Home Blog Page 6004

Edwards Fastest As MotoGP Testing Concludes In Malaysia

0

MotoGP tests conclude at Sepang with Edwards and Rossi on top Wednesday 7th February – Sepang, Malaysia – MotoGP Test On the final day of the second Sepang Test of 2007, the teams present since Monday at the Malaysian circuit rounded off their week of fine tuning their new 800cc machines ahead of the season curtain-raiser next month. In a repeat of yesterday’s results, Colin Edwards was once again the fastest rider at Sepang today, in blistering form on the Yamaha M1. The factory team rider clocked a lap of 2’00.248, a time under the 990cc pole position record, set on qualifying tyres. He cut over a second off his fastest lap from yesterday. Once again, Edwards was closely followed by team-mate and five-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi. The Italian joined the Texan Tornado as the only riders to go round in under 2’01, with both undertaking a race simulation on the 800cc Yamaha. Team Director Davide Brivio yesterday stated that today’s extended run was intended to see if small changes made over the previous two sessions would be crucial to race performance, and perhaps the Italian now has his answer after a combined 89 laps from his riders. Once again putting in a solid number of laps, Kawasaki’s Randy de Puniet also managed to cut his times from the previous two days. The Frenchman showed no ill-effects from the minor crash he suffered yesterday, and also performed a race simulation as part of his 63 lap marathon on the Ninja ZX-RR800. Team-mate Olivier Jacque also made improvements as part of a positive three days for the Gallic duo. The Yamaha Tech 3 team decided against an extended run, with both Makoto Tamada and Sylvain Guintoli putting in 35 laps apiece. They continue to work hard with their tyre development as the only team using Dunlop rubber this season. The only Ilmor team rider at this week’s test, Andrew Pitt rounded off what may be his last solo outing before the expected return of team-mate Jeremy McWilliams. The Australian established his task this week as finding a base for the bike, and today rode more laps than any other rider. All four teams will join the remainder of the MotoGP grid next Tuesday for the first Official Test in Qatar, the scene of the opening round of the championship on March 10th. MotoGP Sepang Test: Day 3 Unofficial Times 1. Colin Edwards- Yamaha Racing 2’00.248 – 46 2. Valentino Rossi-Yamaha Racing 2’00.793 43 3. Randy de Puniet-Kawasaki Racing 2’02.071 63 4. Olivier Jacque-Kawasaki Racing 2’02.607 55 5. Makoto Tamada-Yamaha Tech 3 2’03.380 35 6. Sylvain Guintoli – Yamaha Tech 3 2’04.636 35 7. Andrew Pitt – Ilmor GP 2’07.373 – 70 More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki: SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION TO SECOND SEPANG TEST FOR KAWASAKI Randy de Puniet and Olivier Jacque confirmed during three more days of testing at the Sepang circuit this week that Kawasaki’s new 800cc Ninja ZX-RR is on track for a competitive race debut at the Grand Prix of Qatar in just four weeks time. Both Kawasaki riders used three uninterrupted days of track time in Malaysia to focus on chassis and suspension set-up, as well as evaluating new tyres from Bridgestone that have been developed specifically for the new 800cc MotoGP racers. This intensive test schedule included a race simulation for both riders on each of the three days, during which they completing more than 400 laps of the 5.543 km Sepang circuit. Both riders reported a noticeable improvement as rear tyre grip deteriorated towards the end of their race simulations, with the performance drop off due to reduced rear traction seen during the last Sepang test being noticeably reduced. For Olivier Jacque, this second test provided another opportunity to prepare for his first full season in the MotoGP class since 2003. One of the most experienced riders on this year’s MotoGP grid, the former World Champion has quickly settled in to the role of factory rider again, and has built up a good working relationship with his new crew, and his new crew chief, Fiorenzo Fanali. With a year of experience on the 990cc Ninja ZX-RR and Bridgestone tyres, Randy de Puniet was again the faster of the two Kawasaki riders during this second three-day test. The 24-year-old Frenchman completed a marathon 237 laps of the Sepang circuit over the course of the test, refining both the set-up of the bike and adapting his riding style to post consistent lap times throughout. The Kawasaki Racing Team will now move on to the Doha International Circuit in Qatar for their third pre-season test, which will run from 13-15 February. Randy de Puniet: 237 Laps – Best Lap 2’02.05 “We’ve had a good three days. The consistency of my lap times has improved with each race simulation, which I’m obviously happy about. This is basically down to small changes in the set-up of the bike, but I’ve also adapted slightly my riding style to get the best from the bike as well. Ideally I would have liked to set my fastest lap of the test on the final day, but it was at least 10 degrees hotter today than it was for the first two days, which meant it just wasn’t possible. Now, after two successful tests at Sepang, I’m looking forward to riding the bike at Qatar and Jerez, where I’m confident that we will be able to confirm we have found a good base set-up on the new Ninja ZX-RR.” Olivier Jacque: 193 Laps – Best Lap 2’02.58 “It’s been a pretty exhausting test. We’ve run a few race simulations to check reliability, and that’s always hard physically in the heat here in Malaysia. But, while it has been hard work, I’m very happy with what we’ve achieved over the three days. I understand better the set-up of the bike, and also the effect that changes to the set-up have on overall performance. This is important for the future. I felt better and better on the bike with each day, and that could be seen in the improvement of my lap times, but there is definitely still more to come. I’m not pushing so hard right now, as I’m still adapting to being a racer again after spending so long as a development rider, but I know what I am capable of and I know the speed will be there come the first race. So, overall, a very positive test for us.” Naoya Kaneko: Technical Manager “Our main focus has been on the performance of our bike over race distance. We have run several race simulations over the three days and we’ve seen significant improvements as a result of set-up changes and new tyres from Bridgestone. The fact that we had three uninterrupted days of testing, with the riders out on track from ten in the morning until six at night, means that we’ve also managed to collect plenty of data that we will now feed into our development process. Yes, we still have some work to do ahead of the first race, but this second successful test confirms that we are definitely moving in the right direction with the bike.” More, from a press release issued by Ilmor GP: Ilmor GP Sepang Test Summary London 07.02.07: Following the success of the recent test in Almeria, where despite being hampered by bad weather the team made significant progress, Ilmor GP had high hopes for the test in Sepang where they joined the likes of Kawasaki and Yamaha out on the track. Whilst prioritising further work on the engine calibration over the test the team also undertook an important tyre test with new supplier Michelin. Over the three days Andrew accumulated a total of 166 laps of the 5.54k Malaysian track. The test in Sepang has left the team with a huge amount of data to be analysed ahead of the test in Qatar and whilst everyone remains realistic, Ilmor GP are hopeful that further progress will be made at the Middle Eastern circuit. Andrew Pitt was alone once again in testing the Ilmor GP bike, although making a quick recovery team mate Jeremy McWilliams was unable to join him in Malaysia. Following extensive physiotherapy and a rigorous training schedule Jeremy will be joining the team at the test in Qatar later this month. Andrew Pitt, Ilmor GP Rider: “The past few days haven’t been easy, we’ve all been working extremely long hours and we haven’t made as much progress as we hoped. I think everybody acknowledges the steep learning curve we are currently undertaking but it’s difficult not to get frustrated when everyone is working so hard. We are definitely moving forward and I’m hoping to have a couple of days to rest before Qatar, it will be good to share some of the testing with Jeremy out there.” Mike Janes, Ilmor GP Team Manager: “A big positive for us here in Sepang has been the tyre testing with Michelin. I’m pleased with the progress we’re making on that front, Michelin have been very helpful and we’re learning a lot about the tyres – our new working relationship with Michelin has started well and promises well for the future. We have tried out a few different tyre configurations and can now begin characterising the bikes sensitivity to the various tyres. “Although things aren’t progressing as fast as I would like, we have made one or two positive developments with the bike in other areas, having worked through some big changes to the set-up over the past three days. However, we’re all aware that we have a lot of work to do before the start of the season and Mario and I are realistic about what can be achieved in the time frame we have. Nonetheless, everyone will be working flat out ahead of Qatar with the aim of maximising the opportunity of testing there just prior to the race. On another positive note, the team are working really well together, despite the long hours we have inflicting on them over the past three days!” More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Factory Racing Team: Edwards Smashes Pole Record in Sepang Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi proved they are more than ready for the challenge ahead with their new 800cc Yamahas by clocking some outstanding times today, on the third and final day of testing in Sepang. Both took the chance to try new Michelin qualifying tyres and Edwards stunned his crew by dipping well under the current pole position record, set by Rossi at last year’s race on the old 990cc Yamaha, with a lap of 2’00.248. Rossi also came close to his own pole record with a time of 2’00.793. Both riders spent the day continuing to work on set-up and tyre-testing before completing long runs, enabling them to see the benefits of their latest developments under race-like conditions. The Yamaha Factory Racing Team will now pack up and head east for the next stage of testing in Qatar on February 13th-15th. It will be the first time this season that the entire MotoGP class will be on track together and Rossi and Edwards are looking forward to seeing how their 800cc bikes fare at a new track alongside a full field of their competitors. Colin Edwards Position: 1st Time: 2’00.248 Laps: 46 “We started off this morning by testing a couple more front tyres and a different bike setting, just generally playing around with a few things. At the end of the morning we tried another new rear tyre which was pretty good too, and then we had two qualifiers to try. I came in from the first one thinking that I’d probably done a low 2’01; I’d made a couple of small mistakes and thought I could have been faster, so I couldn’t believe it when it was around the 2’00.6 mark. The next qualifier was pretty unbelievable and the bike just felt perfect, so I’m really pleased with that time. The long run was pretty interesting”¦I’d already done about 30 laps in the morning session and I was feeling pretty tired, I went off a bit too hard at the start and was giving it all I had, it was feeling great but then after about 14 laps I was seeing double! I slowed it down for a bit but there wasn’t much point pushing it so I came in a bit early. Anyway things were still improved from the last time here so we were happy. Overall it’s been a really great test; the bike is unbelievable, better than ever even with less power!” Valentino Rossi Position: 2nd Time: 2’00.793 Laps: 43 “It was another really positive day for us, and I am so happy because the bike is feeling great. During these three days we have worked a lot on the suspension set-up, in order to fix the problems we had in braking, and I think we’ve done a very good job on that. We’ve been pretty fast all week, quicker than during the January test, and the long run today was faster too which is important. I am also pleased that Colin is going so well, he made a fantastic time today, he’s very fast! We also worked again today on the engine mapping, as I said yesterday; fuel consumption is going to be crucial for everyone this year and we can’t afford to make mistakes! I am sure that we can still improve in every area and now we have the chance to carry on like this in Qatar next week, where we will also have the first race in one month. Next week will be a very important test!” Davide Brivio Team Director “We leave Sepang in the certainty that we’ve made a very good test and we have improved the situation with both riders. Colin has made a great improvement since January’s test and I think that no one has ever ridden so fast here in Sepang as he did today! This shows that the 800cc bikes are already faster than the 990s! We are working very well and the general development of the new bike is going very well. Now we go to Qatar for the next test and we know that will be a very important test for two reasons: first, we will be testing in a different circuit, so we will have the chance to confirm what we’ve learnt here at another track and second, we will meet all the other teams there and will be able to see our level alongside them.” Unofficial Lap Times 1. Colin Edwards (USA) Yamaha 2’00.248 2. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Yamaha 2’00.793 3. Randy de Puniet (FRA) Kawasaki 2’02.071 4. Olivier Jacque (FRA) Kawasaki 2’02.607 5. Makoto Tamada (JPN) Yamaha 2’03.380 6. Sylvain Guintoli (FRA) Yamaha 2’04.636 7. Andrew Pitt (AUS) Ilmor 2’07.373 Sepang Lap Record (990cc) Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 2006 – 2’02.127 Sepang Best Lap (990cc) Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 2006 – 2’00.605

