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Wet Track Forces Revised Sunday AMA Superbike Schedule At Mid-Ohio

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Editorial Note: At 9:05 a.m. local time the track was still wet and practice had not started. AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio October 1 Revised Sunday Schedule, Version II: 8:00am – Noon Registration: Crew, Sponsors & Guests 7:30am Tech Inspection Open 9:00am – 9:20am AMA Sports Practice 9:25am – 9:45am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Practice 9:50am – 10:10am Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice 10:15am – 10:35am Repsol Lubricants Superstock Practice 10:40am – 11:00am Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei Helmets Practice 11:15am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Heat Race 1 (5 laps) 11:40am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Heat Race 2 (5 laps) 12:05pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Heat Race 3 (5 laps) 12:45pm Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Race (60k – 16 laps) 1:15pm – 2:00pm Lunch Break 2:00pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited LCQ Heat Race (5 laps) 2:45pm Repsol Lubricants Superstock Race (60k – 16 laps) 3:30pm AMA Sports Race – 600 Superstock (10 laps) 4:20pm Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei Helmets Race (60k – 16 laps) 5:10pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Race (100k – 26 laps) 6:15pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Consolation Race (60k – 16 laps)

Updated Post: Charpentier Wins World Supersport Race At Imola

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FIM Supersport World Championship Imola, Italy October 1, 2006 Race Results: 1. Sebastien CHARPENTIER (Hon CBR600RR), 21 laps, 40:07.972 2. Kenan SOFUOGLU (Hon CBR600RR), -0.406 second 3. Kevin CURTAIN (Yam YZF-R6), -9.627 seconds 4. Gianluca VIZZIELLO (Yam YZF-R6), -13.983 seconds 5. William DE ANGELIS (Hon CBR600RR), -14.390 seconds 6. Broc PARKES (Yam YZF-R6), -16.870 seconds 7. Gianluca NANNELLI (Duc 749R), -18.171 seconds 8. Katsuaki FUJIWARA (Hon CBR600RR), -18.534 seconds 9. Yoann TIBERIO (Hon CBR600RR), -31.522 seconds 10. Massimo ROCCOLI (Yam YZF-R6), -31.561 seconds 11. Johan STIGEFELT (Hon CBR600RR), -32.047 seconds 12. David CHECA (Yam YZF-R6), -36.420 seconds 13. Barry VENEMAN (Suz GSX-R600), -43.105 seconds 14. Stuart EASTON (Duc 749R), -43.674 seconds 15. Chris PERIS (Yam YZF-R6), -47.734 seconds 16. Stephane CHAMBON (Kaw ZX-6RR), -52.288 seconds 17. Christian ZAISER (Duc 749R), -56.674 seconds 18. Tatu LAUSLEHTO (Hon CBR600RR), -65.815 seconds 19. Alessio CORRADI (Yam YZF-R6), -66.452 seconds 20. Joan LASCORZ (Hon CBR600RR), -66.777 seconds Championship Standings (After 11 of 12 races): 1. Curtain, 187 points 2. Charpentier, 169 points 3. Sofuoglu, 137 points 4. Parkes, 129 points 5. Harms, 107 points 6. Roccoli, 96 points 7. Tiberio, 74 points 8. Vizziello, 69 points 9. Stigefelt, 62 points 10. Fores, 49 points 11. Checa, 33 points 12. TIE, Fujiwara/Nannelli/Zaiser, 30 points 15. Anderson, 29 points 16. Sanna, 27 points 17. TIE, Easton/Chambon, 24 points 19. De Angelis, 22 points 20. Brookes, 21 points More, from a press release issued by Winston Ten Kate Honda: CHARPENTIER AND SOFUOGLU PEERLESS AT IMOLA A superb display of formation flying from Sebastien Charpentier (Winston Ten Kate Honda) and Kenan Sofuoglu (Winston Ten Kate Honda) gave them the best result possible, with Charpentier’s win keeping his championship hopes very much alive and Sofuoglu’s second moving him up to third in the overall classification. Sofuoglu was the long-term leader, until Charpentier passed with seven laps to go, and other than a short excursion across the Variante Alta for Sofuoglu with just a handful of laps left, the race continued to a conclusion without major incident. A slow-starting Charpentier took the new lap record of 1’53.388 on lap five, as he first caught and then passed Curtain, who eventually finished a lonely third. After the Imola points had been awarded, Curtain now leads Charpentier by 18 points, 187 to 169, with Sofuoglu third on 137. One race remains, at Magny Cours next weekend, on Charpentier’s home track. Ronald Ten Kate – Team Manager “We had the best possible result today in Supersport and after practice we knew that we would be strong in the race. But you still have to go out and do it, so compliments to the riders who have made such a good job. Kenan made a good start and pulled quite a gap, so Sebastien had to make up a lot of ground to him and they were about on the same pace, with Kenan realising that it was not only about the race but our chance for the championship. So he didn’t make it too hard for Sebastien to pass, and he didn’t fight for his position. I am happy that we can go to Magny Cours still fighting for the championship. Today we helped to take the Manufacturers’ Championship for Honda for the fourth year in a row, so I am happy for this. Now we go to Magny Cours and hope that we can make a result like this again. Then we have shown that even with the new bike coming, the old bike was – like I used to say – not so bad!” Sebastien Charpentier – Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (First Position 2nd in the world championship with 169 points) “I am happy, because after the German race it was not easy for me in my head. Now, for sure, the victory was perfect for me, and my team, and Honda. This was very important for the championship, because the last race is in Magny Cours, in France, and I hope to win again. The package of our bike and the choice of tyres were good today and my team-mate was very good today. After my crash in Brno it was not easy, even if my hand was not completely perfect today, because I hurt it in Germany. The start was not ideal for me, but I closed the gap step-by-step. Robbin Harms crashed in front of me and it would have been easy to hit him or make a mistake. I have to say thanks to everyone for the good weekend we have enjoyed here. Sometimes it is not so easy, like after Germany, but thanks to everyone, the team and my family, for the good support.” Kenan Sofuoglu – Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (2nd position 3rd in the world championship with 137 points) “Of course I am really happy with this race, and with Sebastien and I finishing first and second. Sebastien was trying for the championship so I did not really try too hard – but Sebastien was already riding really fast anyway. We had good bikes and good set-up. I hope in Magny-Cours we can win the championship and I can be on the podium too. We will keep working hard and looking to next week.”

