Before he went to MotoGP, Nicky Hayden won the 2002 AMA Superbike Championship. Asked to comment on Internet denizens who now claim that Hayden somehow did not deserve to win or lucked into winning the 2002 AMA Superbike Championship and/or the 2006 MotoGP World Championship, six-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin told roadracingworld.com the following: Regarding Hayden’s 2006 MotoGP World Championship: “It doesn’t matter how he did it, he did it. That’s pretty much how it is. I’ve heard at all before as AMA Superbike Champion. It doesn’t matter in the slightest how you did it, just that he’s done it. He has that big Number One on his bike next year and that’s what matters. Anybody who says he doesn’t deserve it is full of sh-t. “He’s worked for it his whole life. He put a good solid year together and won the Championship and now he can build on that.” Regarding Hayden winning the 2002 AMA Superbike Championship, a season in which Mladin started out with an injury: “That’s besides the point. Nicky won the 2002 AMA Superbike Championship. It really doesn’t matter. The bottom line is, I didn’t win the Championship. “You won the Championship, that’s great. If you didn’t, you have another go at it the next year. He won the 2002 AMA Superbike Championship and that’s all that matters, bottom line.”

PICKERINGTON, Ohio Jeff Ward clinched the 2006 AMA Supermoto Championship presented by Parts Unlimited with a second-place finish in the first leg of the Long Beach Supermoto finale dubbed the “Duel on the Docks” on Nov. 5, at the Queen Mary. Ward closed the season in style by winning the final race of the year aboard his Troy Lee Designs Honda CRF450R. It was a series leading ninth victory for Ward in ’06. Ward, who won his first Supermoto title in 2004, earned back the title after losing it to Jurgen Kunzel in the final round last year. This year he won the title over archrival Doug Henry, of Graves Yamaha, by a margin of 36 points (429-393). Chris Fillmore finished third with 356 points. “I just holeshoted and pulled out a three second gap,” Ward said of his win in the last race of the season. “Doug (Henry) got into second and closed up a little bit and it stayed that way until the last two laps. We were matching pace for pace and I had a good pace and the bike worked well. It’s nice to win the last moto of the season. It’s a nice way to end the season — a lot better than last year, that’s for sure.” 2006 will be a year Ward won’t soon forget. In August Ward became the oldest male gold medalist in X Games history when he won the Moto X event. After that Ward was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame. His AMA Supermoto title was icing on the cake. Ward took the series lead when he swept the second round in Elkhart Lake, Wis., and held it throughout the year. “It’s been a big year. A lot of stuff happened this year for me. I’ve had a great career — all of it has all been good. From my championships in motocross to Indy Cars to now Supermoto. And my sons are riding really good now too. It’s just a fun time.” “Motocross has been my life and it’s always going to be my life, and Supermoto is a part of it now too, helping it grow. My oldest son (Brandon) runs it well and he might be able to have a career over here if it takes off big enough. And my other son (Ayrton) wants to go road racing and this is a perfect venue to start that with small bikes and the pavement. It’s a good sport and I want to see it get bigger and bigger.” Ward now owns a total of nine AMA national championships. He won five AMA Motocross championships and two AMA Supercross titles, primarily in the 1990s. After a successful run racing Indy Cars, Ward came back to motorcycle racing in 2003 and has now added two AMA Supermoto Championships to his Hall of Fame resume. Ward and teammate Chris Fillmore helped give Troy Lee Designs its second AMA Supermoto Team Championship. Ward ends 2006 as the all-time series wins leader with 20-career AMA Supermoto victories.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio AMA Pro Racing has announced National numbers for competitors in the 2007 AMA Flat Track Championship. 