Ilmor unveil MotoGP machine at Estoril More light was shed on one of the most exciting MotoGP stories of the year this afternoon, when the Ilmor team held a press conference to unveil the bike with which they will make their World Championship debut in the final two races of 2006. The press room at the Estoril circuit was packed to the rafters with journalists and members of rival teams, as they heard from the men behind the radically designed X3 machine: Mario Illien, Eskil Suter, Steve Miller and their rider for these two events, former GP winner Garry McCoy. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, also welcomed the project into MotoGP. The X3 is a V4 800cc machine, and is being run in preparation for next year’s change in regulations when the premier class of MotoGP will see maximum engine capacity reduced from 990cc. Famed for his high performance car engines which have seen him win many races in the past, Mario Illien in particular seemed excited about the challenge ahead. The Swiss engineer warned however, “Don’t expect too much from us in these two races.” He also made public plans to have two riders on the grid next year, depending on sponsorship deals that have yet to be finalised. The project’s experience in motorcycles comes from former 250cc rider and chassis engineer Eskil Suter, who previously designed frames for Kawasaki. Meanwhile McCoy, the experienced Australian who won in Portugal six years ago in the premier class, will be key to the team’s development in the final races of the 2006 season. Ilmor Managing Director Steve Miller was also on hand to unveil the new bike. Mario Illien – Owner, Ilmor Engineering “Over the years I have closely followed MotoGP, I had an interest in it and always tried to attend at least a couple of races every season I was instantly fascinated by the sport and the technology the teams use, for me it was particularly interesting when the teams switched to four-stroke engines, so it’s something I have always liked and I was looking for a way to participate. I would like to thank Carmelo Ezpeleta (CEO Dorna) for giving us this fantastic opportunity to come here with the X³, it’s very early in the project programme for us and we are on a steep learning curve so please don’t expect too much we are here in Estoril this weekend to learn and most importantly prepare ourselves for next year to be as competitive as possible.” Carmelo Ezpeleta – CEO Dorna Sports “For us the presentation of Ilmor as a new MotoGP team is very important. I have been talking with Mario about this for years and I even visited the Ilmor facility in Northampton – I was so impressed by the quality and the technology they have there but I wasn’t surprised given Ilmor’s background in other motorsports. It’s a very important moment for MotoGP, Ilmor is a very prestigious engineering company to have taken the decision to come to MotoGP and we wish them all the best. Of course they have a lot of hard work ahead of them compared to the well established teams but given all of Ilmor’s experience I think they will have a good chance next year to battle the other teams, to be in the middle or maybe even better than that. I wish them all the best.” Garry McCoy – Rider “I’m really happy that Ilmor has given me the opportunity to be here, they needed someone with a bit of experience and hopefully we can develop the bike together and put it where it needs to be. It’s early days and we’re just going to go out there and do the best we can, we will continue developing and testing to get it perfect. The bike is so different, there’s really nothing else out there that compares to it.”

Infineon Raceway Announces 2007 Schedule SONOMA, Calif. Whether it’s two wheels, four wheels or 7,000 horsepower, you’ll find it at Infineon Raceway during the 2007 Big O Tires Racing Season. The Sonoma Valley facility will feature the most diverse motor racing schedule in the country, highlighted by the 19th consecutive visit by the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Overall, the raceway will boast seven major events in 2007, ranging from the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series to the IndyCar® Series. The 2007 schedule, which was unveiled today by raceway officials, will be headlined by the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, June 22-24. Vallejo native Jeff Gordon not only notched his record fifth victory at Infineon Raceway in 2006, but he also announced his engagement to Ingrid Vandebosch. The three-day event, one of the biggest sporting weekends in Northern California, will also feature the Blue Lizard Suncream 200 NASCAR Grand National Division West Series, presented by Supercuts (June 23). Tickets for all of the 2007 major events go on-sale to the general public on Dec. 9. For more information or special renewal options, call 800-870-RACE or visit www.infineonraceway.com or www.ticketmaster.com. “Once again, Northern California fans will have an opportunity to experience every major form of professional racing at one facility. It should be another phenomenal year,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway. In addition to NASCAR, the upcoming season will again feature back-to-back weekends of world-class drag racing, beginning with the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series