Barros Wins, Bayliss Cruises To Clinch Superbike World Championship In Race One At Imola

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FIM Superbike World Championship Imola, Italy October 1, 2006 Race Two Results: 1. Alex BARROS (Hon CBR1000RR), 21 laps, 39:00.096 2. James TOSELAND (Hon CBR1000RR), -4.351 seconds 3. Andrew PITT (Yam YZF-R1), -6.809 seconds 4. Noriyuki HAGA (Yam YZF-R1), -11.179 seconds 5. Troy BAYLISS (Duc 999F06), -11.537 seconds 6. Lorenzo LANZI (Duc 999F06), -20.974 seconds 7. Fonsi NIETO (Kaw ZX-10R), -23.055 seconds 8. Karl MUGGERIDGE (Hon CBR1000RR), -23.747 seconds 9. Norick ABE (Yam YZF-R1), -27.289 seconds 10. Regis LACONI (Kaw ZX-10R), -29.160 seconds 11. Shinichi NAKATOMI (Yam YZF-R1), -30.792 seconds 12. Chris WALKER (Kaw ZX-10R), -32.104 seconds 13. Ivan CLEMENTI (Duc 999RS), -38.537 seconds 14. Roberto ROLFO (Duc 999F05), -45.410 seconds 15. Josh BROOKES (Kaw ZX-10R), -48.494 seconds 16. Pierfrancesco CHILI (Hon CBR1000RR), -48.656 seconds 17. Craig JONES (Foggy Petronas FP1), -60.950 seconds 18. Walter BARTOLINI (Duc 999RS), -79.707 seconds 19. Nicola BRIGNOLA (Duc 999RS), -5 laps, DNF, mechanical 20. Michel FABRIZIO (Hon CBR1000RR), -12 laps, DNF, mechanical 21. Troy CORSER (Suz GSX-R1000), -14 laps, DNF, mechanical 22. Kurtis ROBERTS (Duc 999RS), -15 laps, DNF, mechanical 23. Sebastien GIMBERT (Yam YZF-R1), -17 laps, DNF, mechanical 24. Marco BORCIANI (Duc 999F05), -17 laps, DNF, mechanical 25. Vitorrio IANNUZZO (Suz GSX-R1000), -18 laps, DNF, mechanical 26. Ruben XAUS (Duc 999F05), -19 laps, DNF, crash 27. Steve MARTIN (Foggy Petronas FP1), -19 laps, DNF, mechanical 28. Ivan GOI (Hon CBR1000RR), -21 laps, DNF, mechanical 29. Max NEUKIRCHNER (Suz GSX-R1000), -21 laps, DNF, crash 30. Yukio KAGAYAMA (Suz GSX-R1000), -21 laps, DNF, crash Superbike World Championship Point Standings (After 19 of 24 races): 1. Bayliss, 368 points 2. Toseland, 284 points 3. Haga, 283 points 4. Pitt, 226 points 5. TIE, Corser/Barros, 211 points 7. Kagayama, 177 points 8. Lanzi, 143 points 9. Walker, 138 points 10. Nieto, 136 points 11. Fabrizio, 117 points 12. Muggeridge, 105 points 13. Xaus, 103 points 14. Abe, 100 points 15. Laconi, 90 points 16. Rolfo, 66 points 17. Nakatomi, 38 points 18. Neukirchner, 22 points 19. TIE, Martin/Fabien Foret, 19 points