2007 AMA FLAT TRACK NATIONAL NUMBERS Rider # Twins/Singles/Rider, Hometown 1 31 Ken Coolbeth Jr., Warren, CT 14 1 Jake Johnson, Franklinville, NJ 3 3 Joe Kopp, Mica, WA 4 4 Chris Carr, Fleetwood, PA 9 9 Jay Springsteen, Lapeer, MI 10 10 Dan Stanley, Bellingham, WA 11 11 Bryan Bigelow, Au Gres, MI 12 12 Jason Tyer, Irving, TX 15 15 Chris Evans, St. Catharines, Ont, CAN 16 16 AJ Eslick, Tulsa, OK 17 17 Henry Wiles, Blanchard, MI 18 18 Terry Poovey, Euless, TX 19 19 Paul Lynch, Bel Air, MD 20 20 Johnny Murphree, Paso Robles, CA 21 21 Jared Mees, Clio, MI 22 22 Nick Cummings, Mt. Morris, MI 23 23 Kevin Atherton, White Pigeon, MI 24 24 Logan Myers, Wheeler, MI 25 25 Brian Phillips Jr., Auburn, PA 26 26 Steve Beattie, Petrolia, Ont, CAN 27 27 Robert Pearson, Chillicothe, IL 28 28 Shaun Russell, San Jose, CA 29 29 Charlie Italia, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 30 30 Dominic Beaulac, Dalveyville, Ont, CAN 32 32 Shawn Baer, Mechanicsburg, PA 33 33 JR Schnabel, West Bend, WI 34 34 Jeremy DeRuyter, West Bend, WI 35 35 Kyle Ragsdale, Shelton, WA 37 37 Jim Wood Jr., Redlands, CA 40 40 Aaron King, Dysart, IA 41 41 Ricky Marshall, Garrettsville, OH 42 42 Bryan Smith, Flint, MI 43 43 Sam Halbert, Graham, WA 44 44 Chris Hart, Farmington, NY 45 45 Jesse Janisch, Hartford, WI 46 46 Eric Beers, Orting, WA 47 47 Greg Tysor, Cumming, GA 51 51 Steve Murray, Grand Blanc, MI 52 52 Garth Bastian, Macedon, NY 53 53 Gary Rogers, San Jose, CA 54 54 Mike Rush, Gilroy, CA 55 55 Josh Toungett, East Peoria, IL 59 59 Willie McCoy, Justin, TX 61 61 Shawn Clark, Groton, NY 64 64 Danny Eslick, Broken Arrow, OK 66 66 George Roeder Jr., Monroeville, OH 67 67 Mike Hacker, Colonial Hts, VA 69 69 Jethro Halbert, Graham, WA 72 72 Tim Eades, Petersburg, VA 74 74 Scooter Vernon, Olympia, WA 75 75 Christian Vernon, Olympia, WA 80 80 Rich King, Dysart, IA 88 88 John Raun Wood, Dublin, PA 89 89 Kevin Varnes, Mohnton, PA 91 91 Nick Daniels, Mattoon, IL 94 94 Jess Roeder, Monroeville, OH

Superbike & Supersport World Championships, Superstock 1000cc FIM Cup The Superbike Commission, composed of Messrs. Paolo Flammini (FGSport), Claude Danis (FIM) and Giulio Bardi (Team representative), unanimously decided to introduce the following modifications to the Road Racing Superbike & Supersport World Championship and Superstock FIM Cup Regulations (for application as from 1.1.2007): TECHNICAL REGULATIONS 2.3.11 Ballast (new article) The use of ballast is allowed to stay over the minimum weight limit. The use of ballast must be declared to the Technical Director at the preliminary checks. The ballast must be made from solid metallic piece/s, firmly, securely connected, either through an adapter or directly to the main frame or engine, with minimum 2 steel bolts (min. 8 mm diameter, 8.8 grade or over). Fuel in the fuel tank can be used as ballast. SUPERBIKE 2.4.6.1 Frame Body and Rear Sub-frame (to add the following) The homologated dimensions and position of bearing seats in the steering head column, and the engine, swing arm, rear shock, and suspension linkage mounting points must remain as original. Steering angle changes are permitted by fitting inserts onto the bearing seats in the original steering head, but no part of the insert shall protrude axially more than 3 mm. from the original steering head. 2.4.6.7 Tyres (to add as 10th paragraph) One extra front tyre will be given to all Superpole participants. 2.4.6.11 Fuel Tank (new wording 8th sentence) The fuel tank must be fixed to the frame from the front and the rear with a crash-proof assembly system. Bajonet style couplings cannot be used, nor may the tank be fixed to any parts of the streamlining (fairing) or any plastic part. 2.4.6.19 Cylinder head (to add the following) Rocker arms (if any) must remain as homologated (material and dimensions). 2.4.6.29 Crankcase/Gearbox housing and lateral covers (new wording 2nd paragraph) Oil-pan (sump) may be altered or replaced. Lateral (side) covers may be altered, modified or replaced. If replaced, the cover must be made in material of same or higher specific weight and the total weight of the cover must not be less than the original one. All engine cases containing oil and which could be in contact with the ground during a crash, must be protected by a second cover made from composite materials, type carbon or Kevlar®. 2.4.10 Delete 6th and last sentences SUPERSPORT 2.5.2 Minimum Weights The minimum weights will be: 600 cc four cylinders 158 kg 750 cc two cylinders 166 kg 2.5.6.2 Front fork (to add the following) Dust seal can be modified, changed or removed if the fork is totally oil-sealed. 2.5.6.20 Cylinder head (to add the following) Rocker arms (if any) must remain as homologated (material and dimensions). 2.5.6.30 Crankcases and all other engine cases (to delete 3rd paragraph and add) All engine cases containing oil and which could be in contact with the ground during a crash must be protected by a second cover made of composite material, type carbon or Kevlar®. 2.5.6.31 Transmission/Gearbox (change 4th sentence) Quick-shift systems are allowed. 2.5.6.35 Exhaust (First paragraph) Exhaust pipes and silencers may be modified or changed. Catalytic converters must be removed. 