for the 20th annual FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals (July 27-29). Seven of eight professional track records were reset in 2006, including a 331.36-mph blast by Top Fuel driver David Grubnic “” a world record was also set in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Infineon Raceway continues to be one of the quickest and fastest drag strips in the country, and similar results are expected for 2007. The following weekend (Aug. 3-5) will feature the Cal-Steam/KOHLER Division 7 NHRA drag races, presented by Korbel; a number of NHRA POWERade regulars competed in the 2006 event, including Top Alcohol Dragster winner Morgan Lucas. The IndyCar® Series and the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series will also return to Infineon Raceway for the Grand Prix of Sonoma County (Aug. 24-26). History was made on two fronts in 2006 as Marco Andretti became the youngest driver (19 years old) in the world to win a major open-wheel event, while the Grand-Am Series had its debut with a stout 37-car field. Two-wheel racing will also take center stage at Infineon Raceway in two different forms. The Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts, will kick-off the 2007 season, May 18-20 “” this will mark the 18th consecutive year the AMA has visited the Sonoma Valley. Pedal-powered two-wheel racing will take over the Infineon Raceway facility for the fourth consecutive year during the Infineon Cougar Mountain Classic, July 5-8. The event will feature the best in road cycling, mountain biking, gravity racing and more. The complete major event schedule for 2007 is as follows: 2007 Big O Tires Racing Season Schedule § Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts – May 18-20 § Wine Country Classic vintage car races – June 2-3 § NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series – June 22-24 § Infineon Cougar Mountain Classic – July 5-8 § FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals – July 27-29 § Cal-Steam/KOHLER Div. 7 NHRA drag races, presented by Korbel – August 3-5 § Grand Prix of Sonoma County – August 24-26 For more information on the 2007 event schedule or for ticketing information, call 800-870-RACE or visit www.infineonraceway.com.

Fans favourite Chris Walker will ride a Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 at this weekend’s Race of the Year at Mallory Park in Leicestershire with the clear target of impressing the team and securing a full-time ride in British Superbikes in 2007. Walker finished ninth in the World Superbike Championship in 2006 taking a memorable maiden victory at Assen on the way. Now the 34-year-old wants to return to British Superbike racing and go for the title with a team he knows can win. “Rizla Suzuki is a proper team with a bike that can challenge for the BSB crown – I should know because I nearly won the Championship with Suzuki in 2000,” said Walker. “I am honoured that Rizla Suzuki is considering me for 2007 and giving me the opportunity to work with the team at Mallory Park this weekend. “It has been six years since I last raced at Mallory and there is at least one new chicane so I will hardly recognise the place! On top of that I need to get used to a new bike, new team and Dunlop tyres. We have a private test on Friday so that will help and then I’ll be giving it my all for the team and the fans on Sunday. “In all honesty though, the best result I can achieve from this weekend is to gel with the Rizla Suzuki team and secure a seat with it for 2007. That’s my real target.” Walker has finished runner-up in the British Superbike Championship four times, the most recent in 2000 with Crescent Suzuki, a relationship which finished in acrimony at the end of the season when Walker chose to forego Suzuki’s offer of a WSB partnership in 2001 in favour of a GP ride. “The chance to ride for Suzuki again is something I have dreamed of for many years now but never thought it would happen,” explained Nottingham-based Walker. “I am a believer in time being a healer. I think I’ve grown up and learnt a few lessons on how to treat people properly and understand the rights and wrongs a lot better than I did in 2000. I view this as an opportunity to make amends with Suzuki and as a second chance, which I am grateful for – I really want to make the most of it. “I have unfinished business in BSB and want more than anything to win the Championship with Suzuki. I know it isn’t going to be easy and I’m under no illusion about the level of the competition but I know Rizla Suzuki is the team that can bring it all together. I just hope it works between us this weekend at Mallory Park so I can have the opportunity to go for the title in 2007 with a team I believe in.” Rizla Suzuki Team Manager Simon Buckmaster said: “Chris didn’t leave Suzuki on the best of terms in 2000 but he has come a long way since then and he wants to give this opportunity his absolute best shot. Suzuki and the team have given him this chance at Mallory Park and if he can work well with us then there is a strong possibility he will race for Rizla Suzuki in 2007.” Walker will test alongside Rizla Suzuki’s new signing, 20-year-old Cal Crutchlow, at Mallory Park in a private test session on Friday, October 13th, before taking part in the Race of the Year on Sunday, October 15th.

