Richie Morris Racing and Daytona H.D. Buell are pleased to announce plans to run the entire Sun Trust Moto-ST series. “Winning our class in the Daytona USA 300 was a great help in making the decision. The Moto-ST staff were very professional and I was impressed with their operation. However, I was more impressed with the fact that Jim France is involved with the series; that gives me great confidence in the series. Also having the experience of Steve McLaughlin, Roger Edmondson and Colin Fraser certainly doesn’t hurt,” said Morris. The team will continue to run Buell XB12Rs using stock 1200 engines. The riders will be Shawn Higbee and Dan Bilansky (with the exception of VIR, due to a prior commitment). Shawn brings Bartels and New Castle H.D. Buell along as sponsors, while Danny brings Hals Performance Advantage. Dean Hagemann will serve as Crew Chief.

Mat Mladin’s Dunlop front tire chunked before he crashed in the infield while leading the Daytona Superbike race last Saturday. Several other riders in the race had problems with Dunlop front tires chunking, including Eric Bostrom, Matt Lynn and Jake Holden. The chunk missing from Mladin’s tire can be seen during the TV broadcast of the event. “I guess I’m a little perplexed how a front tire can overheat and throw a chunk out on lap three of a race,” Mladin told Roadracingworld.com in a phone interview. “Pretty much from there I had a vibration and a lap later or whatever it was I crashed. I got up and from there the front tire just deteriorated more and more as the race went on. With four laps to go I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it around or have to come in and pit or whatever. I just slowed it down as much as possible. I left the track then because I didn’t have much good to say at the time.” Daytona International Speedway officials insisted that the Daytona 200 become a 600cc-class race starting in 2005 due to repeated problems with Dunlop rear tires on 1000cc Superbike and Superstock motorcycles chunking and losing air, throwing riders Ben Spies and Jason DiSalvo down the track at well over 175 mph during tests. Ben Bostrom was also thrown down the track at Daytona due to a Dunlop Superbike tire failure on the banking. But despite the Superbike class being relegated to a relatively short, 15-lap sprint event and despite the Daytona road course being modified to eliminate the west banking, 1000cc motorcycles continue to chunk tires as tire companies push the performance envelope and tweak the balance between traction and durability.

Team Velocity Racing and Race Concepts Inc. Partner with Moe’s Southwest Grill to Compete as Team Moe’s AUGUSTA, Ga. Team Velocity Racing and Race Concepts Inc. announced today that they are partnering with Moe’s Southwest Grill to compete in the 2007 race season under the name Team Moe’s. Team Velocity Racing has a long history of success in the WERA National Endurance Series, and they plan to continue their winning ways under the Team Moe’s banner. “We’re really excited about representing Moe’s in their racing program,” said Team Velocity Racing owner Chuck Ivey. “We ended the 2006 season on a positive note by winning the Mediumweight Superstock championship, and this gives us even more motivation heading into this season.” Ray Turman of Race Concepts, Inc. was instrumental in bringing about the new partnership with Moe’s Southwest Grill. “James Stroud has been racing for me for the past two years, and his involvement with TVR brought them to my attention,” said Turman. “Instead of putting together a team and racing against them, I thought it was a great opportunity to partner together as Team Moe’s. Mason Orr and I are committed to bringing in additional outside sponsors to help us grow the team and its endeavors.” All on-track activities for Team Moe’s will be handled by Team Velocity Racing, while Race Concepts, Inc. will focus on marketing and public relations for the team. Plans are underway for cross-marketing programs that will extend well beyond the reach of the racetrack. Moe’s Southwest Grill serves fresh, healthy Mexican food with an emphasis on fast service and a fun atmosphere. The group of restaurants began in the Southeast U.S. and explosive growth over the past few years has made Moe’s Southwest Grill a household name.