October 2006

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MotoGP Leader Nicky Hayden Mid-Season: It’s All Good A Race In The Life Of Kenny Lee Roberts MotoGP Mutterings: Mick Doohan, Bar Brawler Press Intro: Michelin Pilot Power 2CT Suspension Secrets From MotoGP Bob And Jeff Tigert: Racing Across Two Generations Grand Prix History: How The FIM Crushed A Rider Strike Ed Tech: A Mechanic Looks At Exotic Racebikes Cribs: John Hopkins In England MotoGP At Brno: Capirossi Wins, Hayden Falters AMA At Mid-Ohio: Spies Sweeps AMA At VIR: Spies Injured, Mladin Wins World Superbike At Brands Hatch: Bayliss, Haga Each Win ASRA At Barber: Wood Wins, Takes Championship WERA National Endurance At Summit Point WERA National Challenge At Summit Point CMRA At Hallet AHRMA At Mid-Ohio CCS At Barber Letters To The Editor Inside Info 10 Years Ago The Little Motorcycle Lidz: Josh Herrin MotoGP Trivia Elena Myers: Girl Racer New Products Review: Laguna Seca On Network TV Ask Ed Racing Schools & Track Days Road Racing & School Calendar Guide To Road Racing Organizations Jamie Hacking: Hacker! ASRA/CCS Newsletter Moto-ST Newsletter The Crash Page High-Performance Parts & Services Directory Want Ads Numbers Advertisers Index And Directory Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of A Racer On The Front Cover: Newly crowned 2006 AMA Supersport Champion and Roadracing World columnist Jamie Hacking (2) at VIR. Photo by Andrew Wheeler. (Inset) Marco Simoncelli (58) demonstrates the theme of this month’s Crash Page, losing the front. Photo by DPPI.

AMA Superbike At Mid-Ohio: Revised Sunday Schedule Released

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AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio October 1 Tentative Event Schedule: 8:00am – Noon Registration: Crew, Sponsors & Guests 7:30am Tech Inspection Open 8:00am – 8:20am AMA Sports Practice 8:25am – 8:45am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Practice 8:50am – 9:10am Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice 9:15am – 9:35am Repsol Lubricants Superstock Practice 9:40am – 10:00am Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei Helmets Practice 10:15am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Heat Race 1 (5 laps) 10:40am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Heat Race 2 (5 laps) 11:05am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Heat Race 3 (5 laps) 11:45am Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Race (60k – 16 laps) 12:15pm – 1:00pm Lunch Break 1:00pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited LCQ Heat Race (5 laps) 1:45pm Repsol Lubricants Superstock Race (60k – 16 laps) 2:30pm AMA Sports Race – 600 Superstock (10 laps) 3:20pm Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei Helmets Race (60k – 16 laps) 4:10pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Race (100k – 26 laps) 5:15pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Consolation Race (60k – 16 laps)

