Season’s Greetings from two-time Superbike World Champion Troy Corser and his family.
© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Truckload Of Stolen Ducatis Recovered In Canada
FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Below is an interesting bit of recent news. What a small world this is! Chalk one up for the good guys! On December 18th in Rexdale, Ontario, Canada, police recovered a truckload of stolen Ducati motorcycles and arrested the individuals responsible for its theft. The truckload of 30 Ducati motorcycles, with a retail value of over $400,000 dollars, were stolen in Brampton, Ontario only a few days earlier. The Ducatis were on the way from the United States and were bound for dealers across Canada. In a twist of fate 2006 Factory Ducati Thunder rider Derek Vammus, who is also a Police Detective in Brampton, was involved in the investigation and recovery. Much of the load was made up of 2007 Sport Classics similar to the one Vammus rode this past season in national competition. Derek Vammus Pro #44 Parts Canada Superbike Championship Brampton, Ontario, Canada
RaceGirl Motorsport, Motoress Founder To Appear At International Motorcycle Supershow In Canada
Canadian Motorcycle Racer Vicki Gray Shows Women How to Safely Enjoy Motorcycling (Toronto) As more and more women take to the roads on both the back and the driver’s seat of motorcycles, Vicki Gray works to provide resources, training and act as an advocate for females in all diversities of motorcycling. During her racing career Vicki was sponsored by World Championship teams such as Ten Kate Honda and Ducati North America. She has owned 4-stroke, 2-stroke, twins, off road, cruisers, scooters, and world championship racers. Vicki and her 749 Ducati race bike are on display in the Ducati Dealers Group exhibit during the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW, presented by Dalton Timmis Insurance. The show takes place at the Toronto International Centre, January 5 – 7, 2007. Vicki Gray is a motorcycle racer, instructor, and coach, who has been riding since 1983. From Ontario Canada, she got hooked on motorcycling when taking the rider training course in Nova Scotia, motivated by the need of an outlet away from her demanding career at Revlon International. Since then, she has taught motorcycle riding to thousands of beginners, trained police in the Caribbean (Netherlands Antilles), raced throughout Europe, co-instructed with MotoGP racer Katja Poensgen, partnered events with famed TT Circuit Assen, and co-hosted a television program for the Discovery Channel. Shortly after relocating to Europe, Vicki founded RaceGirl Motorsport in 1999, a training and support community headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She also built the now famous global brand RaceGirl and its website, which was the first of its kind depicting female motorcycle riders in a strong sportive yet feminine role. Her courses and workshops encourage women motorcyclists and continue to expand the female riding community. Vicki has come back to Canada taking her 23 years of experience and applying it to an even broader mission with the introduction of her new brand MOTORESS. The goal to provide resource, training and advocate for females in all diversities of motorcycling.
Season’s Greetings From The Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Team
Season’s greetings from all at Rizla Suzuki MotoGP John Hopkins, Chris Vermeulen and all members of Rizla Suzuki MotoGP would like to wish their supporters, partners and associates a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and successful New Year. Rizla Suzuki MotoGP is currently on a test ban, but the Suzuki factory is working relentlessly through the break making sure that the all-new 2007 Rizla Suzuki GSV-R800 will continue with the fantastic promise shown in recent tests. Both of the team’s racers will continue to work hard on their fitness during the close season to make sure they are at the peak of condition when GP testing starts again at Sepang in Malaysia on January 22nd. The first round of the MotoGP World Championship will be at Losail in Qatar on Saturday 10th March. The full 18 round calendar is listed below. Provisional 2007 MotoGP calendar March 10** Qatar Losail March 25 Spain Jerez April 22 Turkey Istanbul May 6 China Shanghai May 20 France Le Mans June 3 Italy Mugello June 10 Catalunya Catalunya June 24 Great Britain Donington Park June 30 ** Netherlands Assen July 15 Germany Sachsenring July 22* United States Laguna Seca August 19 Czech Republic Brno September 2 San Marino Misano September 16 Portugal Estoril September 23 Japan Motegi October 14 Australia Phillip Island October 21 Malaysia Sepang November 4 Valencia Valencia * Only MotoGP class ** Saturday race
Law Firm Posts $17,000 Contingency Program For WERA West Regional Series