FIM Releases Its List Of Homologated Motorcycles For 2007

0

Listing of FIM homologated motorcycles for 2007 for the categories SUPERBIKE – SUPERSPORT SUPERSTOCK 600/1000 – SUPERPRODUCTION Note: – New motorcycle models presented in January 2007 are in bold. The list may be updated at any time during the year. SUPERBIKE Model Production period as from / until APRILIA RSV 1000 RP JAN 03 – end (+ optional fuel injection instrument) APRILIA RSV 1000 RR JAN 04 – end (+ optional fuel injection instrument) APRILIA RSV 1000 RR JAN 06 – present (+ optional fuel injection instrument) DUCATI 998 R (H2) JAN 02 – end DUCATI 999 R (H4) JAN 03 – end (+ optional fuel injection instrument) DUCATI 999 R (H4) JAN 05 – present (+ optional fuel injection instrument) HONDA CBR 900 RR (SC50) JAN 02 – end – (CBR 900 RR for euro model), – (CBR 954 RR’ for USA, J model) HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC57) JAN 04 – end HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC57) JAN 06 – present HONDA VTR 1000 SP2 (SC45) JAN 02 – end (+ optional fuel injection instrument) KAWASAKI ZX 9 R (F) JAN 02 – end KAWASAKI ZX 10 RR JAN 04 – end KAWASAKI ZX 10 RR JAN 06 – present MONDIAL PIEGA 1000 JUL 03 – present (+ optional fuel injection instrument) MV AGUSTA F4 1000 (MT) JAN 05 – present (MT=Tamburini model) PETRONAS FP1 JAN 03 – JUL 03 (+ optional fuel injection instrument) SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K3) JAN 03 – end SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K5) JAN 05 – end SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K7) JAN 07 – present YAMAHA YZF R1 (2002 model) JAN 02 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2004 model) JAN 04 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2006 model) JAN 06 – end YAMAHA YZF R1-SP (2006 model) JAN 06 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2007 model) JAN 07 – present (4-valve engine) SUPERSPORT 600 – SUPERSTOCK 600 Model Production period as from / DUCATI 748 R (H3) JAN 02 – end DUCATI 749 R (H5) JAN 04 – present HONDA CBR 600 FS JAN 01 – end HONDA CBR 600 F4i JAN 01 – end HONDA CBR 600 RR (PC37) JAN 03 – end HONDA CBR 600 RR (PC37) JAN 05 – end HONDA CBR 600 RR (PC40) JAN 07 – present KAWASAKI ZX 600 K (ZX-6RR) JAN 03 – end KAWASAKI ZX 600 M (ZX-6RR) JAN 04 – end KAWASAKI ZX 600 N (ZX-6RR) JAN 05 – end KAWASAKI ZX 600 P (ZX-6RR) JAN 07 – present SUZUKI GSX 600 R (K4) JAN 04 – end SUZUKI GSX 600 R (K6) JAN 06 – present TRIUMPH DAYTONA 600 JUL 03 – end TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 JAN 06 present*** (***Please note: For 2007, the Triumph Daytona ‘675’ model is homologated to participate in open National/International Supersport 600/Superstock 600 events only; a possible participation in the 2008 FIM Supersport World Championship events will be announced in 2007. YAMAHA YZF R6 JAN 03 – end YAMAHA YZF R6 JAN 05 – end YAMAHA YZF R6 JAN 06 – present SUPERSTOCK 1000 & SUPERPRODUCTION Model Production period as from APRILIA RSV 1000 RP JAN 03 – end APRILIA RSV 1000 RR JAN 04 – end APRILIA RSV 1000 RR JAN 06 – present DUCATI 996 S JAN 01 – end DUCATI 998 S (H2) JAN 02 – end DUCATI 999 S (H4) JAN 03 – end DUCATI 999 R (H4) MAR 06 – end DUCATI 1098 S (H7) JAN 07 – present HONDA CBR 900 RR (SC50) JAN 02 – end – (CBR 900 RR for euro model), – (CBR 954 RR’ for USA, J model) HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC 57) JAN 04 – end HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC 57) JAN 06 – present HONDA VTR 1000 SP (SC45) JAN 02 – present KAWASAKI ZX 9 R (F) JAN 02 – end KAWASAKI ZX 10 RR JAN 04 – end KAWASAKI ZX 10 RR JAN 06 – end MV AGUSTA F4 1000 R (+1) APRIL 06 – present SUZUKI GSX R 750 (K2) JAN 02 – end SUZUKI GSX R 750 (K4) JAN 04 – end (including LTD version) SUZUKI GSX R 750 (K6) JAN 06 – present SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K3) JAN 03 – end SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K5) JAN 05 – end SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K7) JAN 07 – present YAMAHA YZF R1 (2002 model) JAN 02 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2004 model) JAN 04 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2006 model) JAN 06 – end YAMAHA YZF R1-SP (2006 model) JAN 06 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2007 model) JAN 07 – present (with 4-valve engine)

