP race on European soil. A trio of Bridgestone-shod riders were at the head of the grid as well with Capirossi’s pole position well supported by Sete Gibernau in second for Ducati and Shinya Nakano in third for Kawasaki. Tyre Talk with Hiroshi Yamada Bridgestone Motorsport – Manager, Motorcycle Sport Department Jerez Testing “Similar to the last race in Qatar, we have had the opportunity to test in the run-up to the GP with our five teams. Since the end of last season, we have carried out two important test sessions at the track, one in November and one in February, both of which were highly productive for us from a tyre development point of view. In November, we did some initial studies for 800cc tyre development using similar tyre specifications to what had been raced in 2006. We then used the big pre-season test in February to finalise our development work for 800cc from the results obtained in November.” Jerez Tyre Performance 990cc Vs 800cc Bikes “Whereas our new generation tyres showed a marked difference in performance at Qatar compared to last year’s specification, we have seen from the results of testing that the differences in tyre characteristics between the 990cc and 800cc machines at Jerez are actually not so vast. The new 800cc machines are more agile at turning and the cornering speed is relatively higher from the entry to the exit, so the bike demands more ultimate grip on both front and rear tyres at tracks like Jerez.” Track Characteristics “We consider Jerez to be quite a standard circuit in terms of its technical challenge. The grip level is quite average compared to other tracks on the calendar, but the circuit boasts a real variety of corners. The range from slow to high speed cornering, places emphasis on higher grip front tyres as well as rear tyres, while high speed traction is also important. The circuit characteristics and climatic condition is totally different to what we faced in Qatar two weeks ago, so we will supply a very different specification of tyre; the compound will be softer and the construction will be adapted to fit the Jerez track character. We will mainly supply soft and medium specs to our teams, while we will also bring new rear qualifying tyres, which have been fine-tuned from the results of February’s IRTA test.” The Weekend Ahead “We always enjoy a massive and passionate crowd at Jerez which gives the whole weekend a special atmosphere. The pre-season test was attended by around 30,000 spectators demonstrating the enthusiasm of the Spanish fans for MotoGP. We will certainly work hard with all of our teams to help a rider on Bridgestone tyres take the top step of the podium for the second consecutive Jerez GP and for the second race in a row after Casey Stoner’s great win in Qatar.” Riding Perspective with Honda Gresini’s Toni Elias “The Circuito de Jerez comprises a combination of fast and slow corners. There are some strong braking points around Jerez and it is particularly important to have a good set-up for these heavy braking areas. There is also the need to carry mid-corner speed through the long corners as this is where important lap time can be lost. A compromise of these two elements is required to post competitive times. Specifically for Jerez, we made a good step ahead at the pre-season test in February and we believe that we will have competitive material at our disposal. I am sure that we will also make a positive step forward in terms of qualifying performance – this was an area highlighted for improvement after the Jerez test, but Bridgestone has reacted quickly on this matter. I am really happy with the work that Bridgestone has done for Honda Gresini as a team and for me personally as a rider. They have listened to our feedback and provided me with tyres that better suit my riding style.” 2006 Flashback Race Winner and Top Rider on Bridgestone Loris Capirossi Ducati 45m57.733s Pole Position and Top Rider on Bridgestone Loris Capirossi Ducati 1m39.064s
Kawasaki Previews Round Two Of The MotoGP World Championship At Jerez
KAWASAKI FACES WITH CONVICTION EUROPEAN DEBUT IN JEREZ After a hard start to the year in Qatar just over seven days ago, the Kawasaki Racing Team head for the first European round of the new season at the technical Jerez circuit, for Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix The technical Andalusian circuit welcomes back all the MotoGP teams less than a month after the Official IRTA test at the track, which saw Kawasaki’s Randy de Puniet and Olivier Jacque top the timesheets on the final day of testing. Now having got over the crash that saw him fail to finish in the season opener in Qatar, Randy de Puniet has good reason to be confident heading into the second round of the championship. The 26-year-old Frenchman finished twice on the podium at Jerez in the 250cc world championship, and was consistently in the top ten during the recent IRTA test, setting consistent times on race tyres before finishing fifth fastest overall during the annual qualifying shootout. Despite the fact that he had to withdraw from last year’s race after sustaining injuries in a morning warm up crash, Kawasaki’s young gun heads to Jerez determined to kick-start his season with a strong result in Sunday’s race. De Puniet’s Kawasaki teammate, Olivier Jacque, had a steady start to the season with a 12th place finish in Qatar, but the 33-year-old Frenchman heads for Jerez determined to take another big step forward in his transition from development rider to full-time racer. Jacque is the first to admit that he still has some work to do if he is to regain his race pace, which he hopes to achieve this week during the build up to the Spanish Grand Prix. The Kawasaki pilot will also work on taking full advantage of Bridgestone’s qualifying tyres, in a bid to improve on his fifth row grid position in Qatar. With race tyres already selected, both Kawasaki riders will be free to continue refining set-up on their Ninja ZX-RR machines during practice and qualifying for Sunday’s race. They will also have the first opportunity to test at Jerez changes to the ignition mapping tested in Qatar and designed specifically to alleviate the abrupt power delivery that both riders commented on during last month’s IRTA test. Randy de Puniet: #14 “Jerez is one of my favourite tracks; it is very technical but fun to ride. I like the style of the corners; second-third gear in the corner and even fourth gear at the last part, which makes you take them at very high speed. The atmosphere at this track is amazing, crowded with people from all over the world. The main straight is not so long, which is good for us, but it is not easy to overtake. There are only three points where you can pass: the first and last corners and after the back straight. We were very competitive there during the IRTA tests, with only an issue with the engine power delivery. In Qatar we tried different mappings that helped a lot and I hope we will confirm it on Friday. If we can get a good grid slot and make a good start, I hope I can fight for a top six or seven finish. But I won’t take unnecessary risks this time, as my main concern is to finish the race, though I will try to do it in the best position possible.” Olivier Jacque: #19 “The Qatar race was the first step, but I know that the race rhythm was not so fast and I need to improve it here. The most important thing was to understand the bike better and check myself. Now I know that I am still capable to race and that makes me face this GP with more confidence. Jerez is a demanding and technical circuit; short, narrow and a bit bumpy. The last test here was hard because the bike was not so easy to ride, but this time will be better. The straight is shorter than Qatar, the power delivery has been improved and one of the strengths of our machine is the corner speed, which is very important in Jerez. I am very optimistic for this race but not under any illusions as there are still some things that need to be improved, both from the machine side and myself, to be 100% competitive.” Ichiro Yoda: Kawasaki Racing Director “Randy didn’t achieve his target in Qatar, but I’m sure this time he will. We had a talk and I asked him to be calmer this time and finish the race. We would be happy if he could qualify on second or first row and finish the race among the first eight. Olivier showed his talent in Qatar and we hope he will start from third row and finish in the top ten this time. We already have a very good set up for Jerez that only needs to be adjusted. The procedure will be easier this weekend. We know the track and successfully tested there a month ago, finishing first and second. The engine was the main problem then, but in Qatar we found some solutions that made the power delivery friendlier from the bottom to full throttle. I hope we can corroborate that as the rest of the package is already working very well.”