MotoGP paddock all-set for crucial Portuguese title battle bwin.com Grande Premio de Portugal Championship leader Nicky Hayden’s thoughts on the weekend Valentino Rossi speaks about the hunt for the title Ahead of one of the most crucial weekends of the 2006 season, the Estoril circuit has been invaded by the hub of activity that is the MotoGP paddock. With practice due to start tomorrow for the bwin.com Grande Premio de Portugal, a number of riders have been undertaking their sighting laps on the recently resurfaced circuit. With one of the most important races of his entire career taking place on Sunday, championship leader Nicky Hayden had a short break in the form of a pre-event activity, in which he visited Cabo da Roca. The site near the circuit is the most westerly point of Europe, and on the opposite side of the Atlantic to his home, Hayden was able to take in the beautiful natural backdrop and take his mind off the task that lies ahead for him this weekend. The traditional press conference was attended by five MotoGP riders: Hayden, Valentino Rossi, Loris Capirossi, Casey Stoner and Sete Gibernau. The former duo passed comment on the closest World Championship season in recent years, whilst Capirossi spoke about his recent good form and the latter two remained tight lipped about their 2007 options. With the recent contract renovation from Marco Melandri adding him to the list of riders with a confirmed team for 2006 (sic), including Valentino Rossi and Loris Capirossi, Harald Bartol today revealed that 250cc rider Hiroshi Aoyama was in talks with Kawasaki about a possible move. Off course, all riders have something to race for in Portugal and Valencia, even if it is just to prove their worth and end the season on a high. One new addition to the scene, eagerly awaited since the confirmation of their participation in the Portugal and Valencia races with the new 800cc, was the Ilmor team, who put on a presentation of their new outfit at the Estoril Circuit. Practice for the bwin.com Grande Premio de Portugal, hopefully under the sunny skies which greeted the riders today, will begin tomorrow morning at 9am local time. Nicky Hayden – Honda “It’s not just another race, I don’t think anyone would be fooled if I were to say that. It’s important, I know what this race means, but I can’t ride any differently to how I have been. I can’t afford anything like clutch slips to reoccur, as recently I’ve been lucky not to have had a DNF. Nobody has really dominated this year, and I think my consistency has shown through even though I haven’t had lots of wins. This season, with the great riders that we have, I don’t think anybody would be able to put together four wins in a row or 9 victories in a season.” Valentino Rossi – Yamaha “It is a difficult track, but I’ve been able to win here with both Yamaha and Honda, in the wet and in the dry. I was very lucky last year to get 20 points. I can imagine the title being decided on the last lap of the last race at Valencia. After the triple flyaway I just trained, relaxed and saw my friends, taking a break and preparing for these two important races.” Loris Capirossi – Ducati “The last four races have been amazing. The championship is quite far away for me, but third is close for us and I think it is achievable. I’m going to try to attack here and at Valencia, although in Portugal finding the right setting is difficult.” Casey Stoner – Honda “The last half of the season has been disappointing for me; there have been a few mistakes with the settings, and I’ve made some too. The big thing for me has been that I still haven’t got another podium since Turkey. I just have to pick myself up now and try and end on a high. I suppose we are nearer to a conclusion to the saga of what I’ll be doing next season, because we are nearer the end of 2006!” Sete Gibernau – Ducati “My form is returning, even though I’m not at 100%. I have a good feeling on the bike and I’m pretty happy right now. I enjoyed the 800cc testing, the GP07 felt more like a 500cc two stroke than the bikes we use now, which suits my style a lot better.” More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki Racing: KAWASAKI DETERMINED TO END ON A HIGH NOTE After the disappointment of the Japanese Grand Prix, the Kawasaki Racing Team return to Europe in confident mood ahead of this weekend’s penultimate race at the Circuito Estoril in Portugal. Determined to end the season on a high note, with good results in the final two races, Shinya Nakano returned to Europe soon after the Japanese Grand Prix, to complete a four-day training camp in France before heading to Portugal for this weekend’s race. Nakano celebrated his 29th birthday on 10th October with a strenuous training run in the mountains around his Clermont Ferrand base, with his training partners singing happy birthday to the Kawasaki pilot