New Dunlop Race Tire Vendor For CMRA

0

New Dunlop race tire dealer for Texas and CMRA. North Texas Superbikes, owned and operated by David Roy, (former Ducati Manager of Racing Operations and AMA Pro Series competitor), is now the official Dunlop race tire dealer for Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. “We at Sport Tire Services are very glad to have David Roy on board for the 2007 CMRA events. We have known David for 17 years personally and professionally and have every confidence in his ablity to get Dunlop to the front in the Texas region,” said Terry Newby of STS. North Texas Superbikes will provide full service and technical support at all CMRA rounds for 2007 including a select number of track and practice days. Please contact North Texas Superbikes for all of your Dunlop race tire needs at: North Texas Superbikes 1425 FM 407 Ste 700 Lewisville, TX 75077 Ph. 972-966-0932 www.northtexassuperbikes.com [email protected]

Yamaha To Pay Contingency To Top 10 Finishers At Regional Road Races In 2007

Cypress, CA (February 6, 2007) – Yamaha Motor Corporation is pleased to announce today a greatly enhanced Road Racing Contingency Program for the 2007 season. With an increase of nearly $800,000 available to YZF-R6 and YZF-R1 racers across the country, this represents the largest posting in Yamaha’s history! This increase is focused on Regional Sprint Events as well as National Series such as ASRA and WERA. “The lion’s share of this increase hits the heart of U.S. Road Racing, the Local and Regional Sprint events” says Yamaha Racing Manager Mike Guerra. “We made these increases where they are most achievable by expanding the depth of payout to cover the Top Ten finishing positions at Regional Sprint Events.” With the previously announced Motocross and Off-Road Program, Yamaha has now posted a total of over $14,000,000 in contingency for the 2007 racing season. For full details on the new Road Racing Contingency Program, please log on to www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/events/contingency_rr_07.aspx

Harley-Davidson Executives Sold Off Record Amount Of Stock Late Last Year, Netting $45.9 Million

During October and November of 2006 several high-ranking executives with Harley-Davidson sold over 1.5 million shares of stock valued at over $101 million, making a net profit of $45.9 million, according to an article appearing in the Wall Street Journal February 5. Those listed in the article as selling large amounts of stock included Harley-Davidson’s retired CEO and current Chairman of the Board of Directors Jeff Bleustein, current CEO and President Jim Ziemer, the company’s general counsel and its chief accountant. Bleustein, whose deadline to cash in shares was approaching according to the company, sold 960,000 shares worth $62.3 million. The article pointed out that when Harley-Davidson “insiders” sold off large amounts of stock in 2001 and 2004, a period of flat or negative stock performance followed. Harley-Davidson has seen strong financial growth over the last 20 years, since the company’s stock went public. Its stock hit a record high of $75.87 per share on the New York Stock Exchange last November. Harley-Davidson’s stock closed Friday, February 2 at $70.10, up $1.34 per share, even though 2722 Union workers at the company’s largest manufacturing plant, in York, Pennsylvania, walked out on strike earlier the same day, forcing the plant to shut down. Union workers, whose seven-year contract expired February 1, voted almost unanimously — to strike because they felt they were being unfairly asked to make concessions even though the company was making record profits, according to a January 31 article appearing on the website of the York Daily Record (www.ydr.com). In the fourth quarter of 2006, Harley-Davidson reported an 11.9% increase in revenue, to $1.5 billion, and a 9.7% increase in profits, to $252.4 million. Harley-Davidson offered a 4% pay increase during each year of a new, three-year contract with the Union but only if the Unionized employees agreed to start paying some of their own health care expenses and to allow new workers to be hired at lower starting wages. According to Harley-Davidson, Union employees previously paid no health insurance premiums and only “minimal out of pocket expenses.” The goal, according to Harley-Davidson, was to manage future costs. The last time Union workers at the York, Pennsylvania Harley-Davidson plant struck was February 1991. That strike lasted two weeks, according to the York Daily Record.

2007 WERA Regional Season Starts This Weekend At Talladega Gran Prix Raceway

0

WERA to Host Opener at the Newly Reconfigured Talladega Gan Prix Raceway this Weekend WERA Motorcycle Roadracing will host the Southeast/Mid-Central Opener at the newly reconfigured Talladega Gran Prix Raceway over this coming weekend, February 10/11. The Upchurch Family, which owns the Raceway, along with the help of designer Ed Bargy had to reconfigure the existing track due to the County taking part of their run-off which ran along the side of Alabama Hwy 21. Sean Clarke of WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was at the facility two weeks ago and said “The improvements are great and racing should be fun!” The track is still in the process of competing some of the buildings, such as the scoring tower which will be a Silo with 360-degree-viewing when competed. The old buildings are still in place and will be used this coming weekend along with the WERA Registration Trailer. There are also plans for new bathrooms and more electricity in the paddock area. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing is expecting a 175 to 200 rider turn-out for the event. For further information contact WERA at (770) 720-5010.