Saturday Ends With Multiple Crashes, Injury As AMA Runs Qualifying Into Rain Storm At Mid-Ohio

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A difficult day of waiting out off-and-on rain at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course ended Saturday evening with AMA Pro Racing running a Superstock qualifying session into a downpour, resulting in a multi-bike crash and one serious injury. Following a short break after the Formula Xtreme warm-up session Saturday afternoon, the Superstock class was sent out on track for a combined, 30-minute qualifying session. AMA Pro Racing officials, meanwhile, were keeping one eye on weather radar as a storm front approached the track. Five minutes into the session, the rain showers arrived and suddenly let loose in turn one. Millennium KWS Suzuki’s Matt Lynn hit the suddenly-wet turn one first, lost traction and ran off the track, nearly crashing in the already-wet grass. Team Roadracingworld.com Suzuki’s Robertino Pietri came into turn one next and crashed instantly. “Everything was OK, then suddenly big time rain,” said Pietri, a Venezuelan. “I was going into turn one and big rain. I just lost the front quick.” An instant behind Pietri, Corona Extra Suzuki’s Gary Mason lost control of his slick-tired GSX-R1000 on the wet track in turn one. “I had just entered turn one, hit the brakes and it was raining so hard,” said Mason, a veteran of the British Superbike Championship. “I was like, ‘Yes, I saved it! Sh-t! I’m on the grass, and that wall is coming up really fast.’ I bailed out. I pulled the chute and got off. I’m on the ground trying to crawl away and a Kawasaki comes flying in.” Mason was followed into the impact zone by Attack Kawasaki’s Damon Buckmaster. Buckmaster was unavailable for comment because he was transported to a local hospital to have an injury to his right wrist X-rayed. Mason said Buckmaster appeared to be in quite a bit of pain. “When you’re riding 140 mph on slick tires, you’re on your ass as soon as it starts raining,” added Mason. “They knew that rain was coming. Why didn’t they just call it a day? I see their side of it. They have to put a show on for the fans, but sh-t, man! That’s dangerous.” Mason’s teammate Michael Sanchez also crashed, in turn 13, and Graves Yamaha’s Eric Bostrom and Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates lost traction and rode off the track when the rain hit. The Superstock qualifying session was not restarted. AMA Pro Racing is expected to release a revised schedule of events for Sunday shortly.

Updated Post: Barnes Fastest In AMA Formula Xtreme Warm-up Late Saturday Afternoon At Mid-Ohio

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Lockhart Phillips USA AMA Formula Xtreme Championship Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio September 30 Provisional Practice Times (start time 5:10 p.m., end time 5:30 p.m.): 1. Michael Barnes (Suz GSX-R600), 1:30.358 2. Jason DiSalvo (Yam YZF-R6), 1:30.363 3. Aaron Gobert (Hon CBR600RR), 1:30.989 4. Eric Bostrom (Yam YZF-R6), 1:31.245 5. Josh Hayes (Hon CBR600RR), 1:31.531 6. Chaz Davies (Yam YZF-R6), 1:32.334 7. Danny Eslick (Suz GSX-R600), 1:32.569 8. Michael Beck (Yam YZF-R6), 1:32.754 9. Jeremy McWilliams (Buell XB-RR), 1:33.018 10. Blake Young (Suz GSX-R600), 1:33.301 11. Ty Howard (Hon CBR600RR), 1:33.406 12. Ryan Andrews (Hon CBR600RR), 1:33.469 13. Ryan Elleby (Hon CBR600RR), 1:33.581 14. Garrett Carter (Yam YZF-R6), 1:33.858 15. Eric Wood (Hon CBR600RR), 1:34.592 16. Armando Ferrer (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:35.414 17. Brian Hall (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:36.766 18. Jason McCluskey (Yam YZF-R6), 1:36.908 19. Hawk Mazzotta (Yam YZF-R6), 1:37.476 20. Johnny Rock Page (Yam YZF-R6), 1:37.602 More, from a press release issued by Team M4 EMGO Suzuki: BARNES SHINES AS RAIN INTERRUPTS RACING AT MID-OHIO Saturday was a long and frustrating day at Mid-Ohio for Team M4 EMGO Suzuki with multiple rainstorms interrupting the action. Recurring rainfall in the area forced a number of long waits for a dry track and there were only fleeting moments of on-track activity. However, in one brief appearance beforea third shower prematurely ended the day, Michael Barnes put on an impressive performance. ‘Barney’ topped the charts in the 20-minute afternoon Formula Xtreme practice, the only time Team M4 EMGO Suzuki circulated the Mid-Ohio racecourse on Saturday. The Floridian registered a 1:30.358 aboard his Pirelli-shod GSX-R600 to set the pace. Better weather is expected for what’s promising to be an extremely busy Sunday to conclude the 2006 AMA season. Barnes and May will qualify in morning (Barnes in Supersport and May in Supersport and Superstock) before the squad turns their attention to a trio of races to round out the year. Barnes will first take on the Formula Xtreme contest and then May will race his GSX-R1000 in Superstock. Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s final race will be in the Supersport class, where May and Barnes have taken two consecutive 2-3 finishes and stood 1-2 in Friday’s opening practice this weekend.

