Home Blog Page 6053

Corona Extra Honda Racing Yet To Announce Rider For 2007 AMA Superbike Team

0

HONDA CBR1000RR chosen by Corona Extra Racing for 2007 AMA Superbike series American Honda Motor Co. Inc. and Cycle Motion Experience LLC, operating entity for Corona Extra Racing, have signed a multi-year agreement to support Corona Extra Racing in the AMA Superbike Championship. The Team – Corona Extra Honda Racing, will enter one or more riders in the Superbike class riding CBR1000RRs. Selection of rider(s) will be forthcoming soon. Cycle Motion Experience principal Tim Saunders said: “All of us in the Corona Extra Racing Team are very excited to be working with American Honda and to field the CBR1000RR in the Superbike class. The multi-year agreement gives us the opportunity to develop the CBR1000RR to the highest level of competitiveness. Further, we will be able to grow our national retail display program with Corona to a level of exposure for our partners not seen before in AMA racing!” American Honda Senior Vice-President of Motorcycles, Ray Blank announced the partnership at the national Honda dealer convention in Las Vegas. Blank said: “We’re very impressed with Team Corona’s racing experience and promotional professionalism. Having the team as a partner is a great opportunity to expand consumer awareness of both their program and ours.”

CRA Donates $1200 To Red Flag Fund

0

The Central Roadracing Association held its annual Banquet on Saturday November 11, 2006. During the event a silent auction was held to benefit the Red Flag Fund www.redflagfund.org . The auction was organized by long time racer and former Club President, Mark Dargis. The CRA was able to raise over $1200.00 for the newly formed fund that helps injured racers. The Red Flag Fund is continuing the tradition started by the Wegman Fund for injured racers. For information about the Red Flag Fund and what it does, or to make a donation please contact Jeff Kufalk through the website mentioned above. The CRA is proud to be a contributor to the fund.

Chandler Breaks Track Record At Arroyo Seco Raceway

0

Arroyo Seco Raceway November 12, 2006 by Andy Ruhl Doug Chandler sets lap record at Arroyo Seco Raceway Three time AMA superbike champion Doug Chandler set the Arroyo Seco Raceway motorcycle lap record at 1:07.69. The time was set in the counter-clockwise direction. Chandler was riding his 2006 Superbike spec Kawasaki ZX-10R during a practice session for the weekend’s races. The Chandler family was visiting Arroyo Seco for Doug’s Champ Racing school and to attend to son Jett’s racing. The lap record was previously set by AMA Superbike privateer standout Ben Thompson at 1:07.78. Arroyo Seco Raceway is located near Deming, NM. For more information, visit http://www.ASMAracing.com or call Roger Heemsbergen at 505-494-4794.

Garza, Thornton Wrap-up 2006 Championships At Arroyo Seco Raceway

Arroyo Seco Raceway November 12, 2006

By Andy Ruhl

Mike Shreve wins the battle, Ivan Garza and Ray Thornton win wars

The weather was perfect for a day of intense racing in the Arroyo Seco Motorcycle Association (ASMA) series at Arroyo Seco Raceway. November is the last round of the year.

Big winners on the day were 2007 ASMA #1 plate holder Ivan Garza, former ASMA #1 plate holder Mike Shreve, and Sandia Motorcycle Roadracing Inc. (SMRI) regular Ray Thornton.

Mike Shreve rode spectacularly to win the Formula Arroyo Unlimited GP race, setting the fastest lap time of the day on his Superstock spec, Dunlop equipped, Evan Steel Performance tuned Yamaha R6. Shreve put in a consistent string of 1:08 laps with a fastest lap of 1:08.6, which is unofficially the fastest 600cc lap of Arroyo Seco Raceway. Running at record pace, Shreve made quick work of Ivan Garza on his ZX-10R Superstock bike and Ray Thornton on his GSX-R1000 Superbike. Shreve won another race, beating Garza in the Heavyweight Superstock race earlier in the day.