Despain And Wind Tunnel Show Continue On SPEED TV

0

DESPAIN DRIVES WIND TUNNEL INTO FIFTH SEASON ON SPEED IN 2007 DESPAIN: ‘I SUSPECT A.J. HAS ME CONFUSED WITH SOMEBODY ELSE’ Dave Despain enters his fifth season behind the wheel of the popular SPEED show Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain, with the 2007 premiere scheduled for Feb. 18 at 9 p.m. ET. “Wind Tunnel is the only motor sports show in this country that can make you laugh, cuss and pay attention — all within 60 minutes,” said veteran motor sports journalist Robin Miller, a frequent guest on the show . “It’s topical, informative and a little irreverent, much like its host.” “Dave Despain, to me, is probably the most well-rounded motor sports guy that I’ve ever met,” said NHRA multi-time champ Gary Scelzi. “His show is real, it pulls no punches and it’s one if I’m anywhere near a television on Sunday night I make sure I watch — because it’s always entertaining, it’s the real deal, and Dave is not afraid to express his opinion.” As the motor sports stories develop in 2007, count on Despain and his Wind Tunnel crew to be in the middle of things. Below, Despain weighs in on a few pre-season questions: Q: You hear from a lot of race fans throughout the year on Wind Tunnel. Give me the top three stories fans are interested in heading into 2007? 1) Until the contract is signed, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s employment status will be the biggest story in American racing, because as long as he remains unsigned, he keeps alive the tantalizing possibility that he’ll drive the black three for Richard Childress. 2) Acknowledging that Formula One’s world wide audience is far larger than NASCAR’s, and thus every F1 caller to Wind Tunnel represents a vast international constituency, I think Ferrari-after-Schumacher and Alonso-with-McLaren should be fascinating stories. 3) And those who hope she will, combined with those who insist she won’t, create a significant interest, I think, in the question of whether or not Danica Patrick will ever win. Q: Heading into your fifth season as host of Wind Tunnel, you’ve interviewed hundreds of personalities and talents from the world of motor sports. Do any of them stick out as truly memorable and why? Still a few you’d like to get? Who? That’s an FAQ for which I should have a really good answer and I don’t. I tend to like bits and pieces of a lot of different interviews, specifically those moments when we’re able to get past the PR-speak and get a real insight into the guest and what makes him or her tick. As for the wish list, Foyt is still at the top, though Robin Miller insists that Super Tex “hates Despain” and will never come on the show. If that’s true, I suspect A.J. has me confused with somebody else. Q: Historically, names like Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Don Garlits and Jeremy McGrath stand out as motor sports icons; give me a few names of racers competing today who you believe have the potential to reach that status and why? 1) Jeff Gordon, because after retirement I expect him to become a personality/celebrity who transcends racing. 2) Tony Stewart, because he can and will drive anything “¦ and win in it. 3) Ricky Carmichael IF he can become the first big name bike guy since Joe Leonard to make the switch and win big on four wheels. 4) Fernando Alonso, if he overcomes what I think was a bad strategic decision switching from Renault to McLaren and has any sort of success filling the huge void left by Michael Schumacher’s retirement. The alternative possibility, of course, is that Ferrari will keep its feet despite Michael’s retirement, and the breathtakingly talented Kimi Raikkonen will become an F1 legend. Q: Obviously, you could attend any motor sport event you wanted to on a media credential “¦ which ones would you PAY to see and why? PAY? A member of the motor sports press PAY? Perish the thought! Seriously, I’d pay to watch my favorite race, which is the Springfield (Illinois) Mile dirt track motorcycle race. The main event there is still the most competitive 12 minutes anywhere in motor sports. SPEED is the nation’s first and foremost cable television network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 74 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest-growing sports cable networks in the country, the home to NASCAR on SPEED and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services.

Judge’s Decision This Week May Decide AHRMA’s Fate

0

A decision due this week from a bankruptcy judge in Tennessee may decide the fate of AHRMA, the Vintage racing organization locked in a bitter legal battle with AHRMA founder and Team Obsolete owner Rob Iannucci, who AHRMA officials stripped of membership and banned from AHRMA events because, according to court testimony last week, he was not the type of person the organization wanted to be involved with. According to testimony in a hearing held in Nashville last week, then AHRMA Executive Director Jeff Smith did not follow the procedure outlined in the AHRMA rulebook when he banned Iannucci following a series of bitter–and often personal–disputes, instead unilaterally instituting the ban and going to the AHRMA Board of Trustees for ratification of the ban afterwards. Also according to testimony, the AHRMA Board of Trustees knew as early as 2002 that its insurance carrier was insolvent and that only $300,000 from a state insurance fund was available to cover court costs, but the Board thought that would be enough to cover the costs of the continuing legal battle over keeping Iannucci, any motorcycles carrying Team Obsolete stickers, and any riders who listed Iannucci as a sponsor out of AHRMA events. Instead, AHRMA’s legal costs have approached $900,000 to date and led the organization to file bankruptcy. Also according to court testimony last week, AHRMA officials intermixed benevolent fund money–donations meant to help injured racers–into the general fund and spent it on the litigation. AHRMA has posted a short statement on the bankruptcy hearing, here: ~http://www.ahrma.org/whatsnew.htm~ At issue is whether the bankruptcy court handles Iannucci’s claims against AHRMA or kicks the entire case back to a Federal District Court in New York, site of the ongoing legal battle that brought AHRMA to seek bankruptcy protection. AHRMA hopes that the bankruptcy court handles the claims, effectively ending the legal battle, while Iannucci says the bankruptcy filing is a ploy to escape the New York litigation and wants the entire case resolved in the New York court. An AHRMA insider has said that if Iannucci prevails and the case is moved back to New York, “We’re finished.” Or, in other words, AHRMA would cease to exist. More details will be posted as they become available.

2007 CCS/Florida Season Starts This Weekend At Miami-Homestead

0

CCS/Florida Opens Season at Homestead The Championship Cup Series of Florida opens its 2007 season at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend. A huge field of over 800 entries is expected to compete in the 39-class, 19-race program, the featured race being the “un-muffled” Expert Unlimited GP Class. Three Number One plateholders for 2007 CCS Regions will compete, including Florida Champion Darren Luck, Mid-Atlantic Champion Nate Kern and Northeast Champion Jeff Wood. Special guest speaker for Saturday night’s 2006 Florida Region Banquet, which is being held at the new Champions Club at the Speedway, will be world-renowned race announcer and motojournalist Chris Carter. Chris will also be part of a three-announcer team that will call Sunday’s races.

Pirelli To Sponsor Lone Star Track Days Riding School And Endurance Racing Team

Pirelli Signs Lone Star Track Days and CMRA Racers Pirelli is pleased to announce its signing to support the Lone Star Track Days Riding School and, the CMRA Endurance Racing Series competitors, Team Lone Star Track Days Racing. Founded in 1999, the Lone Star Track Days Riding School is the official school for licensing CMRA racers. The LSTDR School is co-owned by Steve McNamara, Jeff Grant and Wade Pruetz, and has 15 schools scheduled for 2007, taking place at Texas World Speedway, Oak Hill Raceway, and Motorsport Ranch Fort Worth. During the year, the LSTDR School will be giving away seven sets of Pirelli Diablo Corsa tires to students. For more information about the LSTDR School, and its 2007 schedule, visit www.lstd.com. Team Lone Star Track Days Racing will compete in the C Superstock class of CMRA Endurance Racing Series. This is the team’s fifth season in the series, where it has always finished on the podium and in 2004 earned the class championship. Riders for the team will be LSTDR School instructors, Gabe McClendon, Mark Niemi, Andy Galindo, and Frank Shacklee. The team is excited to be competing on Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa race tires after seeing how well these production tires performed last year in the AMA Superbike series and in setting a track record at Jennings GP, during preseason testing. Additionally, CMRA and AMA racer Ty Howard has reached an agreement with Pirelli. Privateer Howard finished an incredible 8th in the 2006 AMA Formula Xtreme championship. For 2007, Howard and will be racing a couple AMA events with his sponsor GP Technologies, while participating season-long riding for Team Kienast Homes. Texan Howard has been the overall expert number-one plate holder for the last two years in the CMRA, winning five class championships both years. For 2007, Howard will be competing in AMA Superbike and various CMRA classes. Other racers competing in the CMRA, that are so far confirmed as sponsored by Pirelli and tire-technician Shane Stoyko ‘s Racer Supply Co., include Zack Chapman, Justin Dominguez, Cory Burleson, Larry Meyers, Thomas Magnus, and the endurance team Twowheels.com.