WERA WEST BIKE 911.COM PRO ROADRACE CONTINGENCY PROGRAM A.G. Assanti & Associates, P.L.C.. and BIKE 911.COM posts $17,000 contingency program for the 2007 WERA West Series. Alessandro Assanti an occasional AMA Supermoto Rider and Expert road racer is the Firm’s Principal and has over the last decade focused the firms emphasis on representing 1000’s of individual motorcyclists as well as serving as counsel to numerous motorcycle aftermarket parts manufacturers, motorcycle dealers, race track owners, professional motorcycle racers and TV personalities. The program will be called the “BIKE.911.COM Pro-Roadrace Contingency Series” The payout and classes will be as follows: Formula 1 expert, A Superbike expert and A Superstock expert will receive $200, $100 and $75 for each of the 6 WERA West Events, except for Miller Motorsports Park. At the WERA National at Miller Motorsports Park which will take place on June 15th through the 17th, 2007, the payout for Formula 1 expert, A Superbike expert and A Superstock expert will be $1,000, $750, and $500 for first, second, and third, respectively. At that same event, Formula 40 expert will have a payout of $300, $200 and $100 for first, second and third places, respectively. The contingency program will also post $1,000 bonus going to each of the 2007 class champions in Formula 1 expert, A Superbike expert and A Superstock expert classes. To be eligible, riders will have to wear adhesive patches on their leathers and stickers on their bikes, which will be supplied to all riders at the events. The series begins January 7, 2007 at California Speedway. For more information please contact WERA, Alessandro Assanti at (949) 540-0439, email: [email protected] or Log onto www.bike911.com and click on racing news. WERA West 2007 Program Round 1. 1/7 California Speedway Full Course, Fontana, CA- Round 2. 4/14-15 LVMS Classic Course, Las Vegas, NV- Round 3. 6/15-17 Miller Motorsports Park, Salt Lake City, UT-N, ** Round 4. 6/30-7/1 LVMS Classic Course, Las Vegas, NV- Round 5. 7/8 California Speedway Full Course, Fontana, CA- Round 6. 8/18-19 Buttonwillow Raceway, Buttonwillow, CA- Round 7. 11/3-4 LVMS Classic Course, Las Vegas, NV- ** Payout to each posted class differs from regular rounds.
2007 Ducati 1098 Superbike Now Available In Two Additional Colors
Cupertino, CA Ducati North America announces today that the 1098 Superbike will be made available in two additional colors. The 1098 Superbike was launched to the world at the EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan on November 14. The motorcycle was an immediate success, with the 1098 S Tricolore winning the “Most Beautiful Motorcycle in Show” award. In addition, the international excitement around the motorcycle has been significant, with North American Ducati dealers reporting an overwhelming response. The two additional colors announced are black and yellow. The 1098 will get the striking yellow scheme, matched with black wheels and a grey frame. The vibrant black color is available for the 1098 S, paired with a red frame and red-trimmed black wheels. Dark aluminum badging will adorn both color schemes. The Ducati 1098 Superbike produces 160hp and 90.4lbs/ft of torque, which makes it the most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle in the world, with the highest torque-to-weight ratio of any sport bike. In addition, the 1098 is also the lightest open class Superbike available, weighing 381 pounds. The 1098 Superbike will carry a manufacturers suggested retail price of $14,995. The 1098 S will be priced at $19,995, and the limited edition 1098 S Tricolore will be $24,995. Prices in Canada will be $19,995 for standard version, while the 1098 S will be $24,995 and the Tricolore will be $29,995. Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in six market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport, Monster, Sport Touring, Multistrada and the new SportClassic. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won thirteen of the last fifteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at www.ducatiusa.com
SCRAMP Announces Officers, Board Of Directors For Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca’s 50th Anniversary Season