“I need to thank Doug Chandler for helping me set up my bike and also showing me something I could have been doing better on the track,” Shreve said. “I switched to Dunlop tires recently and they work better with my setup. My goal this weekend was to get into the 1:08s, and I did this consistently in the Formula Arroyo race. Today I did the fastest laps I have ever done at this track. My head was in the wrong place all year and I think I’m coming around. I had fun and it was a pleasure to ride with Ivan Garza today.”

Ivan Garza won his share of races on the day, winning Unlimited Superstock, Middleweight Superstock, and Unlimited Superbike on his Bridgestone equipped Kawasakis. This cemented Garza’s championships in all 6 classes he normally races, and helped earn him the ASMA #1 plate for 2007. Garza has also won numerous championships in other racing organizations.

“It was a great day and a great year,” Garza said. “This all hasn’t sunk in yet! To win all of these championships and the overall #1 plate is a really big accomplishment for me. To do it while staying safe and in one piece makes it even better. This year has been about commitment and constant improvement. There’s no way I could have done it without all my friends, family and sponsors. I want to thank Leo Vince, Edge Kawasaki, GPR steering dampers and Alexa at Spider Leatherworks.”

When asked about his races, Garza replied: “I waved Mike (Shreve) through in Formula Arroyo, he was faster and I needed to ride my own race. I was still able to beat Mike in other races and I had fun.”

Ray Thornton, riding his Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Superbike, won the 4 race combined SMRI and ASMA Unlimited New Mexico state championship after finishing ahead of Ivan Garza in the Formula Arroyo Unlimited Superbike race. Thornton entered the race two points behind Ivan Garza, but managed to steal 2nd place from Garza in the race with a string of 1:09 laps. This clinched the title for Thornton, the inaugural winner of the new state championship. Thornton took home a $1000 prize for his efforts.

“It’s an honor to win the championship,” Thornton said. “It took the best race I’ve ever ridden to pass Ivan (Garza). The championship was more about consistency than speed.”

Other expert class race winners include: Daryl Wichern in Lightweight Superbike and Lightweight GP, Greg Talbot in Formula 40 and Modern Vintage, Sergio Sanchez in Kawasaki 650R spec, and Mike Browne in Heavyweight Twins.

Arroyo Seco Raceway is located near Deming, NM. For more information, visit http://www.ASMAracing.com or call Roger Heemsbergen at 505-494-4794.

Winston To End Sponsorship Of International Motorsports, Including The Ten Kate Honda Team

The presence of Winston on the Hondas of Team Ten Kate in the World Superbike and Supersport championships has been an undeniable success: two Supersport world titles (2005/06), with French ace Sebastien Charpentier, and two Superbike titles with world vice-champions Chris Vermeulen in 2005 and James Toseland this year. Winston is leaving international motorsport and its sponsorship of the World Superbike and Supersport championships in the full knowledge that the brand has gained huge benefits from its partnership with Honda and Team Ten Kate. It will leave an indelible mark on the history of Winston in the world of motorsport. Our special and heartfelt thanks for the past two years go to Honda Europe, Team Ten Kate, and to all the riders who have flown our colours and all the fans who have accompanied us.