Edwards Fastest As MotoGP Testing Concludes In Malaysia

MotoGP tests conclude at Sepang with Edwards and Rossi on top Wednesday 7th February – Sepang, Malaysia – MotoGP Test On the final day of the second Sepang Test of 2007, the teams present since Monday at the Malaysian circuit rounded off their week of fine tuning their new 800cc machines ahead of the season curtain-raiser next month. In a repeat of yesterday’s results, Colin Edwards was once again the fastest rider at Sepang today, in blistering form on the Yamaha M1. The factory team rider clocked a lap of 2’00.248, a time under the 990cc pole position record, set on qualifying tyres. He cut over a second off his fastest lap from yesterday. Once again, Edwards was closely followed by team-mate and five-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi. The Italian joined the Texan Tornado as the only riders to go round in under 2’01, with both undertaking a race simulation on the 800cc Yamaha. Team Director Davide Brivio yesterday stated that today’s extended run was intended to see if small changes made over the previous two sessions would be crucial to race performance, and perhaps the Italian now has his answer after a combined 89 laps from his riders. Once again putting in a solid number of laps, Kawasaki’s Randy de Puniet also managed to cut his times from the previous two days. The Frenchman showed no ill-effects from the minor crash he suffered yesterday, and also performed a race simulation as part of his 63 lap marathon on the Ninja ZX-RR800. Team-mate Olivier Jacque also made improvements as part of a positive three days for the Gallic duo. The Yamaha Tech 3 team decided against an extended run, with both Makoto Tamada and Sylvain Guintoli putting in 35 laps apiece. They continue to work hard with their tyre development as the only team using Dunlop rubber this season. The only Ilmor team rider at this week’s test, Andrew Pitt rounded off what may be his last solo outing before the expected return of team-mate Jeremy McWilliams. The Australian established his task this week as finding a base for the bike, and today rode more laps than any other rider. All four teams will join the remainder of the MotoGP grid next Tuesday for the first Official Test in Qatar, the scene of the opening round of the championship on March 10th. MotoGP Sepang Test: Day 3 Unofficial Times 1. Colin Edwards- Yamaha Racing 2’00.248 – 46 2. Valentino Rossi-Yamaha Racing 2’00.793 43 3. Randy de Puniet-Kawasaki Racing 2’02.071 63 4. Olivier Jacque-Kawasaki Racing 2’02.607 55 5. Makoto Tamada-Yamaha Tech 3 2’03.380 35 6. Sylvain Guintoli – Yamaha Tech 3 2’04.636 35 7. Andrew Pitt – Ilmor GP 2’07.373 – 70 More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki: SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION TO SECOND SEPANG TEST FOR KAWASAKI Randy de Puniet and Olivier Jacque confirmed during three more days of testing at the Sepang circuit this week that Kawasaki’s new 800cc Ninja ZX-RR is on track for a competitive race debut at the Grand Prix of Qatar in just four weeks time. Both Kawasaki riders used three uninterrupted days of track time in Malaysia to focus on chassis and suspension set-up, as well as evaluating new tyres from Bridgestone that have been developed specifically for the new 800cc MotoGP racers. This intensive test schedule included a race simulation for both riders on each of the three days, during which they completing more than 400 laps of the 5.543 km Sepang circuit. Both riders reported a noticeable improvement as rear tyre grip deteriorated towards the end of their race simulations, with the performance drop off due to reduced rear traction seen during the last Sepang test being noticeably reduced. For Olivier Jacque, this second test provided another opportunity to prepare for his first full season in the MotoGP class since 2003. One of the most experienced riders on this year’s MotoGP grid, the former World Champion has quickly settled in to the role of factory rider again, and has built up a good working relationship with his new crew, and his new crew chief, Fiorenzo Fanali. With a year of experience on the 990cc Ninja ZX-RR and Bridgestone tyres, Randy de Puniet was again the faster of the two Kawasaki riders during this second three-day test. The 24-year-old Frenchman completed a marathon 237 laps of the Sepang circuit over the course of the test, refining both the set-up of the bike and adapting his riding style to post consistent lap times throughout. The Kawasaki Racing Team will now move on to the Doha International Circuit in Qatar for their third pre-season test, which will run from 13-15 February. Randy de Puniet: 237 Laps – Best Lap 2’02.05 “We’ve had a good three days. The consistency of my lap times has improved with each race simulation, which I’m obviously happy about. This is basically down to small changes in the set-up of the bike, but I’ve also adapted slightly my riding style to get the best from the bike as well. Ideally I would have liked to set my fastest lap of the test on the final day, but it was at least 10 degrees hotter today than it was for the first two days, which meant it just wasn’t possible. Now, after two successful tests at Sepang, I’m looking forward to riding the bike at Qatar and Jerez, where I’m confident that we will be able to confirm we have found a good base set-up on the new Ninja ZX-RR.” Olivier Jacque: 193 Laps – Best Lap 2’02.58 “It’s been a pretty exhausting test. We’ve run a few race simulations to check reliability, and that’s always hard physically in the heat here in Malaysia. But, while it has been hard work, I’m very happy with what we’ve achieved over the three days. I understand better the set-up of the bike, and also the effect that changes to the set-up have on overall performance. This is important for the future. I felt better and better on the bike with each day, and that could be seen in the improvement of my lap times, but there is definitely still more to come. I’m not pushing so hard right now, as I’m still adapting to being a racer again after spending so long as a development rider, but I know what I am capable of and I know the speed will be there come the first race. So, overall, a very positive test for us.” Naoya Kaneko: Technical Manager “Our main focus has been on the performance of our bike over race distance. We have run several race simulations over the three days and we’ve seen significant improvements as a result of set-up changes and new tyres from Bridgestone. The fact that we had three uninterrupted days of testing, with the riders out on track from ten in the morning until six at night, means that we’ve also managed to collect plenty of data that we will now feed into our development process. Yes, we still have some work to do ahead of the first race, but this second successful test confirms that we are definitely moving in the right direction with the bike.” More, from a press release issued by Ilmor GP: Ilmor GP Sepang Test Summary London 07.02.07: Following the success of the recent test in Almeria, where despite being hampered by bad weather the team made significant progress, Ilmor GP had high hopes for the test in Sepang where they joined the likes of Kawasaki and Yamaha out on the track. Whilst prioritising further work on the engine calibration over the test the team also undertook an important tyre test with new supplier Michelin. Over the three days Andrew accumulated a total of 166 laps of the 5.54k Malaysian track. The test in Sepang has left the team with a huge amount of data to be analysed ahead of the test in Qatar and whilst everyone remains realistic, Ilmor GP are hopeful that further progress will be made at the Middle Eastern circuit. Andrew Pitt was alone once again in testing the Ilmor GP bike, although making a quick recovery team mate Jeremy McWilliams was unable to join him in Malaysia. Following extensive physiotherapy and a rigorous training schedule Jeremy will be joining the team at the test in Qatar later this month. Andrew Pitt, Ilmor GP Rider: “The past few days haven’t been easy, we’ve all been working extremely long hours and we haven’t made as much progress as we hoped. I think everybody acknowledges the steep learning curve we are currently undertaking but it’s difficult not to get frustrated when everyone is working so hard. We are definitely moving forward and I’m hoping to have a couple of days to rest before Qatar, it will be good to share some of the testing with Jeremy out there.” Mike Janes, Ilmor GP Team Manager: “A big positive for us here in Sepang has been the tyre testing with Michelin. I’m pleased with the progress we’re making on that front, Michelin have been very helpful and we’re learning a lot about the tyres – our new working relationship with Michelin has started well and promises well for the future. We have tried out a few different tyre configurations and can now begin characterising the bikes sensitivity to the various tyres. “Although things aren’t progressing as fast as I would like, we have made one or two positive developments with the bike in other areas, having worked through some big changes to the set-up over the past three days. However, we’re all aware that we have a lot of work to do before the start of the season and Mario and I are realistic about what can be achieved in the time frame we have. Nonetheless, everyone will be working flat out ahead of Qatar with the aim of maximising the opportunity of testing there just prior to the race. On another positive note, the team are working really well together, despite the long hours we have inflicting on them over the past three days!” More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Factory Racing Team: Edwards Smashes Pole Record in Sepang Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi proved they are more than ready for the challenge ahead with their new 800cc Yamahas by clocking some outstanding times today, on the third and final day of testing in Sepang. Both took the chance to try new Michelin qualifying tyres and Edwards stunned his crew by dipping well under the current pole position record, set by Rossi at last year’s race on the old 990cc Yamaha, with a lap of 2’00.248. Rossi also came close to his own pole record with a time of 2’00.793. Both riders spent the day continuing to work on set-up and tyre-testing before completing long runs, enabling them to see the benefits of their latest developments under race-like conditions. The Yamaha Factory Racing Team will now pack up and head east for the next stage of testing in Qatar on February 13th-15th. It will be the first time this season that the entire MotoGP class will be on track together and Rossi and Edwards are looking forward to seeing how their 800cc bikes fare at a new track alongside a full field of their competitors. Colin Edwards Position: 1st Time: 2’00.248 Laps: 46 “We started off this morning by testing a couple more front tyres and a different bike setting, just generally playing around with a few things. At the end of the morning we tried another new rear tyre which was pretty good too, and then we had two qualifiers to try. I came in from the first one thinking that I’d probably done a low 2’01; I’d made a couple of small mistakes and thought I could have been faster, so I couldn’t believe it when it was around the 2’00.6 mark. The next qualifier was pretty unbelievable and the bike just felt perfect, so I’m really pleased with that time. The long run was pretty interesting”¦I’d already done about 30 laps in the morning session and I was feeling pretty tired, I went off a bit too hard at the start and was giving it all I had, it was feeling great but then after about 14 laps I was seeing double! I slowed it down for a bit but there wasn’t much point pushing it so I came in a bit early. Anyway things were still improved from the last time here so we were happy. Overall it’s been a really great test; the bike is unbelievable, better than ever even with less power!” Valentino Rossi Position: 2nd Time: 2’00.793 Laps: 43 “It was another really positive day for us, and I am so happy because the bike is feeling great. During these three days we have worked a lot on the suspension set-up, in order to fix the problems we had in braking, and I think we’ve done a very good job on that. We’ve been pretty fast all week, quicker than during the January test, and the long run today was faster too which is important. I am also pleased that Colin is going so well, he made a fantastic time today, he’s very fast! We also worked again today on the engine mapping, as I said yesterday; fuel consumption is going to be crucial for everyone this year and we can’t afford to make mistakes! I am sure that we can still improve in every area and now we have the chance to carry on like this in Qatar next week, where we will also have the first race in one month. Next week will be a very important test!” Davide Brivio Team Director “We leave Sepang in the certainty that we’ve made a very good test and we have improved the situation with both riders. Colin has made a great improvement since January’s test and I think that no one has ever ridden so fast here in Sepang as he did today! This shows that the 800cc bikes are already faster than the 990s! We are working very well and the general development of the new bike is going very well. Now we go to Qatar for the next test and we know that will be a very important test for two reasons: first, we will be testing in a different circuit, so we will have the chance to confirm what we’ve learnt here at another track and second, we will meet all the other teams there and will be able to see our level alongside them.” Unofficial Lap Times 1. Colin Edwards (USA) Yamaha 2’00.248 2. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Yamaha 2’00.793 3. Randy de Puniet (FRA) Kawasaki 2’02.071 4. Olivier Jacque (FRA) Kawasaki 2’02.607 5. Makoto Tamada (JPN) Yamaha 2’03.380 6. Sylvain Guintoli (FRA) Yamaha 2’04.636 7. Andrew Pitt (AUS) Ilmor 2’07.373 Sepang Lap Record (990cc) Loris Capirossi (Ducati) 2006 – 2’02.127 Sepang Best Lap (990cc) Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 2006 – 2’00.605