PETER LENZ TAKES TWO AT SCMINIGP SEASON OPENER Up and coming Metrakit Canada backed mini road racer Peter Lenz took two wins and a mid-pack finish at the SCminiGP season opener this past weekend at California Speedway. Peter and his father left their home in Washington state early Friday morning arriving at the track in Southern California 1,100 miles later that evening. Their spur of the moment trip was the result of seeing the extensive pre-registration for the event, not to mention the nice weather. “SCminiGP had a very healthy grid for a season opener. We hadn’t planned on going but didn’t want to pass up the chance for Peter to run with the fast kids in Southern California,” explained Peter’s father Michael Lenz. “Unfortunately our late decision to go resulted in Peter being last on the grid in all of his classes since they grid the first race according to registration order.” With so little seat time on the new Metrakits, Peter spent most of Saturday sorting out his Metrakit MiniGP 50 and Metrakit 80 XL. “I told James (California Superbike School riding coach James Toohey) that the 50 wasn’t letting me get on the gas. The back end was sliding around on me,” commented Peter. Peter was able to provide good feedback on what the bike was doing to allow the 50 to be dialed in through simple suspension adjustments. Peter took to the Metrakit MiniGP 50 after the changes, knocking over two seconds off his fastest time of the day. What followed in the heats was nothing short of amazing. Peter pulled a Rossi and went from the very back of the grid to the lead of the race by the fourth corner. The race was a good one with Peter winning over local boy Austin DeHaven. He would pull a similar maneuver in the 65 class, where it took him half a lap to get to the front and he continued to extend his lead until the checker was thrown. Again, starting at the back of the grid, Peter had his work cut out for him in the 80 class. Having only raced a 17″ wheeled bike once before, Peter knew the race was going to be a learning experience. “I’m not really comfortable on the 80 yet, it is really high off the ground and is still a bit scary and I’m still learning. I can hold it up on the grid and switch feet without my dad holding me. I still can’t reach, but I can start and stop without help now.” explained Peter. Though Peter did move up several positions in the order he had spent the majority of his practice time setting up the 50 so the 80 wasn’t sorted enough to give Peter the confidence to push his 76cc Metrakit against the larger bikes. The main was cut short when the race was red flagged just after half distance due to Austin DeHaven breaking his arm after high-siding his 93cc RS125. The class was won solidly by Benny Solis, Jr. aboard a CRF150R powered RS125 in what turns out was Solis’ last mini race as he moves up to the USGPRU. Peter is in action again with his Metrakit’s March 17/18 in Stockton for the SMRRC season opener. You can keep up with Peter via his website: ~http://www.PeterLenz.com~ About Metrakit No other company offers young road racers the equipment, program, opportunity and relationships to achieve world-class success in road racing that is available through Metrakit and Metrakit Canada. To learn more about Metrakit visit their site at ~http://www.Metrakit.ca~. More, from a press release issued by SCminiGP: SCminiGP Youth Road Racing program signs Dainese! The southern California youth road racing program has just up the anti for youth riders racing in the premier race class the 80GP for 2007. Dainese a leader in protective safety gear has signed on for the 2007 SCminiGP Championship as a premier sponsor of the program. Dainese and the D-Store Orange County will be the “Official Safety Gear Provider” of the SCminiGP race series. Dainese is most known for its contracts with world class racers like Valentino Rossi and will offer a chance of a life time for one youth rider. The protective equipment manufacturer through support of the Orange County D-Store will provide the youth rider who takes the 80GP championship a contract sponsorship for 2008. The sponsorship will provide race leathers, racing boats, back protector, and racing gloves. “This is not the first contract we have been able to offer our riders but certainly is the best!!” says Josiah Taulbee President and Founder of the race series. The youth road racing program has developed two significant opportunities to support youth progression in road racing over the last year and this addition creates huge incentive for youth riders looking to get support as they move forward. As it stands SCminiGP has several youth riders who are currently racing in the 80GP but expect their head count to grow as the season has just began.

Spiegler Performance Parts is introducing a WERA Sportsman Series Contingency program for the 2007 race season. The payout will be issued in certificates for Spiegler Performance Parts brake lines and Goldfren brake pads. The race classes eligible for certificates are the following, A, B, C, LW Twin Superstock Expert and Novice and Senior Superbike Expert and Novice. There are two versions of the new contingency program at all WERA Sportsman events. Version 1 requires the racer to have purchased Spiegler Performance brake lines in 2007 to be eligible, payouts are $30 for first, $20 for second, and $10 for third place finishes. Version 2, which includes higher value certificates, requires the racer to have purchased Spiegler Performance brake lines and Goldfren brake pads in 2007; payouts are $60 for first, $40 for second, and $20 for third place finishes. For more information visit www.spieglerusa.com or contact Spiegler Performance Parts at [email protected] .