Millennium KWS Suzuki Previews This Weekend’s Macau Grand Prix

0

Millennium/KWS Suzuki to Represent America in the 40th Macau GP, China Charleston, SC – November 2006 — Millennium/KWS Suzuki sponsored by Ron Ayers Motorsports has been given the unique opportunity to compete in the Macau GP with two of the three American riders invited to this prestigious event. 2006 marks the 40th anniversary of this remarkable race through the streets of Macau, China and Millennium/KWS Suzuki has put together an incredible team to challenge British Superbike regular, Michael Rutter who is hoping for a record breaking seventh victory at the historic event. Millennium/KWS Suzuki’s AMA team rider John Haner will be making his second trip to Macau, this time on a Pirelli shod Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike. After making a brilliant Macau debut in 2005, qualifying in the 8th position, Haner unfortunately did not finish the race after a clutch issue on his Lee’s Cycle Honda. “I had a blast last year, but I feel like I have some unfinished business in China and I want to go back and show them what I can do,” said Haner. Joining Haner on the LeoVince sponsored team will be American real roads specialist Mark Miller. Mark has competed in the Macau GP six times and finished on the podium twice. “My deal to race Macau fell through so I contacted Kevin Hunt (KWS team owner) about possibly riding one of his bikes,” said Miller. “Kevin jumped at the idea of having a two rider team so here I am. I am extremely excited about being able to compete at Macau on this level of equipment; it’s going to be really good!” Millennium/KWS Suzuki team mechanic Michael Godin will be taking care of all the mechanical duties with help from Englishmen David Hinch and Richard Linely. This will be Godin’s second trip to Macau. Godin competed at the Macau GP with Vincent Haskovec in 2002. Unfortunately, Vincent suffered career ending injuries in 2005 and is no longer racing. “I’m excited about going back to Macau, but it will definitely be emotional. We will be running Czecher stickers on the bike and hopefully we can get a result Vincent will be proud of.” “We are a privateer team in the AMA and we really only had the budget to do the AMA series, but when the opportunity presented itself to do this race our sponsors stepped up to make it happen and truly can’t thank them enough,” said team owner Kevin Hunt. “I would really like to thank Henry DeGouw for putting this all together and of course Millennium Technologies, Pirelli Tires, GP Tech, Suzuki, Pit Bull, Ron Ayers Motorsports, LeoVince Exhaust, Catalyst Racing Composites, Vortex and CTR Suspension for all their help with this event!”

Kurtis Roberts, Chandler Trying To Form AMA Superbike Team For 2007

0

Three-time AMA Superbike Champion Doug Chandler and former AMA Supersport and Formula Xtreme Champion Kurtis Roberts have combined efforts to try to put together an AMA Superbike team for the 2007 season. “We’re trying to,” Chandler told Roadracingworld.com Monday via cell phone. “It looks like we’re gonna be able to kinda get something together, but we don’t have everything kind of set in place.” The team, tentatively named NFS Racing, issued a press release last week announcing its existence and to also “kind of speed things up,” according to Chandler, who said he hopes to start testing in January 2007. As far as which brand of motorcycle and tires to use, Chandler said they are considering which directions would be best for the team. “We can get some help,” he said, “but we haven’t got to the point where we can do what we want. We’ve kind of got to go with the people who are going to help us out the most.” Chandler was pretty tight-lipped as far as which sponsors and supporters had already signed on to back their effort, saying, “I don’t want to start jinxing it right away.” The NFS Racing team would not immediately include a spot for Chandler’s teenage son Jett, who started club racing in 2006. Chandler plans for Jett to race in the WERA National Challenge and National Endurance Series in 2007 and move up to the AMA when he feels ready. Attempts to reach Roberts via his mobile phone were not successful.

How JenningsGP Celebrated Veteran’s Day

0

Veteran’s Day weekend at JenningsGP near Jennings, Florida drew a sold-out, record crowd as the crew put on a special event to honor our country’s men and women who are serving and have served in the military. The event featured discounts to all veterans who could produce a military ID card and included a cookout Saturday night with a DJ and raffles. “It turned out to be a great weekend and I am looking forward to future events like this one,” said Jennifer Reese, the track secretary for JenningsGP. Riders from several clubs such as WERA and CCS participated in the three-day event, which brought riders in from as far away as Canada and New England.