FIM Releases Its List Of Homologated Motorcycles For 2007

Listing of FIM homologated motorcycles for 2007 for the categories SUPERBIKE – SUPERSPORT SUPERSTOCK 600/1000 – SUPERPRODUCTION Note: – New motorcycle models presented in January 2007 are in bold. The list may be updated at any time during the year. SUPERBIKE Model Production period as from / until APRILIA RSV 1000 RP JAN 03 – end (+ optional fuel injection instrument) APRILIA RSV 1000 RR JAN 04 – end (+ optional fuel injection instrument) APRILIA RSV 1000 RR JAN 06 – present (+ optional fuel injection instrument) DUCATI 998 R (H2) JAN 02 – end DUCATI 999 R (H4) JAN 03 – end (+ optional fuel injection instrument) DUCATI 999 R (H4) JAN 05 – present (+ optional fuel injection instrument) HONDA CBR 900 RR (SC50) JAN 02 – end – (CBR 900 RR for euro model), – (CBR 954 RR’ for USA, J model) HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC57) JAN 04 – end HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC57) JAN 06 – present HONDA VTR 1000 SP2 (SC45) JAN 02 – end (+ optional fuel injection instrument) KAWASAKI ZX 9 R (F) JAN 02 – end KAWASAKI ZX 10 RR JAN 04 – end KAWASAKI ZX 10 RR JAN 06 – present MONDIAL PIEGA 1000 JUL 03 – present (+ optional fuel injection instrument) MV AGUSTA F4 1000 (MT) JAN 05 – present (MT=Tamburini model) PETRONAS FP1 JAN 03 – JUL 03 (+ optional fuel injection instrument) SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K3) JAN 03 – end SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K5) JAN 05 – end SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K7) JAN 07 – present YAMAHA YZF R1 (2002 model) JAN 02 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2004 model) JAN 04 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2006 model) JAN 06 – end YAMAHA YZF R1-SP (2006 model) JAN 06 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2007 model) JAN 07 – present (4-valve engine) SUPERSPORT 600 – SUPERSTOCK 600 Model Production period as from / DUCATI 748 R (H3) JAN 02 – end DUCATI 749 R (H5) JAN 04 – present HONDA CBR 600 FS JAN 01 – end HONDA CBR 600 F4i JAN 01 – end HONDA CBR 600 RR (PC37) JAN 03 – end HONDA CBR 600 RR (PC37) JAN 05 – end HONDA CBR 600 RR (PC40) JAN 07 – present KAWASAKI ZX 600 K (ZX-6RR) JAN 03 – end KAWASAKI ZX 600 M (ZX-6RR) JAN 04 – end KAWASAKI ZX 600 N (ZX-6RR) JAN 05 – end KAWASAKI ZX 600 P (ZX-6RR) JAN 07 – present SUZUKI GSX 600 R (K4) JAN 04 – end SUZUKI GSX 600 R (K6) JAN 06 – present TRIUMPH DAYTONA 600 JUL 03 – end TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 JAN 06 present*** (***Please note: For 2007, the Triumph Daytona ‘675’ model is homologated to participate in open National/International Supersport 600/Superstock 600 events only; a possible participation in the 2008 FIM Supersport World Championship events will be announced in 2007. YAMAHA YZF R6 JAN 03 – end YAMAHA YZF R6 JAN 05 – end YAMAHA YZF R6 JAN 06 – present SUPERSTOCK 1000 & SUPERPRODUCTION Model Production period as from APRILIA RSV 1000 RP JAN 03 – end APRILIA RSV 1000 RR JAN 04 – end APRILIA RSV 1000 RR JAN 06 – present DUCATI 996 S JAN 01 – end DUCATI 998 S (H2) JAN 02 – end DUCATI 999 S (H4) JAN 03 – end DUCATI 999 R (H4) MAR 06 – end DUCATI 1098 S (H7) JAN 07 – present HONDA CBR 900 RR (SC50) JAN 02 – end – (CBR 900 RR for euro model), – (CBR 954 RR’ for USA, J model) HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC 57) JAN 04 – end HONDA CBR 1000 RR (SC 57) JAN 06 – present HONDA VTR 1000 SP (SC45) JAN 02 – present KAWASAKI ZX 9 R (F) JAN 02 – end KAWASAKI ZX 10 RR JAN 04 – end KAWASAKI ZX 10 RR JAN 06 – end MV AGUSTA F4 1000 R (+1) APRIL 06 – present SUZUKI GSX R 750 (K2) JAN 02 – end SUZUKI GSX R 750 (K4) JAN 04 – end (including LTD version) SUZUKI GSX R 750 (K6) JAN 06 – present SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K3) JAN 03 – end SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K5) JAN 05 – end SUZUKI GSX R 1000 (K7) JAN 07 – present YAMAHA YZF R1 (2002 model) JAN 02 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2004 model) JAN 04 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2006 model) JAN 06 – end YAMAHA YZF R1-SP (2006 model) JAN 06 – end YAMAHA YZF R1 (2007 model) JAN 07 – present (with 4-valve engine)