SCRAMP ANNOUNCES GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MONTEREY, Calif. – The Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP), the not-for-profit organization that operates the five major racing events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, today announced the results of recent elections of the officers and board of directors for the 2007 50th Anniversary season. SCRAMP officers for 2007 include Ken Lofink of Monterey as president, Bruce Robertson of Monterey as vice president, Dean Fewtrell of Salinas as Treasurer, Bill Robertson of Salinas as secretary, and Don Ask of Carmel Valley as past president. SCRAMP President Lofink, beginning his second year in this his third term as president, has lived on the Monterey Peninsula since the track opened in 1957 and has been involved with SCRAMP for over 35 years. He has served on numerous committees and held various officer positions with the organization. He owned Kajel Designs furniture and lighting business before moving into real estate 20 years ago. He is presently associated with Central Coast Properties. Lofink has been involved with many community organizations over the years including the 20-30 Club and Monterey Host Lions Club. He started and ran the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon on the Monterey Peninsula for several years, has been involved with the Crosby/AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for over 25 years and presently sits on the Board of the Monterey County Hospitality Association. The SCRAMP Board of Directors for 2007, the track’s 50th Anniversary, consists of the officers listed above and the following individuals: James Alit, Carl Anderson, Jim Coldwell, George Covell, Greg Curry, Kathy Hayworth, Bruce Herrmann, Terry Kendall, Tom Kincheloe, Harlan Lee, Ed Magner, James McCord, Mark Mendoza, Allen Mulholland, Ginger Mutoza, Carlos Noriega, Jeff Olinger, John O’Neal, Bill Reichmuth and Dr. Richard Weiss. The Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) has operated Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca since its opening in 1957. SCRAMP is a not-for-profit organization chartered to benefit local charitable and non-profit groups, and to promote Monterey County economic vitality. Race events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca have resulted in more than $12 million being distributed to Monterey Peninsula and Central California groups for youth programs and community service projects and have generated more than $1 billion in revenue for area businesses. Today SCRAMP is one of the most important economic and charitable organizations in Monterey County. 2007 SCHEDULE May 18-20 U.S. Sports Car Invitational featuring the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series July 20-22 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix featuring the MotoGP World Championship Aug. 18-20 34th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races presented by Toyota Sept. 15-16 AMA Superbike Championship Oct. 19-21 Monterey Sports Car Championships featuring the American Le Mans Series About Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and SCRAMP: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was built in 1957 and has been operated since its inception by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP). The world-renowned 2.238-mile, 11-turn permanent road course has seen many of the all-time greats in motorsports grace its technically challenging layout that includes the spectacular signature Corkscrew (Turns 8 and 8A). Among the many who have raced here are the likes of Mario Andretti, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Michael Andretti, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart and on and on through a virtual who’s who of automobile and motorcycle racing. SCRAMP is a not-for-profit corporation that donates net proceeds from each race season to the volunteer organizations that help put on the events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Changes To MotoGP Sporting Regulations Announced
Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Amendments to the Rules The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Claude Danis (FIM), Hervé Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of Mr Paul Butler (Secretary of the meeting), in a meeting held on December 13 in Barcelona, unanimously decided to introduce the following amendments to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations application as from 1st January 2007. Sporting Regulations 1.13 Schedule 1.13.1 The Event schedule will be as follows: FRIDAY : Free practice Qualifying practice 125cc 09h00 – 09h45 13h15 – 13h45 Motogp 10h05 – 11h05 14h00 – 15h00 250cc 11h25 – 12h25 15h15 – 16h00 1.15.2 Practice Sessions (warm-up inclusive) iii) The end of practice will be indicated by the waving of a chequered flag at which time the pit exit will be closed. A rider’s time will continue to be recorded until he passes the finish line after the allotted time has elapsed, at which time the red light on the finish line will be displayed. After the chequered flag, riders must complete one additional lap prior to entering the pits. At the end of the first free practice session, they may complete one more additional lap (see Art. 1.21.17). 1.15.4. Lap time All laps of the riders will be timed. 1.15.5 Qualification for the Race To qualify for the race, a rider must achieve a time at least equal to 107% of the time recorded by the fastest rider of his class; exceptions to this rule may be made at the discretion of the Race Direction. 