Hopper And Suzuki Crew Head To Sepang For More 800cc MotoGP Testing

0

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP excited about next 800 test Rizla Suzuki MotoGP travels to Sepang in Malaysia for its second off-season test in preparation for next year’s assault on the MotoGP World Championship. Following the test at Valencia earlier this month which gave promising results for the new engine the whole team will be looking to see how the 800cc Suzuki GSV-R performs at such a different track to Valencia. The Sepang International Circuit will give the new engine a thorough test, as the 5.5km circuit features two long straights interlinked by a variety of turns including some very fast and testing sweeping bends and a mixture of slow corners. John Hopkins and Chris Vermeulen are both eager to continue getting to terms with the way the new bike performs. The data that both they and Team Test Rider Nobuatsu Aoki gathered at Valencia will be put to good use as Suzuki look to develop the new 800 to be a competitive machine in readiness for the start of the new season at Qatar in March next year. Aoki will be joining Hopkins and Vermeulen for the three day test beginning on Wednesday 15th November. Comprehensive tests will be conducted not just on the new engine but also further evaluation on the prototype chassis that may house next year’s motor. Detailed chassis and suspension options will be scrutinised alongside Bridgestone tyre testing, to match the performance characteristics of the new engine with the latest generations of profiles, compounds and constructions. John Hopkins: “I’m really looking forward to getting to Malaysia and testing the bike again. Since I have been at Suzuki there has never been such a buzz about the end of season tests. The bike seemed to go well at Valencia and it will be good to see what it will do over such a different circuit as Sepang. We still know there is a long way to go but if we can continue the way we have started, things will be good for 2007 and I’m ready for it!” Chris Vermeulen: “Valencia showed us the potential that was in the new bike, but we need to keep improving on what we have as the other manufacturers will certainly do so as well. Sepang will be a good place to test the 800, because of the different layout to what we tested on at Valencia. This will start to give us a good idea of how the bike will handle and perform on other tracks and confirm the priorities we need to concentrate on.”

USBA Announces 2007 Board Of Directors

0

UtahSBA (Utah Sport Bike Association) will have a major role in the upcoming 2007 road racing season at MMP (Miller Motorsports Park) in Tooele, Utah. Our membership has grown from approximately 180 last year to more than 450 in 2006. We expect another significant increase in 2007. Next year is shaping up to be a Dynamic season. We would like to announce our new board of directors to the general public. They are: President Danny C. Norr Vice President Roger Bennett (newly elected) Secretary Randy Neitzel (newly elected) Treasurer Lance Lee Director of Schools Troy Buchanan (appointed position) Race Director Peter Truerherz (newly elected) Membership Director Michael Bunds For more information, visit www.utahsba.com or call 801.966.7021. USBA PO Box 26791 Salt Lake City, Utah 84126

Corona Extra Honda Racing Yet To Announce Rider For 2007 AMA Superbike Team

HONDA CBR1000RR chosen by Corona Extra Racing for 2007 AMA Superbike series American Honda Motor Co. Inc. and Cycle Motion Experience LLC, operating entity for Corona Extra Racing, have signed a multi-year agreement to support Corona Extra Racing in the AMA Superbike Championship. The Team – Corona Extra Honda Racing, will enter one or more riders in the Superbike class riding CBR1000RRs. Selection of rider(s) will be forthcoming soon. Cycle Motion Experience principal Tim Saunders said: “All of us in the Corona Extra Racing Team are very excited to be working with American Honda and to field the CBR1000RR in the Superbike class. The multi-year agreement gives us the opportunity to develop the CBR1000RR to the highest level of competitiveness. Further, we will be able to grow our national retail display program with Corona to a level of exposure for our partners not seen before in AMA racing!” American Honda Senior Vice-President of Motorcycles, Ray Blank announced the partnership at the national Honda dealer convention in Las Vegas. Blank said: “We’re very impressed with Team Corona’s racing experience and promotional professionalism. Having the team as a partner is a great opportunity to expand consumer awareness of both their program and ours.”

CRA Donates $1200 To Red Flag Fund

The Central Roadracing Association held its annual Banquet on Saturday November 11, 2006. During the event a silent auction was held to benefit the Red Flag Fund www.redflagfund.org . The auction was organized by long time racer and former Club President, Mark Dargis. The CRA was able to raise over $1200.00 for the newly formed fund that helps injured racers. The Red Flag Fund is continuing the tradition started by the Wegman Fund for injured racers. For information about the Red Flag Fund and what it does, or to make a donation please contact Jeff Kufalk through the website mentioned above. The CRA is proud to be a contributor to the fund.