2.5.10 Delete 6th and last sentences SUPERSTOCK 2.7.6.2 Front fork (to add the following) Dust seal can be modified, changed or removed if the fork is totally oil-sealed. 2.7.6.7 Tyres (to add) In case of a red flag, a used tyre found on machines either checked in pit lane or in the parc fermé, may be replaced when it has been damaged. The damage must be confirmed by the Official Supplier. During practices or warm up new tyres can be supplied to a machine involved in a crash, only if the request has been received when the machine is still in the parc fermé and the Official Supplier certifies that the tyre(s) is(are) damaged and unsafe. 2.7.6.9 Handlebars and hand controls Throttle assembly and associated cables may be modified or replaced. “¦ Switches can be changed but electric starter switch and engine stop switch must be located on the handle bars. 2.7.6.10 Fairing/Body Work j) Rear mudguard fixed on the swing arm can be modified or changed but the original profile must be respected. 2.7.6.13 Wiring harness (to add the following) ….The wire-loom and the key lock may be relocated. 2.7.6.15 Radiator, cooling system and oil coolers (to add the following) Protective meshes can be added in front of the oil and/or water radiator(s). 2.7.6.18 Fuel injection system (to delete last 2 sentences and add) Central unit can be relocated. 2.7.6.30 Crankcase and all other engine cases (to delete 4th paragraph and add) All engine cases containing oil and which could be in contact with the ground during a crash must be protected by a second cover made of composite material, type carbon or KevlarÃ’. 2.7.6.31 Transmission/Gearbox (First paragraph) Quick-shift systems are allowed. 2.7.6.33 Ignition/Engine Control System (to delete and replace by the following) The CDI must be: a) Or as homologated and inner software can be changed. b) Otherwise, the CDI kit model (produced and/or approved by the machine Manufacturer) can be used. A special connector can be used to connect CDI and original wire loom. The retail price of the full system (software included) must not be more than 1.5 times higher than the price of the original system. c) In addition to option 1 and 2 mentioned above, ignition and/or injection external module/s can be added to the standard production ECU, but their total retail price cannot be higher than the complete CDI kit. 2.7.6.35 Exhaust System (First paragraph) Exhaust pipes and silencers may be modified or changed. Catalytic converters must be removed. 2.7.7 The following items MAY be altered or replaced from those fitted to the homologated motorcycle (to add) Material for brackets connecting non original parts (fairing, exhaust, etc) to the frame (or engine) cannot be made from titanium or fibre reinforced composites. Protective covers for engine, frame, chain, footrests, etc. can be made in other material like fibre composite material if these parts do not replace original parts mounted on the homologated model. 2.7.10 The Following Items MUST BE Altered (delete the last two sentences)

Former Australian Superbike Champion Craig Coxhell will partner triple Champion Shawn Giles in the Australian Yoshimura Suzuki squad next year on GSX-R1000s. And in a bid to once again “Own the Racetrack,” the team has also signed leading up-and-coming rider Josh Waters to pilot the team’s GSX-R600 Supersport entry. With a combined total of four Australian Superbike titles between them, the Giles-Coxhell partnership is the most-successful team line-up in the history of Australian Superbike racing and offers Suzuki a depth of experience that their rivals cannot match. Following a successful stint racing overseas in the British Superbike and European Superstock classes, Coxhell is returning home to re-join the team that delivered him huge local success and launched his international career. Said Coxhell: “Team Yoshimura Suzuki is an incredibly professional team and I’m really looking forward to coming back to race for them again. “After being away for the last three years it’s hard to know what to expect from the competition, but I’m hoping I can be on the pace right from the start of the season. “Team Manager Phil Tainton is the best there is; I love working with him and the whole team and I know I’ll have a great race bike under me again next year. I’m really looking forward to having Shawn as a team mate again. We work really well together off the track and push each other hard on the track.” A veteran of the sport whose feats are unrivalled in Australian Road Racing, Giles has three Australian Superbike titles and an Australian Supersport Championship to his credit and shows no signs of slowing down for 2007. “2007 is going to be a big year for Suzuki with a really strong rider line-up for Superbikes and Supersport, plus our new GSX-R1000’s will come