BMW MOTORRAD DAYS 2007 What’s happening in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in July? The “BMW Motorrad Days 2007” Munich/Garmisch-Partenkirchen. As of this year, the BMW Motorrad Biker Meeting has a new name. Once again, fans will be meeting in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for three days from July 6th – 8th to enjoy partying together. If a few more come than the 30,000 visitors of last year, bikers will be more than happy to make room: riders and friends of other brands are always very welcome. What has changed? The entire area now incorporates the distinct BMW Motorrad worlds of experience “Enduro”, “Sport”, “Tour” and “Urban”. Individual tents with the appropriate catering show the whole range of items: motorcycle models, rider equipment, accessories, film lectures and interesting exhibits from motor racing. There will be a separate pavilion for the HP models. And the show? There’s plenty on offer here, too. Chris Pfeiffer, newly crowned Indoor Streetbike Freestyle World Champion and Simo Kirssi, winner of the Erzberg Rodeo Prolog in 2006, will be with us once again and displaying their skills. At the centre of the grounds a large x-track fun circuit is planned for everyone, even including a water crossing. So there’s plenty of action in store for guests”¦ There’s a lot to look forward to in the way of bands, too. On Saturday evening the boys and girls of “StreetLIVE” will be providing a range of musical styles for visitors’ entertainment. Why not reserve accommodation right away at [email protected].

TOP TEN MOST OVERLOOKED SAFETY TIPS FOR NEW RIDERS Miami, FL UM (United Motors), the first full line powersports manufacturer in almost 30 years, has recognized that their line of lower displacement motorcycles and scooters appeal to new riders. In accordance, they have developed some often overlooked, yet very important safety tips for those who are new to the lifestyle. The following tips, when applied, may help to increase rider safety: 1. MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION COURSE If you are a new rider, it is important for you to gain a solid motorcycling foundation. This course can help provide the skills necessary to safely operate a motorcycle. Another added benefit to the courses that MSF offers is a likely discount on motorcycle insurance rates. 2. EVALUATE THE ROAD TRAFFIC If you are an inexperienced rider, and live in a highly populated area, ask a more experienced rider to escort you to a less populated area to practice your motorcycling skills with little or no distraction that comes from riding in a busy traffic area. The physics involved in operating a motorcycle are much different than a car. Example: Many riders don’t know that you need to push, not pull, on the right handgrip to turn right and the left handgrip to turn left. 3. DON’T BE AFRAID OF YOUR FRONT BRAKE Front Brakes provide most of the stopping power on motorcycles and should be used in conjunction with the rear brakes in any stopping situation. Be sure to become familiar with the stopping power of the front brake in a controlled setting before using it on the open road. 4. BE SEEN Although you may look cool in black, at night you become invisible. When wearing a helmet, a piece of reflective tape on the back of your helmet can increase you visibility to others with whom you share the road. Also, reflective vests are readily available enhancing your visibility. 5. KEEP YOUR COOL Never let road rage affect you. A car or truck will win every time. If someone is tailgating you, pull over and let them pass. 6. CHOOSE YOUR TRAFFIC TIMING WISELY New riders should pick a time of day when traffic is at a minimum. Heading out for your first time on a bike into rush hour traffic can easily lead to an accident. Also avoid freeways until you gain quite a bit of motorcycling experience. 7. DON’T ASSUME Just because that car in front of you doesn’t have its turn signal on doesn’t mean it won’t get over in front of you. Additionally, even though the cars around you don’t use their turn signals, always use yours, and when riding with a passenger, have them use hand signals as an added safety measure. 8. DON’T TRY TO PREDICT No matter how loud your exhaust may be, don’t assume that the car next to you hears you, or even looks to see if you’re there! Most motorcycles are small enough to be completely hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. Stay out of it, at all costs. 9. “IF YOU CAN’T SEE MY MIRRORS, I CAN’T SEE YOU” Use the same common sense when operating a motorcycle. If you can’t see the driver’s face in the rearview mirror in the car in front of you, chances are they can’t see you either. 10. “SPACE CUSHION” As you become more experienced and spend more time in traffic, always allow room for other people’s errors. By keeping a “space cushion” around you at all times, you allow yourself the room to take emergency evasive actions with reduced risk of increased injury or damage. “With the increase in motorcyclists in recent times, we thought it would be wise to help those who are new to the sport,” said UM President Juan Villegas. “There are a number of people taking to motorcycling for a myriad of reasons. By giving them some not so common tips, we are helping to increase road safety as well as greater enjoyment.” About UM [United Motors] Headquartered in Miami, FL, UM is the first full-line Powersports manufacturer in almost 30 years, offering Street, Dual Sport & Off Road Motorcycles, Scooters and ATV’s in displacements from 49cc to 650cc. The company currently boasts more than 600 full-line UM Dealerships and 17 Distributors throughout the world including three North American distribution centers. Family owned and operated with more than 50 years of experience in the transportation industry, UM is currently celebrating 10 years in the Powersports industry and operates with the UM corporate motto “UM: Start Riding.” UM is the top rated complementary line to any established industry franchised dealership today. UM is committed to the highest UM Dealer/Consumer satisfaction and stands far apart from the industry players with its industry-best three-year-warranty, significant “true” wholesale margins, private label HSBC Retail Financing, GE Dealer floor plans, Dealer demo programs, aggressive COOP Program, National Consumer advertising, realistic product pricing at MRSP, one of the best parts availabilities/fill rates at 94%+, and superior after sales support. UM designs all of its cutting-edge products and is involved in every step of the production process. UM also supports a complete quality assurance, engineering staff, production controls and R&D group throughout Asia.