Chandler Breaks Track Record At Arroyo Seco Raceway

Arroyo Seco Raceway November 12, 2006 by Andy Ruhl Doug Chandler sets lap record at Arroyo Seco Raceway Three time AMA superbike champion Doug Chandler set the Arroyo Seco Raceway motorcycle lap record at 1:07.69. The time was set in the counter-clockwise direction. Chandler was riding his 2006 Superbike spec Kawasaki ZX-10R during a practice session for the weekend’s races. The Chandler family was visiting Arroyo Seco for Doug’s Champ Racing school and to attend to son Jett’s racing. The lap record was previously set by AMA Superbike privateer standout Ben Thompson at 1:07.78. Arroyo Seco Raceway is located near Deming, NM. For more information, visit http://www.ASMAracing.com or call Roger Heemsbergen at 505-494-4794.

Garza, Thornton Wrap-up 2006 Championships At Arroyo Seco Raceway

Arroyo Seco Raceway November 12, 2006

By Andy Ruhl

Mike Shreve wins the battle, Ivan Garza and Ray Thornton win wars

The weather was perfect for a day of intense racing in the Arroyo Seco Motorcycle Association (ASMA) series at Arroyo Seco Raceway. November is the last round of the year.

Big winners on the day were 2007 ASMA #1 plate holder Ivan Garza, former ASMA #1 plate holder Mike Shreve, and Sandia Motorcycle Roadracing Inc. (SMRI) regular Ray Thornton.

Mike Shreve rode spectacularly to win the Formula Arroyo Unlimited GP race, setting the fastest lap time of the day on his Superstock spec, Dunlop equipped, Evan Steel Performance tuned Yamaha R6. Shreve put in a consistent string of 1:08 laps with a fastest lap of 1:08.6, which is unofficially the fastest 600cc lap of Arroyo Seco Raceway. Running at record pace, Shreve made quick work of Ivan Garza on his ZX-10R Superstock bike and Ray Thornton on his GSX-R1000 Superbike. Shreve won another race, beating Garza in the Heavyweight Superstock race earlier in the day.

“I need to thank Doug Chandler for helping me set up my bike and also showing me something I could have been doing better on the track,” Shreve said. “I switched to Dunlop tires recently and they work better with my setup. My goal this weekend was to get into the 1:08s, and I did this consistently in the Formula Arroyo race. Today I did the fastest laps I have ever done at this track. My head was in the wrong place all year and I think I’m coming around. I had fun and it was a pleasure to ride with Ivan Garza today.”

Ivan Garza won his share of races on the day, winning Unlimited Superstock, Middleweight Superstock, and Unlimited Superbike on his Bridgestone equipped Kawasakis. This cemented Garza’s championships in all 6 classes he normally races, and helped earn him the ASMA #1 plate for 2007. Garza has also won numerous championships in other racing organizations.

“It was a great day and a great year,” Garza said. “This all hasn’t sunk in yet! To win all of these championships and the overall #1 plate is a really big accomplishment for me. To do it while staying safe and in one piece makes it even better. This year has been about commitment and constant improvement. There’s no way I could have done it without all my friends, family and sponsors. I want to thank Leo Vince, Edge Kawasaki, GPR steering dampers and Alexa at Spider Leatherworks.”

When asked about his races, Garza replied: “I waved Mike (Shreve) through in Formula Arroyo, he was faster and I needed to ride my own race. I was still able to beat Mike in other races and I had fun.”

Ray Thornton, riding his Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Superbike, won the 4 race combined SMRI and ASMA Unlimited New Mexico state championship after finishing ahead of Ivan Garza in the Formula Arroyo Unlimited Superbike race. Thornton entered the race two points behind Ivan Garza, but managed to steal 2nd place from Garza in the race with a string of 1:09 laps. This clinched the title for Thornton, the inaugural winner of the new state championship. Thornton took home a $1000 prize for his efforts.

“It’s an honor to win the championship,” Thornton said. “It took the best race I’ve ever ridden to pass Ivan (Garza). The championship was more about consistency than speed.”

Other expert class race winners include: Daryl Wichern in Lightweight Superbike and Lightweight GP, Greg Talbot in Formula 40 and Modern Vintage, Sergio Sanchez in Kawasaki 650R spec, and Mike Browne in Heavyweight Twins.