New Dunlop Race Tire Vendor For CMRA

New Dunlop race tire dealer for Texas and CMRA. North Texas Superbikes, owned and operated by David Roy, (former Ducati Manager of Racing Operations and AMA Pro Series competitor), is now the official Dunlop race tire dealer for Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. “We at Sport Tire Services are very glad to have David Roy on board for the 2007 CMRA events. We have known David for 17 years personally and professionally and have every confidence in his ablity to get Dunlop to the front in the Texas region,” said Terry Newby of STS. North Texas Superbikes will provide full service and technical support at all CMRA rounds for 2007 including a select number of track and practice days. Please contact North Texas Superbikes for all of your Dunlop race tire needs at: North Texas Superbikes 1425 FM 407 Ste 700 Lewisville, TX 75077 Ph. 972-966-0932 www.northtexassuperbikes.com [email protected]

Yamaha To Pay Contingency To Top 10 Finishers At Regional Road Races In 2007

Cypress, CA (February 6, 2007) – Yamaha Motor Corporation is pleased to announce today a greatly enhanced Road Racing Contingency Program for the 2007 season. With an increase of nearly $800,000 available to YZF-R6 and YZF-R1 racers across the country, this represents the largest posting in Yamaha’s history! This increase is focused on Regional Sprint Events as well as National Series such as ASRA and WERA. “The lion’s share of this increase hits the heart of U.S. Road Racing, the Local and Regional Sprint events” says Yamaha Racing Manager Mike Guerra. “We made these increases where they are most achievable by expanding the depth of payout to cover the Top Ten finishing positions at Regional Sprint Events.” With the previously announced Motocross and Off-Road Program, Yamaha has now posted a total of over $14,000,000 in contingency for the 2007 racing season. For full details on the new Road Racing Contingency Program, please log on to www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/events/contingency_rr_07.aspx

Harley-Davidson Executives Sold Off Record Amount Of Stock Late Last Year, Netting $45.9 Million

During October and November of 2006 several high-ranking executives with Harley-Davidson sold over 1.5 million shares of stock valued at over $101 million, making a net profit of $45.9 million, according to an article appearing in the Wall Street Journal February 5. Those listed in the article as selling large amounts of stock included Harley-Davidson’s retired CEO and current Chairman of the Board of Directors Jeff Bleustein, current CEO and President Jim Ziemer, the company’s general counsel and its chief accountant. Bleustein, whose deadline to cash in shares was approaching according to the company, sold 960,000 shares worth $62.3 million. The article pointed out that when Harley-Davidson “insiders” sold off large amounts of stock in 2001 and 2004, a period of flat or negative stock performance followed. Harley-Davidson has seen strong financial growth over the last 20 years, since the company’s stock went public. Its stock hit a record high of $75.87 per share on the New York Stock Exchange last November. Harley-Davidson’s stock closed Friday, February 2 at $70.10, up $1.34 per share, even though 2722 Union workers at the company’s largest manufacturing plant, in York, Pennsylvania, walked out on strike earlier the same day, forcing the plant to shut down. Union workers, whose seven-year contract expired February 1, voted almost unanimously — to strike because they felt they were being unfairly asked to make concessions even though the company was making record profits, according to a January 31 article appearing on the website of the York Daily Record (www.ydr.com). In the fourth quarter of 2006, Harley-Davidson reported an 11.9% increase in revenue, to $1.5 billion, and a 9.7% increase in profits, to $252.4 million. Harley-Davidson offered a 4% pay increase during each year of a new, three-year contract with the Union but only if the Unionized employees agreed to start paying some of their own health care expenses and to allow new workers to be hired at lower starting wages. According to Harley-Davidson, Union employees previously paid no health insurance premiums and only “minimal out of pocket expenses.” The goal, according to Harley-Davidson, was to manage future costs. The last time Union workers at the York, Pennsylvania Harley-Davidson plant struck was February 1991. That strike lasted two weeks, according to the York Daily Record.

2007 WERA Regional Season Starts This Weekend At Talladega Gran Prix Raceway

WERA to Host Opener at the Newly Reconfigured Talladega Gan Prix Raceway this Weekend WERA Motorcycle Roadracing will host the Southeast/Mid-Central Opener at the newly reconfigured Talladega Gran Prix Raceway over this coming weekend, February 10/11. The Upchurch Family, which owns the Raceway, along with the help of designer Ed Bargy had to reconfigure the existing track due to the County taking part of their run-off which ran along the side of Alabama Hwy 21. Sean Clarke of WERA Motorcycle Roadracing was at the facility two weeks ago and said “The improvements are great and racing should be fun!” The track is still in the process of competing some of the buildings, such as the scoring tower which will be a Silo with 360-degree-viewing when competed. The old buildings are still in place and will be used this coming weekend along with the WERA Registration Trailer. There are also plans for new bathrooms and more electricity in the paddock area. WERA Motorcycle Roadracing is expecting a 175 to 200 rider turn-out for the event. For further information contact WERA at (770) 720-5010.