1.16 Grid Positions 1.16.3 Grid positions will be based on the fastest time recorded by the riders in all qualifying practice. In the case where all qualifying practice have been canceled, the grid position will be based on the fastest time recorded by the riders in all free practices. 1.21 Behaviour During Practice and Race 17) During the practice sessions and warm ups, practice starts are permitted, when it is safe to do so, at the pit lane exit before joining the track. At the end of the first free practice session, after the chequered flag is shown, riders are not allowed to stop during the additional lap. At the end of the lap, they may decide to enter the pits or to go onto the starting grid where they must practice start when it is safe to do so and complete one more additional lap without stopping. At the end of the other practice sessions and the warm up, after the chequered flag is shown, practice starts are permitted when it is safe to do so, off the racing line. Technical Regulations 2.9 Tyre restrictions for MotoGP 2.9.4 Between 12.00 hrs. and 17.00 hrs. on the day prior to the start of official practice, the Technical Director will mark the tyres available for the exclusive use of each entered rider. 2.9.5 Each slick or hand cut tyres (as defined in Art. 2.9.1) fitted to a motorcycle entering the track or delivered to the starting grid must be checked for compliance. Disciplinary and Arbitration Code 3.4.3 Procedure and time limit for protests All protests must be submitted and signed only by the person directly concerned. Each protest must refer to a single subject only and must be presented within 2 hours at the latest after the publication of the results or within 60 minutes at the latest after the notification of a Race Direction decision. Protests must be handed to a responsible official (Clerk of the Course, Race Director or Secretary of the Meeting) together with the security deposit of USD 700.- or equivalent. Teams and riders contracted to compete in the Championship may submit a letter of guarantee from IRTA in lieu of payment.
Klaffi Honda To Sit Out 2007 Superbike World Championship
Klaffi Honda takes a break in SBK Although Team Klaffi Honda secured its best season in the SBK, the Austrian Honda Team will not be present in SBK in the 2007. Team owner and manager Klaus Klaffenback already considers a possible return to SBK for 2008 with a new package plus exclusive sponsorship. At the moment the Klaffi-Team is preparing for the Isle of Man TT and will therefore soon nominate a top class rider. Klaffi Honda would like to continue working with the partners in this exciting challenge. Klaus Klaffenback, Team Manager: “First of all I want to thank all sponsors, partners and medias for the cooperation in SBK. In addition I would like to thank FGSport with Paolo Flammini and his team for their excellence work during the years. Our team reached one victory and five more podium finishes this year, in overall it was sixth place in the World Superbike Championship. Still it was not possible to secure the necessary budget for 2007. I can say that we will not disappear from the motor sport scene at all. I am open for all future options amongst this is for sure also a possible return to SBK in 2008. Now our main project is the Tourist Trophy 2007. At the forthcoming edition number 100 at the Isle of Man our Team will be a serious contender for the victory in the major solo-categories Supersport, Superstock, Superbike. My personal goal there is the sidecar-victory. I am looking forward very much for this race with its outstanding atmosphere.”
FIM Releases Six-round 2007 Endurance World Championship Schedule
Endurance World Championship Six rounds on the 2007 calendar The 2007 Endurance World Championship provisional calendar now comprises six events: the 6 Hours of Albacete, on May 5, and the 24 Hours of Oschersleben, on August 11/12, have been confirmed. At present the FIM is strongly involved in the management and promotion together with the organisers of the Championship’s rounds. Setting up a website and a structure for the media is being dealt with currently by the FIM administration. The complete list of the permanent teams will be published on January 15 next; the maximum number of permanent teams admitted for 2007 will be 17. The permanent teams commit themselves to take part in all the rounds of the World Championship. The provisional calendar of the 2007 Endurance World Championship is the following: April 21-22, Le Mans, France, 24 Hours May 5, Albacete, Spain, 6 Hours July 29, Suzuka, Japan, 8 Hours August 11-12, Oschersleben, Germany, 24 Hours September 15-16, Bol d’Or, France, 24 Hours November 10, Losail, Qatar, 6 Hours* *to be confirmed
Season’s Greetings From Troy Corser And Family
Season’s Greetings from two-time Superbike World Champion Troy Corser and his family.