Australia’s Robbie Bugden sealed a thrilling victory in the 2007 New Zealand Superbike Championship at Pukekohe Raceway on Sunday, the first Australian rider to secure the crown. Winning the first race of the final round, Bugden needed to finish the last race of the season ahead of main title challenger, New Zealand’s Andrew Stroud, to seal the series win. In a dramatic turn of events, Bugden was leading the final leg when he and fellow Australian Scott Charlton touched wheels which ran Bugden off the circuit. Miraculously Bugden remained upright and rejoined the track in front of New Zealand’s Suzuki hero Stroud where he remained to the chequered flag, registered a new lap record of 56.698 seconds around the 2.8km Pukekohe circuit. Piloting his GSX-R1000 Superbike to an historic victory, the laconic Queenslander was delighted with his triumph. “This is fantastic – it was a really tough day and I feel like I’ve aged about two years across the weekend, but it was well worth it,” Robbie Bugden said. “I had a strong finish to the 2006 season with Team Yoshimura Suzuki and the momentum carried through into the NZ series. I really appreciate Suzuki New Zealand’s invitation to race in the series and all the support they gave me. “Suzuki is so dominant in New Zealand road racing; GSX-R1000’s filled three of the top five places in this year’s Superbike championship.” The Aussie racer is looking to continue his winning ways back on home soil as he resumes his charge in the Australian Superbike competition in the double-header rounds two and three at Winton Raceway, Victoria this weekend. Final NZ Superbike Standings: 1. Robbie Bugden (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 197 points; 2 Andrew Stroud (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 190; 3 Scott Charlton 162; 4 Craig Shirriffs (Suzuki GSX-R1000) 126; 5 Chris Seaton 94.

James Gang Racing and Hoban Brothers Racing have joined forces to contest the second round of the MOTO-ST season at Homestead-Miami Speedway on April 13-14. James Gang Racing placed its Buell Firebolt XB12R on the GrandSport Twins podium in both the inaugural MOTO-ST 8 hours at Daytona in October and the season opening Daytona USA 300 in March. The James Gang/Hoban Brothers line up for the MOTO-ST 500K at Homestead-Miami Speedway will consist of veteran Buell racers Jeff Johnson and Paul James, crew chief Mike Kirkpatrick and tuner John Dahmer. “Mike and I have a solid MOTO-ST program going, and I’ve known and admired Jeff and John from Hoban Brothers for years. I think together we’re going to make a pretty formidable team for the MOTO-ST GrandSports Twins class at Homestead-Miami,” said James Gang Racing’s Paul James. “I’m extremely excited about Hoban Brothers Racing and James Gang Racing working together in a new series with so much potential,” said John Dahmer of Hoban Brothers. “The MOTO-ST series is all about teamwork. And by combining the extensive Buell racing experience of Hoban Brothers with the successful endurance background of James Gang Racing, I think we have a great team.” For 2007 MOTO-ST sponsorship opportunities with the James Gang/Hoban Brothers team, please email [email protected].