on board too,” said Giles. “Craig and I had a lot of fun racing together in 2003 and we’ve stayed in contact over the last few years. He’s had some top-level racing experience and it’ll be fantastic to have him back in the team. “With my season ruined by injuries this year, I’ll definitely be on a mission to get back into championship contention for 2007 and I’ll be trying particularly hard to stay ahead of Craig on the track and in the Championship.” Rounding out Team Yoshimura Suzuki’s line-up, 19-year-old Waters is excited to join the premier road racing outfit following his impressive performances in the Supersport class and several guest rides in the 2006 Superbike category. He boasts several National Dirt Track Championships across a range of classes and the 2003 Australian 125 GP Championship among his many achievements. “I’m stoked! Joining Team Yoshimura Suzuki and working with Phil, Shawn and Craig is an excellent opportunity for me; it’s a chance to learn from the best guys in the Australian scene and I’m going to make the most of this whole experience,” said Waters. “I’m really excited about getting to ride the GSX-R600: I know by the time Phil is done developing it, it’ll be one of the best 600’s in the paddock and hopefully we can take the Supersport title.” Team Yoshimura Suzuki Team Manager Tainton is delighted by Coxhell’s return to form Suzuki’s Giles-Coxhell Superbike dream team, as well as getting hold of the highly-credentialed Waters for the Supersport campaign. “It’s a fantastic coup for Team Yoshimura Suzuki to have lured Craig back for 2007,” he said. “Craig may be surprised by the amount the Australian Superbike Championship has stepped up since he left, but he’ll bring back valuable skills and experience that he’s developed racing internationally. “Shawn is still phenomenally quick; he has lots of experience and knowledge to share with the young guys and with Craig back on board he’ll be pushing harder than ever. “We expect both Shawn and Craig to be championship contenders right from the outset of 2007 and hopefully they’ll push each other like they did in 2003 when Suzuki finished 1-2 for the season. “Josh is a very talented young rider with a lot of potential and we are particularly pleased to have signed him for our GSX-R600 Supersport entry. “Our Supersport program has come along in leaps and bounds since we started mid-year and I’m confident Josh will do a great job and challenge for the championship. “For us, putting Josh on for this Supersport ride is the first step in a long-term relationship where he can learn, develop his skills and progress to the Superbike class and eventually win titles for Suzuki.”

After an 11-year MotoGP career, 33-year-old Sete Gibernau called a press conference to announce his retirement. The 2006 season was specifically difficult for Gibernau, after injuries sidelined him from multiple GP races. And although Casey Stoner was signed by Ducati Marlboro to replace Gibernau for the 2007 season, he did receive offers. But Gibernau had already made his decision. “I am going out at the top, accomplishing a small dream of mine; to be happy,” he said.

At the 2006 WMRRA season end awards banquet, XLSR Racing’s rookie Jake Frame was named the 2006 WMRRA Rookie of the Year. Frame is following in the footsteps of his XLSR teammate, mentor, and good friend Joshua Ellingson who was named the 2005 WMRRA Rookie of the Year. “I feel very privileged to have been awarded this honor” said Frame of the award that is decided upon by the staff and board members of the Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association. “My number one goal for this season was to win this award. I am very happy to be keeping it in the XLSR family.” Frame continues to say; “I really owe this award to Joshua who listened to my goals at the beginning of the season and recognized what I needed to do in order to achieve them and then put me on his coat tails and showed me the ropes.” Frame took the mentorship of the 2005 Rookie of the Year and put together an impressive second half of the season. On top of his new Rookie of the Year honors he ended up with a total of 12 podium appearances where 7 of them were victories; 2 championship podium appearances, and 1 class championship in Portland. When asked about next season Frame tells us that he will be continuing his relationship with XLSR Racing and will surely be out on his Suzuki SV650 Superbike. “I know what I want to do next season but need to see how the money works out. I’ll be racing the SV for sure but would like to add an inline 4 or a triple to the line up. I need to find some bigger grids, bigger sponsors so I can earn points towards my AMA license and keep the dream alive.”