Arroyo Seco Raceway is located near Deming, NM. For more information, visit http://www.ASMAracing.com or call Roger Heemsbergen at 505-494-4794.

Winston To End Sponsorship Of International Motorsports, Including The Ten Kate Honda Team

The presence of Winston on the Hondas of Team Ten Kate in the World Superbike and Supersport championships has been an undeniable success: two Supersport world titles (2005/06), with French ace Sebastien Charpentier, and two Superbike titles with world vice-champions Chris Vermeulen in 2005 and James Toseland this year. Winston is leaving international motorsport and its sponsorship of the World Superbike and Supersport championships in the full knowledge that the brand has gained huge benefits from its partnership with Honda and Team Ten Kate. It will leave an indelible mark on the history of Winston in the world of motorsport. Our special and heartfelt thanks for the past two years go to Honda Europe, Team Ten Kate, and to all the riders who have flown our colours and all the fans who have accompanied us.

Millennium KWS Suzuki Previews This Weekend’s Macau Grand Prix

Millennium/KWS Suzuki to Represent America in the 40th Macau GP, China Charleston, SC – November 2006 — Millennium/KWS Suzuki sponsored by Ron Ayers Motorsports has been given the unique opportunity to compete in the Macau GP with two of the three American riders invited to this prestigious event. 2006 marks the 40th anniversary of this remarkable race through the streets of Macau, China and Millennium/KWS Suzuki has put together an incredible team to challenge British Superbike regular, Michael Rutter who is hoping for a record breaking seventh victory at the historic event. Millennium/KWS Suzuki’s AMA team rider John Haner will be making his second trip to Macau, this time on a Pirelli shod Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike. After making a brilliant Macau debut in 2005, qualifying in the 8th position, Haner unfortunately did not finish the race after a clutch issue on his Lee’s Cycle Honda. “I had a blast last year, but I feel like I have some unfinished business in China and I want to go back and show them what I can do,” said Haner. Joining Haner on the LeoVince sponsored team will be American real roads specialist Mark Miller. Mark has competed in the Macau GP six times and finished on the podium twice. “My deal to race Macau fell through so I contacted Kevin Hunt (KWS team owner) about possibly riding one of his bikes,” said Miller. “Kevin jumped at the idea of having a two rider team so here I am. I am extremely excited about being able to compete at Macau on this level of equipment; it’s going to be really good!” Millennium/KWS Suzuki team mechanic Michael Godin will be taking care of all the mechanical duties with help from Englishmen David Hinch and Richard Linely. This will be Godin’s second trip to Macau. Godin competed at the Macau GP with Vincent Haskovec in 2002. Unfortunately, Vincent suffered career ending injuries in 2005 and is no longer racing. “I’m excited about going back to Macau, but it will definitely be emotional. We will be running Czecher stickers on the bike and hopefully we can get a result Vincent will be proud of.” “We are a privateer team in the AMA and we really only had the budget to do the AMA series, but when the opportunity presented itself to do this race our sponsors stepped up to make it happen and truly can’t thank them enough,” said team owner Kevin Hunt. “I would really like to thank Henry DeGouw for putting this all together and of course Millennium Technologies, Pirelli Tires, GP Tech, Suzuki, Pit Bull, Ron Ayers Motorsports, LeoVince Exhaust, Catalyst Racing Composites, Vortex and CTR Suspension for all their help with this event!”