Truckload Of Stolen Ducatis Recovered In Canada
FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Below is an interesting bit of recent news. What a small world this is! Chalk one up for the good guys! On December 18th in Rexdale, Ontario, Canada, police recovered a truckload of stolen Ducati motorcycles and arrested the individuals responsible for its theft. The truckload of 30 Ducati motorcycles, with a retail value of over $400,000 dollars, were stolen in Brampton, Ontario only a few days earlier. The Ducatis were on the way from the United States and were bound for dealers across Canada. In a twist of fate 2006 Factory Ducati Thunder rider Derek Vammus, who is also a Police Detective in Brampton, was involved in the investigation and recovery. Much of the load was made up of 2007 Sport Classics similar to the one Vammus rode this past season in national competition. Derek Vammus Pro #44 Parts Canada Superbike Championship Brampton, Ontario, Canada
RaceGirl Motorsport, Motoress Founder To Appear At International Motorcycle Supershow In Canada
Canadian Motorcycle Racer Vicki Gray Shows Women How to Safely Enjoy Motorcycling (Toronto) As more and more women take to the roads on both the back and the driver’s seat of motorcycles, Vicki Gray works to provide resources, training and act as an advocate for females in all diversities of motorcycling. During her racing career Vicki was sponsored by World Championship teams such as Ten Kate Honda and Ducati North America. She has owned 4-stroke, 2-stroke, twins, off road, cruisers, scooters, and world championship racers. Vicki and her 749 Ducati race bike are on display in the Ducati Dealers Group exhibit during the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW, presented by Dalton Timmis Insurance. The show takes place at the Toronto International Centre, January 5 – 7, 2007. Vicki Gray is a motorcycle racer, instructor, and coach, who has been riding since 1983. From Ontario Canada, she got hooked on motorcycling when taking the rider training course in Nova Scotia, motivated by the need of an outlet away from her demanding career at Revlon International. Since then, she has taught motorcycle riding to thousands of beginners, trained police in the Caribbean (Netherlands Antilles), raced throughout Europe, co-instructed with MotoGP racer Katja Poensgen, partnered events with famed TT Circuit Assen, and co-hosted a television program for the Discovery Channel. Shortly after relocating to Europe, Vicki founded RaceGirl Motorsport in 1999, a training and support community headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. She also built the now famous global brand RaceGirl and its website, which was the first of its kind depicting female motorcycle riders in a strong sportive yet feminine role. Her courses and workshops encourage women motorcyclists and continue to expand the female riding community. Vicki has come back to Canada taking her 23 years of experience and applying it to an even broader mission with the introduction of her new brand MOTORESS. The goal to provide resource, training and advocate for females in all diversities of motorcycling.
Season’s Greetings From The Rizla Suzuki MotoGP Team
Season’s greetings from all at Rizla Suzuki MotoGP John Hopkins, Chris Vermeulen and all members of Rizla Suzuki MotoGP would like to wish their supporters, partners and associates a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and successful New Year. Rizla Suzuki MotoGP is currently on a test ban, but the Suzuki factory is working relentlessly through the break making sure that the all-new 2007 Rizla Suzuki GSV-R800 will continue with the fantastic promise shown in recent tests. Both of the team’s racers will continue to work hard on their fitness during the close season to make sure they are at the peak of condition when GP testing starts again at Sepang in Malaysia on January 22nd. The first round of the MotoGP World Championship will be at Losail in Qatar on Saturday 10th March. The full 18 round calendar is listed below. Provisional 2007 MotoGP calendar March 10** Qatar Losail March 25 Spain Jerez April 22 Turkey Istanbul May 6 China Shanghai May 20 France Le Mans June 3 Italy Mugello June 10 Catalunya Catalunya June 24 Great Britain Donington Park June 30 ** Netherlands Assen July 15 Germany Sachsenring July 22* United States Laguna Seca August 19 Czech Republic Brno September 2 San Marino Misano September 16 Portugal Estoril September 23 Japan Motegi October 14 Australia Phillip Island October 21 Malaysia Sepang November 4 Valencia Valencia * Only MotoGP class ** Saturday race
Law Firm Posts $17,000 Contingency Program For WERA West Regional Series