Haslam On Pole Position For British Superbike Finale At Brands Hatch

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Rizla Suzuki’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne was challenging for pole position at the 13th round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch when rain interrupted qualifying and left him frustrated in second place. Riding in front of his home fans, Byrne was in provisional pole for much of the 50-minute session. His lap time was bettered with 15-minutes remaining and before he could get out of the garage for another lap the rain started to fall, scuppering his chances of going any faster. Team mate James Haydon only managed one qualifying lap before the wet weather closed in, but he was content to end up in a strong starting position of seventh on the second row. John Hopkins from Rizla Suzuki’s MotoGP team completed a brace of demonstration laps on his GSV-R at the 2.60-mile long circuit. He will return on race day for another 10-minute display before joining the Rizla Suzuki Superbike team to cheer on Byrne and Haydon. Ducati’s Leon Haslam took pole position and won the Audi Quattro Performance Award in the process. Shane Byrne: “I am gutted not to have taken pole position. I think I had the measure of the rest of the field but the rain made sure I didn’t get a chance to show it. On the front row at the top of the hill is pretty good though, so that’s ok. “My Rizla Suzuki is in great shape and I am enjoying riding at my home circuit. I’m at the front, racing in my neck of the woods, and fancy a couple of wins to end the season on a high note.” James Haydon: “On my qualifying lap I made a couple of small mistakes and I really wanted a second attempt at setting a time. I got out of pit lane before the rain started but half-way round the next lap the heavens opened and I had to settle for seventh. “I’m happy with my Rizla Suzuki and we have settled on a tyre for both wet and dry conditions. I am looking forward to the racing and hoping I can run with the leaders and go for the podium.” Niall Mackenzie – Race Operations Manager: “There’s a real excitement and buzz within the team at the moment. We are all encouraged by Shakey’s second place on the grid and his obvious determination to challenge for race wins this weekend. It is all coming together for him. “James is just over half a second away from pole position and has a similar race pace to the front row. We are expecting good things from him in the races.” Qualifying Times: 1: Leon Haslam (Ducati) 1:26.558, 2: Shane Byrne (Rizla Suzuki) +0.062, 3: Michael Rutter (Honda) +0.194, 4: Jonathan Rea (Honda) +0.195, 5: Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) +0.240, 6: Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) +0.353, 7: James Haydon (Rizla Suzuki) +0.674, 8: Karl Harris (Honda) +0.753, 9: Ben Wilson (Suzuki) +1.136, 10: Glen Richards (Honda) +1.179.