Despain And Wind Tunnel Show Continue On SPEED TV

DESPAIN DRIVES WIND TUNNEL INTO FIFTH SEASON ON SPEED IN 2007 DESPAIN: ‘I SUSPECT A.J. HAS ME CONFUSED WITH SOMEBODY ELSE’ Dave Despain enters his fifth season behind the wheel of the popular SPEED show Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain, with the 2007 premiere scheduled for Feb. 18 at 9 p.m. ET. “Wind Tunnel is the only motor sports show in this country that can make you laugh, cuss and pay attention — all within 60 minutes,” said veteran motor sports journalist Robin Miller, a frequent guest on the show . “It’s topical, informative and a little irreverent, much like its host.” “Dave Despain, to me, is probably the most well-rounded motor sports guy that I’ve ever met,” said NHRA multi-time champ Gary Scelzi. “His show is real, it pulls no punches and it’s one if I’m anywhere near a television on Sunday night I make sure I watch — because it’s always entertaining, it’s the real deal, and Dave is not afraid to express his opinion.” As the motor sports stories develop in 2007, count on Despain and his Wind Tunnel crew to be in the middle of things. Below, Despain weighs in on a few pre-season questions: Q: You hear from a lot of race fans throughout the year on Wind Tunnel. Give me the top three stories fans are interested in heading into 2007? 1) Until the contract is signed, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s employment status will be the biggest story in American racing, because as long as he remains unsigned, he keeps alive the tantalizing possibility that he’ll drive the black three for Richard Childress. 2) Acknowledging that Formula One’s world wide audience is far larger than NASCAR’s, and thus every F1 caller to Wind Tunnel represents a vast international constituency, I think Ferrari-after-Schumacher and Alonso-with-McLaren should be fascinating stories. 3) And those who hope she will, combined with those who insist she won’t, create a significant interest, I think, in the question of whether or not Danica Patrick will ever win. Q: Heading into your fifth season as host of Wind Tunnel, you’ve interviewed hundreds of personalities and talents from the world of motor sports. Do any of them stick out as truly memorable and why? Still a few you’d like to get? Who? That’s an FAQ for which I should have a really good answer and I don’t. I tend to like bits and pieces of a lot of different interviews, specifically those moments when we’re able to get past the PR-speak and get a real insight into the guest and what makes him or her tick. As for the wish list, Foyt is still at the top, though Robin Miller insists that Super Tex “hates Despain” and will never come on the show. If that’s true, I suspect A.J. has me confused with somebody else. Q: Historically, names like Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Don Garlits and Jeremy McGrath stand out as motor sports icons; give me a few names of racers competing today who you believe have the potential to reach that status and why? 1) Jeff Gordon, because after retirement I expect him to become a personality/celebrity who transcends racing. 2) Tony Stewart, because he can and will drive anything “¦ and win in it. 3) Ricky Carmichael IF he can become the first big name bike guy since Joe Leonard to make the switch and win big on four wheels. 4) Fernando Alonso, if he overcomes what I think was a bad strategic decision switching from Renault to McLaren and has any sort of success filling the huge void left by Michael Schumacher’s retirement. The alternative possibility, of course, is that Ferrari will keep its feet despite Michael’s retirement, and the breathtakingly talented Kimi Raikkonen will become an F1 legend. Q: Obviously, you could attend any motor sport event you wanted to on a media credential “¦ which ones would you PAY to see and why? PAY? A member of the motor sports press PAY? Perish the thought! Seriously, I’d pay to watch my favorite race, which is the Springfield (Illinois) Mile dirt track motorcycle race. The main event there is still the most competitive 12 minutes anywhere in motor sports. SPEED is the nation’s first and foremost cable television network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 74 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest-growing sports cable networks in the country, the home to NASCAR on SPEED and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services.

Judge’s Decision This Week May Decide AHRMA’s Fate

A decision due this week from a bankruptcy judge in Tennessee may decide the fate of AHRMA, the Vintage racing organization locked in a bitter legal battle with AHRMA founder and Team Obsolete owner Rob Iannucci, who AHRMA officials stripped of membership and banned from AHRMA events because, according to court testimony last week, he was not the type of person the organization wanted to be involved with. According to testimony in a hearing held in Nashville last week, then AHRMA Executive Director Jeff Smith did not follow the procedure outlined in the AHRMA rulebook when he banned Iannucci following a series of bitter–and often personal–disputes, instead unilaterally instituting the ban and going to the AHRMA Board of Trustees for ratification of the ban afterwards. Also according to testimony, the AHRMA Board of Trustees knew as early as 2002 that its insurance carrier was insolvent and that only $300,000 from a state insurance fund was available to cover court costs, but the Board thought that would be enough to cover the costs of the continuing legal battle over keeping Iannucci, any motorcycles carrying Team Obsolete stickers, and any riders who listed Iannucci as a sponsor out of AHRMA events. Instead, AHRMA’s legal costs have approached $900,000 to date and led the organization to file bankruptcy. Also according to court testimony last week, AHRMA officials intermixed benevolent fund money–donations meant to help injured racers–into the general fund and spent it on the litigation. AHRMA has posted a short statement on the bankruptcy hearing, here: ~http://www.ahrma.org/whatsnew.htm~ At issue is whether the bankruptcy court handles Iannucci’s claims against AHRMA or kicks the entire case back to a Federal District Court in New York, site of the ongoing legal battle that brought AHRMA to seek bankruptcy protection. AHRMA hopes that the bankruptcy court handles the claims, effectively ending the legal battle, while Iannucci says the bankruptcy filing is a ploy to escape the New York litigation and wants the entire case resolved in the New York court. An AHRMA insider has said that if Iannucci prevails and the case is moved back to New York, “We’re finished.” Or, in other words, AHRMA would cease to exist. More details will be posted as they become available.

2007 CCS/Florida Season Starts This Weekend At Miami-Homestead

CCS/Florida Opens Season at Homestead The Championship Cup Series of Florida opens its 2007 season at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend. A huge field of over 800 entries is expected to compete in the 39-class, 19-race program, the featured race being the “un-muffled” Expert Unlimited GP Class. Three Number One plateholders for 2007 CCS Regions will compete, including Florida Champion Darren Luck, Mid-Atlantic Champion Nate Kern and Northeast Champion Jeff Wood. Special guest speaker for Saturday night’s 2006 Florida Region Banquet, which is being held at the new Champions Club at the Speedway, will be world-renowned race announcer and motojournalist Chris Carter. Chris will also be part of a three-announcer team that will call Sunday’s races.

Pirelli To Sponsor Lone Star Track Days Riding School And Endurance Racing Team

Pirelli Signs Lone Star Track Days and CMRA Racers Pirelli is pleased to announce its signing to support the Lone Star Track Days Riding School and, the CMRA Endurance Racing Series competitors, Team Lone Star Track Days Racing. Founded in 1999, the Lone Star Track Days Riding School is the official school for licensing CMRA racers. The LSTDR School is co-owned by Steve McNamara, Jeff Grant and Wade Pruetz, and has 15 schools scheduled for 2007, taking place at Texas World Speedway, Oak Hill Raceway, and Motorsport Ranch Fort Worth. During the year, the LSTDR School will be giving away seven sets of Pirelli Diablo Corsa tires to students. For more information about the LSTDR School, and its 2007 schedule, visit www.lstd.com. Team Lone Star Track Days Racing will compete in the C Superstock class of CMRA Endurance Racing Series. This is the team’s fifth season in the series, where it has always finished on the podium and in 2004 earned the class championship. Riders for the team will be LSTDR School instructors, Gabe McClendon, Mark Niemi, Andy Galindo, and Frank Shacklee. The team is excited to be competing on Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa race tires after seeing how well these production tires performed last year in the AMA Superbike series and in setting a track record at Jennings GP, during preseason testing. Additionally, CMRA and AMA racer Ty Howard has reached an agreement with Pirelli. Privateer Howard finished an incredible 8th in the 2006 AMA Formula Xtreme championship. For 2007, Howard and will be racing a couple AMA events with his sponsor GP Technologies, while participating season-long riding for Team Kienast Homes. Texan Howard has been the overall expert number-one plate holder for the last two years in the CMRA, winning five class championships both years. For 2007, Howard will be competing in AMA Superbike and various CMRA classes. Other racers competing in the CMRA, that are so far confirmed as sponsored by Pirelli and tire-technician Shane Stoyko ‘s Racer Supply Co., include Zack Chapman, Justin Dominguez, Cory Burleson, Larry Meyers, Thomas Magnus, and the endurance team Twowheels.com.