WERA WEST BIKE 911.COM PRO ROADRACE CONTINGENCY PROGRAM A.G. Assanti & Associates, P.L.C.. and BIKE 911.COM posts $17,000 contingency program for the 2007 WERA West Series. Alessandro Assanti an occasional AMA Supermoto Rider and Expert road racer is the Firm’s Principal and has over the last decade focused the firms emphasis on representing 1000’s of individual motorcyclists as well as serving as counsel to numerous motorcycle aftermarket parts manufacturers, motorcycle dealers, race track owners, professional motorcycle racers and TV personalities. The program will be called the “BIKE.911.COM Pro-Roadrace Contingency Series” The payout and classes will be as follows: Formula 1 expert, A Superbike expert and A Superstock expert will receive $200, $100 and $75 for each of the 6 WERA West Events, except for Miller Motorsports Park. At the WERA National at Miller Motorsports Park which will take place on June 15th through the 17th, 2007, the payout for Formula 1 expert, A Superbike expert and A Superstock expert will be $1,000, $750, and $500 for first, second, and third, respectively. At that same event, Formula 40 expert will have a payout of $300, $200 and $100 for first, second and third places, respectively. The contingency program will also post $1,000 bonus going to each of the 2007 class champions in Formula 1 expert, A Superbike expert and A Superstock expert classes. To be eligible, riders will have to wear adhesive patches on their leathers and stickers on their bikes, which will be supplied to all riders at the events. The series begins January 7, 2007 at California Speedway. For more information please contact WERA, Alessandro Assanti at (949) 540-0439, email: [email protected] or Log onto www.bike911.com and click on racing news. WERA West 2007 Program Round 1. 1/7 California Speedway Full Course, Fontana, CA- Round 2. 4/14-15 LVMS Classic Course, Las Vegas, NV- Round 3. 6/15-17 Miller Motorsports Park, Salt Lake City, UT-N, ** Round 4. 6/30-7/1 LVMS Classic Course, Las Vegas, NV- Round 5. 7/8 California Speedway Full Course, Fontana, CA- Round 6. 8/18-19 Buttonwillow Raceway, Buttonwillow, CA- Round 7. 11/3-4 LVMS Classic Course, Las Vegas, NV- ** Payout to each posted class differs from regular rounds.
2007 Ducati 1098 Superbike Now Available In Two Additional Colors
Cupertino, CA Ducati North America announces today that the 1098 Superbike will be made available in two additional colors. The 1098 Superbike was launched to the world at the EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan on November 14. The motorcycle was an immediate success, with the 1098 S Tricolore winning the “Most Beautiful Motorcycle in Show” award. In addition, the international excitement around the motorcycle has been significant, with North American Ducati dealers reporting an overwhelming response. The two additional colors announced are black and yellow. The 1098 will get the striking yellow scheme, matched with black wheels and a grey frame. The vibrant black color is available for the 1098 S, paired with a red frame and red-trimmed black wheels. Dark aluminum badging will adorn both color schemes. The Ducati 1098 Superbike produces 160hp and 90.4lbs/ft of torque, which makes it the most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle in the world, with the highest torque-to-weight ratio of any sport bike. In addition, the 1098 is also the lightest open class Superbike available, weighing 381 pounds. The 1098 Superbike will carry a manufacturers suggested retail price of $14,995. The 1098 S will be priced at $19,995, and the limited edition 1098 S Tricolore will be $24,995. Prices in Canada will be $19,995 for standard version, while the 1098 S will be $24,995 and the Tricolore will be $29,995. Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in six market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport, Monster, Sport Touring, Multistrada and the new SportClassic. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won thirteen of the last fifteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at www.ducatiusa.com
SCRAMP Announces Officers, Board Of Directors For Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca’s 50th Anniversary Season
SCRAMP ANNOUNCES GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MONTEREY, Calif. – The Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP), the not-for-profit organization that operates the five major racing events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, today announced the results of recent elections of the officers and board of directors for the 2007 50th Anniversary season. SCRAMP officers for 2007 include Ken Lofink of Monterey as president, Bruce Robertson of Monterey as vice president, Dean Fewtrell of Salinas as Treasurer, Bill Robertson of Salinas as secretary, and Don Ask of Carmel Valley as past president. SCRAMP President Lofink, beginning his second year in this his third term as president, has