Updated Post: Spies Fastest In “Pretty Scary” AMA Superbike Practice Saturday Afternoon At Damp Mid-Ohio

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Yoshimura Suzuki’s Ben Spies turned the fastest time during a 20-minute practice session Saturday afternoon at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, but Spies’ time of 1:29.848 was about four seconds slower than he did during practice Friday due to the track still having damp patches. Overnight and morning rain showers left the Mid-Ohio track wet Saturday morning. As soon as the rain ended, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Mid-Ohio staff started working to dry the 2.4-mile road course. AMA Pro Racing officials, meanwhile, issued a revised schedule, including short warm-ups for Superbike and Formula Xtreme, followed by three Superbike qualifying heat races, the Formula Xtreme race, the Superbike Last Chance Qualifier heat race and Superstock timed qualifying. The revised schedule called for the warm-ups to start at 1:00 p.m. That start time came and went as track staff continued to dry the track, with AMA riders occasionally going out on course in Mid-Ohio vehicles to check on the progress. At 1:15 p.m., Spies’ teammate Mat Mladin inspected the track and said it would take another 60 minutes to dry. At 1:30 p.m., Aaron Yates inspected the track and told AMA Road Race Series Manager Keith Kizer that it would take another 45 minutes to dry the track “at the current rate it’s drying,” he later recalled to Roadracingworld.com. Kizer then informed Yates that they would be sending the Superbikes out in five minutes because, “the motorcycles generate more heat and will dry the line faster than cars,” according to Yates. Shortly after Kizer’s and Yates’ conversation, Superbikes were called out for practice, and at 1:45 p.m. motorcycles began trickling out on a track that had several damp patches. Other than a few inconsequential rain drops and a mechanical failure that sidelined John Haner, the session rain without incident. Spies turned the fastest time on his last lap of the session, then told Roadracingworld.com, “It was pretty scary out there. I lost the front over a damp patch on the back straightaway right when I clicked into sixth gear one time.” “The track’s not dry,” said Mladin, when asked about the session. “If the track’s not dry we can’t race.” “It was a little bit sketchy,” said American Honda’s Jake Zemke. “The track was so cold and green, and my bike was moving around a lot. There was water seeping up out of cracks, and the back straight had some damp spots. And on a Superbike that’s not very fun to see. We’re spinning through there in the dry. It was about the worst conditions you could probably try to ride in.” At the conclusion of the Superbike warm-up, a brief rain shower completely dampened the track again, sending AMA race team scrambling back to their garages and transporters. Even though it took nearly four hours to dry the track for the short Superbike practice Saturday afternoon, Mid-Ohio staff began working to dry the track again at 3:10 p.m. local time. Sunset is forecast for 7:14 p.m. Saturday evening, leaving less than four hours to dry the track and run any events. AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio September 30, 2006 Provisional Practice Times: 1. Ben Spies (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:29.848 2. Mat Mladin (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:30.158 3. Ben Bostrom (Duc 999F06), 1:30.554 4. Cory West (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:31.075 5. Jake Zemke (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:31.227 6. Roger Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:31.562 7. Tommy Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:31.802 8. Neil Hodgson (Duc 999F06), 1:31.995 9. Marty Craggill (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:32.365 10. Matt Lynn (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:32.365 11. Jason Curtis (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:32.373 12. Ben Thompson (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:32.396 13. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:32.491 14. Robertino Pietri (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:33.312 15. Miguel Duhamel (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:33.795 16. Matt McBride (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:34.236 17. Eric Wood (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:34.585 18. Chris Ulrich (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:34.723 19. Jake Holden (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:35.174 20. Michael Sanchez (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:35.332 21. Scott Jensen (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:35.332 22. John Haner (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:37.273 23. Taylor Knapp (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:37.961 24. Jason Pridmore (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:39.041 More, from a press release issued by Parts Unlimited Ducati: BEN BOSTROM THIRD QUICKEST AT WET MID-OHIO Lexington (Ohio) 30 September 2006: In a day marred by rain and track delays, Parts Unlimited Ducati’s Ben Bostrom was third quickest in the only 15 minutes of AMA Superbike track time on Saturday at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Although the scheduled heat races were postponed until Sunday morning, Bostrom and teammate Neil Hodgson managed to get a few laps of practice on their Ducati 999 Superbikes. Bostrom led much of the practice that was delayed by rain and ended as another shower entered the Mansfield, Ohio area. “Those laps were just us testing some front tires, really,” said Bostrom whose best lap was timed at 1:30.554. “We switched tires and that was the end of the session. We learned the track here is slick when it’s cold. I thought it was safe enough to ride until it rained again. I’m looking forward to the race tomorrow but there really isn’t much to comment on today.” Neil Hodgson also lapped during the shortened session. “It was slippery out there for sure, in the few laps we got out there,” said Hodgson who was eighth at 1:31.995. “It started to rain again and that was the end of the session. I like to ride in the wet usually but the AMA won’t race in the rain at this track. We’re looking forward to clear weather tomorrow.” The day will begin with a Superbike warm-up, followed by the three heat races beginning at 10:15 AM local time. The 26-lap AMA Superbike season finale begins at 4:15 PM local time.