at the summit of the final climb. Although not a big fan of the Estoril circuit, Nakano feels confident that, if he can find a good race set-up on his Ninja ZX-RR during practice and qualifying, then a good result in Sunday’s 28-lap Grand Prix of Portugal is a distinct possibility. While most people in the MotoGP paddock welcomed the time off between the three overseas rounds and the penultimate race of the season at Estoril, this weekend couldn’t come quick enough for Randy de Puniet. Like his Kawasaki teammate, the 25-year-old Frenchman has been training hard for this weekend’s race, spending the time since returning to Europe from Japan riding his mountain bike in the hills surrounding his home. Although making his MotoGP debut at the Estoril circuit, de Puniet has fond memories of Portugal, having qualified on pole position for the 250cc race here last year, in which he set a new lap record on his way to a podium finish. The 4.182 km Estoril circuit is one of contrasts; tight technical corners are combined with long straights to produce a challenging layout that tests both man and machine to the limit. The infamous chicane is the slowest corner on the MotoGP calendar, and one at which a mistake on entry can lose a rider not only time, but also many positions in the race. For this year’s race the exit of the uphill chicane has been widened and resurfaced, with other resurfacing work being carried out on two additional sections of track. Whether the new tarmac will reduce the notoriously bumpy nature of the Estoril circuit remains to be seen. Located as it is next to the Atlantic Ocean, the weather can also play a big part at Estoril. Conditions are often changeable, and the high winds that occasionally blow in from the sea can also create big problems for the riders, although the weather forecast for this weekend promises only gentle sea breezes. Shinya Nakano: #56 “I can’t believe there are only two races to go; the season seems to have flown by. While not finishing my home race was disappointing, we didn’t have such a bad overseas trip overall, and this makes me confident that we can end the year with two good results at Estoril and Valencia. To be honest, Estoril is not one of my favourite circuits. There are some high-speed corners here, but this is also a circuit that is hard on the brakes, and for this it is important that we find a good balance with the set-up of the engine and the chassis. Since Japan, I have been working hard in France with my trainer, and I arrive at Estoril fighting fit, raring to go, and determined to end the season on a high with two good performances in the final two races of the year.” Randy de Puniet: #17 “Since Japan I’ve been impatient to get back on the bike, so this weekend couldn’t come quick enough for me. I quite like the Estoril circuit; I qualified on pole position here last year aboard the 250cc machine, set the lap record in the race and then finished on the podium. For sure it will be different on the Ninja ZX-RR MotoGP bike, but I’m confident that our machine will work well here. There is a lot of heavy braking for the slower corners here, where it’s very easy to make a mistake and lose time, so it is important that we set the bike up during practice and qualifying to be stable under braking. The main straight here is long, and the fast right-hand turn leading on to it is critical to a good lap time. You must carry high corner speed through this long turn, but you must also get on the gas as early as possible at the exit, to maximise your speed down the straight. We have made some big improvements to the bike during the last few races, so I think a good result here is a definite possibility.”

Danny Lippis won the 2006 WMRRA Overall Championship with consistent finishes at the final event of the year, October 7-8 at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington. Lippis had a 40 point lead ahead of Alan Schwen going into the weekend and needed to finish top 3 or better in his 4 races to secure his first Overall Championship. Lippis was aboard his Dunlop shod EDR Performance/Eastside MotoSports GSXR750 and GSXR1000. He finished 2nd in 750 Supersport, 750 Superbike, Open Supersport and Formula Ultra to earn his first overall title! KFG would like to congratulate the following Dunlop riders on their class Championships and Overall Plates. Also, thanks to Sport Tire Services and Dunlop for an awesome year! 600S/S-1st Mike Sullivan 600S/B- 1st Mike Sullivan 750S/S- 1st Danny Lippis 750S/B- 1st Danny Lippis Open S/S- 1st Danny Lippis Formula Ultra- 1st Mike Sullivan (2nd Danny Lippis) 650 S/S Twins- 1st Alan Schwen L/W S/B- 1st Alan Schwen M/W GP Twins- 1st Alan Schwen Open GP Twins- 1st Darren Murrey Formula Thunder- 1st Darren Murrey Overall WMRRA #1 Plate: Danny Lippis #2 Plate: Alan Schwen #3 Plate: Mike Sullivan #4 Plate: Darren Murrey