lived on the Monterey Peninsula since the track opened in 1957 and has been involved with SCRAMP for over 35 years. He has served on numerous committees and held various officer positions with the organization. He owned Kajel Designs furniture and lighting business before moving into real estate 20 years ago. He is presently associated with Central Coast Properties. Lofink has been involved with many community organizations over the years including the 20-30 Club and Monterey Host Lions Club. He started and ran the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon on the Monterey Peninsula for several years, has been involved with the Crosby/AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for over 25 years and presently sits on the Board of the Monterey County Hospitality Association. The SCRAMP Board of Directors for 2007, the track’s 50th Anniversary, consists of the officers listed above and the following individuals: James Alit, Carl Anderson, Jim Coldwell, George Covell, Greg Curry, Kathy Hayworth, Bruce Herrmann, Terry Kendall, Tom Kincheloe, Harlan Lee, Ed Magner, James McCord, Mark Mendoza, Allen Mulholland, Ginger Mutoza, Carlos Noriega, Jeff Olinger, John O’Neal, Bill Reichmuth and Dr. Richard Weiss. The Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP) has operated Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca since its opening in 1957. SCRAMP is a not-for-profit organization chartered to benefit local charitable and non-profit groups, and to promote Monterey County economic vitality. Race events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca have resulted in more than $12 million being distributed to Monterey Peninsula and Central California groups for youth programs and community service projects and have generated more than $1 billion in revenue for area businesses. Today SCRAMP is one of the most important economic and charitable organizations in Monterey County. 2007 SCHEDULE May 18-20 U.S. Sports Car Invitational featuring the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series July 20-22 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix featuring the MotoGP World Championship Aug. 18-20 34th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races presented by Toyota Sept. 15-16 AMA Superbike Championship Oct. 19-21 Monterey Sports Car Championships featuring the American Le Mans Series About Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and SCRAMP: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was built in 1957 and has been operated since its inception by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP). The world-renowned 2.238-mile, 11-turn permanent road course has seen many of the all-time greats in motorsports grace its technically challenging layout that includes the spectacular signature Corkscrew (Turns 8 and 8A). Among the many who have raced here are the likes of Mario Andretti, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Michael Andretti, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart and on and on through a virtual who’s who of automobile and motorcycle racing. SCRAMP is a not-for-profit corporation that donates net proceeds from each race season to the volunteer organizations that help put on the events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Changes To MotoGP Sporting Regulations Announced
Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Amendments to the Rules The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Claude Danis (FIM), Hervé Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA), in the presence of Mr Paul Butler (Secretary of the meeting), in a meeting held on December 13 in Barcelona, unanimously decided to introduce the following amendments to the Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Regulations application as from 1st January 2007. Sporting Regulations 1.13 Schedule 1.13.1 The Event schedule will be as follows: FRIDAY : Free practice Qualifying practice 125cc 09h00 – 09h45 13h15 – 13h45 Motogp 10h05 – 11h05 14h00 – 15h00 250cc 11h25 – 12h25 15h15 – 16h00 1.15.2 Practice Sessions (warm-up inclusive) iii) The end of practice will be indicated by the waving of a chequered flag at which time the pit exit will be closed. A rider’s time will continue to be recorded until he passes the finish line after the allotted time has elapsed, at which time the red light on the finish line will be displayed. After the chequered flag, riders must complete one additional lap prior to entering the pits. At the end of the first free practice session, they may complete one more additional lap (see Art. 1.21.17). 1.15.4. Lap time All laps of the riders will be timed. 1.15.5 Qualification for the Race To qualify for the race, a rider must achieve a time at least equal to 107% of the time recorded by the fastest rider of his class; exceptions to this rule may be made at the discretion of the Race Direction. 