Kurtis Roberts, Chandler Trying To Form AMA Superbike Team For 2007

Three-time AMA Superbike Champion Doug Chandler and former AMA Supersport and Formula Xtreme Champion Kurtis Roberts have combined efforts to try to put together an AMA Superbike team for the 2007 season. “We’re trying to,” Chandler told Roadracingworld.com Monday via cell phone. “It looks like we’re gonna be able to kinda get something together, but we don’t have everything kind of set in place.” The team, tentatively named NFS Racing, issued a press release last week announcing its existence and to also “kind of speed things up,” according to Chandler, who said he hopes to start testing in January 2007. As far as which brand of motorcycle and tires to use, Chandler said they are considering which directions would be best for the team. “We can get some help,” he said, “but we haven’t got to the point where we can do what we want. We’ve kind of got to go with the people who are going to help us out the most.” Chandler was pretty tight-lipped as far as which sponsors and supporters had already signed on to back their effort, saying, “I don’t want to start jinxing it right away.” The NFS Racing team would not immediately include a spot for Chandler’s teenage son Jett, who started club racing in 2006. Chandler plans for Jett to race in the WERA National Challenge and National Endurance Series in 2007 and move up to the AMA when he feels ready. Attempts to reach Roberts via his mobile phone were not successful.

How JenningsGP Celebrated Veteran’s Day

Veteran’s Day weekend at JenningsGP near Jennings, Florida drew a sold-out, record crowd as the crew put on a special event to honor our country’s men and women who are serving and have served in the military. The event featured discounts to all veterans who could produce a military ID card and included a cookout Saturday night with a DJ and raffles. “It turned out to be a great weekend and I am looking forward to future events like this one,” said Jennifer Reese, the track secretary for JenningsGP. Riders from several clubs such as WERA and CCS participated in the three-day event, which brought riders in from as far away as Canada and New England.

Hopper And Suzuki Crew Head To Sepang For More 800cc MotoGP Testing

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP excited about next 800 test Rizla Suzuki MotoGP travels to Sepang in Malaysia for its second off-season test in preparation for next year’s assault on the MotoGP World Championship. Following the test at Valencia earlier this month which gave promising results for the new engine the whole team will be looking to see how the 800cc Suzuki GSV-R performs at such a different track to Valencia. The Sepang International Circuit will give the new engine a thorough test, as the 5.5km circuit features two long straights interlinked by a variety of turns including some very fast and testing sweeping bends and a mixture of slow corners. John Hopkins and Chris Vermeulen are both eager to continue getting to terms with the way the new bike performs. The data that both they and Team Test Rider Nobuatsu Aoki gathered at Valencia will be put to good use as Suzuki look to develop the new 800 to be a competitive machine in readiness for the start of the new season at Qatar in March next year. Aoki will be joining Hopkins and Vermeulen for the three day test beginning on Wednesday 15th November. Comprehensive tests will be conducted not just on the new engine but also further evaluation on the prototype chassis that may house next year’s motor. Detailed chassis and suspension options will be scrutinised alongside Bridgestone tyre testing, to match the performance characteristics of the new engine with the latest generations of profiles, compounds and constructions. John Hopkins: “I’m really looking forward to getting to Malaysia and testing the bike again. Since I have been at Suzuki there has never been such a buzz about the end of season tests. The bike seemed to go well at Valencia and it will be good to see what it will do over such a different circuit as Sepang. We still know there is a long way to go but if we can continue the way we have started, things will be good for 2007 and I’m ready for it!” Chris Vermeulen: “Valencia showed us the potential that was in the new bike, but we need to keep improving on what we have as the other manufacturers will certainly do so as well. Sepang will be a good place to test the 800, because of the different layout to what we tested on at Valencia. This will start to give us a good idea of how the bike will handle and perform on other tracks and confirm the priorities we need to concentrate on.”

USBA Announces 2007 Board Of Directors

UtahSBA (Utah Sport Bike Association) will have a major role in the upcoming 2007 road racing season at MMP (Miller Motorsports Park) in Tooele, Utah. Our membership has grown from approximately 180 last year to more than 450 in 2006. We expect another significant increase in 2007. Next year is shaping up to be a Dynamic season. We would like to announce our new board of directors to the general public. They are: President Danny C. Norr Vice President Roger Bennett (newly elected) Secretary Randy Neitzel (newly elected) Treasurer Lance Lee Director of Schools Troy Buchanan (appointed position) Race Director Peter Truerherz (newly elected) Membership Director Michael Bunds For more information, visit www.utahsba.com or call 801.966.7021. USBA PO Box 26791 Salt Lake City, Utah 84126