1.16 Grid Positions 1.16.3 Grid positions will be based on the fastest time recorded by the riders in all qualifying practice. In the case where all qualifying practice have been canceled, the grid position will be based on the fastest time recorded by the riders in all free practices. 1.21 Behaviour During Practice and Race 17) During the practice sessions and warm ups, practice starts are permitted, when it is safe to do so, at the pit lane exit before joining the track. At the end of the first free practice session, after the chequered flag is shown, riders are not allowed to stop during the additional lap. At the end of the lap, they may decide to enter the pits or to go onto the starting grid where they must practice start when it is safe to do so and complete one more additional lap without stopping. At the end of the other practice sessions and the warm up, after the chequered flag is shown, practice starts are permitted when it is safe to do so, off the racing line. Technical Regulations 2.9 Tyre restrictions for MotoGP 2.9.4 Between 12.00 hrs. and 17.00 hrs. on the day prior to the start of official practice, the Technical Director will mark the tyres available for the exclusive use of each entered rider. 2.9.5 Each slick or hand cut tyres (as defined in Art. 2.9.1) fitted to a motorcycle entering the track or delivered to the starting grid must be checked for compliance. Disciplinary and Arbitration Code 3.4.3 Procedure and time limit for protests All protests must be submitted and signed only by the person directly concerned. Each protest must refer to a single subject only and must be presented within 2 hours at the latest after the publication of the results or within 60 minutes at the latest after the notification of a Race Direction decision. Protests must be handed to a responsible official (Clerk of the Course, Race Director or Secretary of the Meeting) together with the security deposit of USD 700.- or equivalent. Teams and riders contracted to compete in the Championship may submit a letter of guarantee from IRTA in lieu of payment.
Klaffi Honda To Sit Out 2007 Superbike World Championship
Klaffi Honda takes a break in SBK Although Team Klaffi Honda secured its best season in the SBK, the Austrian Honda Team will not be present in SBK in the 2007. Team owner and manager Klaus Klaffenback already considers a possible return to SBK for 2008 with a new package plus exclusive sponsorship. At the moment the Klaffi-Team is preparing for the Isle of Man TT and will therefore soon nominate a top class rider. Klaffi Honda would like to continue working with the partners in this exciting challenge. Klaus Klaffenback, Team Manager: “First of all I want to thank all sponsors, partners and medias for the cooperation in SBK. In addition I would like to thank FGSport with Paolo Flammini and his team for their excellence work during the years. Our team reached one victory and five more podium finishes this year, in overall it was sixth place in the World Superbike Championship. Still it was not possible to secure the necessary budget for 2007. I can say that we will not disappear from the motor sport scene at all. I am open for all future options amongst this is for sure also a possible return to SBK in 2008. Now our main project is the Tourist Trophy 2007. At the forthcoming edition number 100 at the Isle of Man our Team will be a serious contender for the victory in the major solo-categories Supersport, Superstock, Superbike. My personal goal there is the sidecar-victory. I am looking forward very much for this race with its outstanding atmosphere.”
FIM Releases Six-round 2007 Endurance World Championship Schedule
Endurance World Championship Six rounds on the 2007 calendar The 2007 Endurance World Championship provisional calendar now comprises six events: the 6 Hours of Albacete, on May 5, and the 24 Hours of Oschersleben, on August 11/12, have been confirmed. At present the FIM is strongly involved in the management and promotion together with the organisers of the Championship’s rounds. Setting up a website and a structure for the media is being dealt with currently by the FIM administration. The complete list of the permanent teams will be published on January 15 next; the maximum number of permanent teams admitted for 2007 will be 17. The permanent teams commit themselves to take part in all the rounds of the World Championship. The provisional calendar of the 2007 Endurance World Championship is the following: April 21-22, Le Mans, France, 24 Hours May 5, Albacete, Spain, 6 Hours July 29, Suzuka, Japan, 8 Hours August 11-12, Oschersleben, Germany, 24 Hours September 15-16, Bol d’Or, France, 24 Hours November 10, Losail, Qatar, 6 Hours* *to be confirmed