AMA Pro Issues Revised Saturday Schedule For Mid-Ohio

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The rain has stopped, a jet blower and a fleet of track vehicles are circulating the track, and AMA Pro has released a revised schedule for today at Mid-Ohio. Saturday, Sept. 30 1:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m., Superbike practice 1:30 p.m.- 1:50 p.m., Formula Xtreme practice 2:15 p.m., Superbike Heat Race 1 (5 laps) 2:40 p.m., Superbike Heat Race 2 (5 laps) 3:05 p.m., Superbike Heat Race 3 (5 laps) 3:45 p.m., Formula Xtreme Race (16 laps) 4:45 p.m., Superbike LCQ Heat Race (5 laps) 5:05 p.m. – 5:25 p.m., Superstock Qualifying Group 1 5:35 p.m. – 5:55 p.m., Superstock Qualifying Group 2

Wet Track Forces Revised Sunday AMA Superbike Schedule At Mid-Ohio

Editorial Note: At 9:05 a.m. local time the track was still wet and practice had not started. AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio October 1 Revised Sunday Schedule, Version II: 8:00am – Noon Registration: Crew, Sponsors & Guests 7:30am Tech Inspection Open 9:00am – 9:20am AMA Sports Practice 9:25am – 9:45am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Practice 9:50am – 10:10am Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice 10:15am – 10:35am Repsol Lubricants Superstock Practice 10:40am – 11:00am Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei Helmets Practice 11:15am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Heat Race 1 (5 laps) 11:40am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Heat Race 2 (5 laps) 12:05pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Heat Race 3 (5 laps) 12:45pm Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Race (60k – 16 laps) 1:15pm – 2:00pm Lunch Break 2:00pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited LCQ Heat Race (5 laps) 2:45pm Repsol Lubricants Superstock Race (60k – 16 laps) 3:30pm AMA Sports Race – 600 Superstock (10 laps) 4:20pm Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei Helmets Race (60k – 16 laps) 5:10pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Race (100k – 26 laps) 6:15pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Consolation Race (60k – 16 laps)

Updated Post: Charpentier Wins World Supersport Race At Imola

FIM Supersport World Championship Imola, Italy October 1, 2006 Race Results: 1. Sebastien CHARPENTIER (Hon CBR600RR), 21 laps, 40:07.972 2. Kenan SOFUOGLU (Hon CBR600RR), -0.406 second 3. Kevin CURTAIN (Yam YZF-R6), -9.627 seconds 4. Gianluca VIZZIELLO (Yam YZF-R6), -13.983 seconds 5. William DE ANGELIS (Hon CBR600RR), -14.390 seconds 6. Broc PARKES (Yam YZF-R6), -16.870 seconds 7. Gianluca NANNELLI (Duc 749R), -18.171 seconds 8. Katsuaki FUJIWARA (Hon CBR600RR), -18.534 seconds 9. Yoann TIBERIO (Hon CBR600RR), -31.522 seconds 10. Massimo ROCCOLI (Yam YZF-R6), -31.561 seconds 11. Johan STIGEFELT (Hon CBR600RR), -32.047 seconds 12. David CHECA (Yam YZF-R6), -36.420 seconds 13. Barry VENEMAN (Suz GSX-R600), -43.105 seconds 14. Stuart EASTON (Duc 749R), -43.674 seconds 15. Chris PERIS (Yam YZF-R6), -47.734 seconds 16. Stephane CHAMBON (Kaw ZX-6RR), -52.288 seconds 17. Christian ZAISER (Duc 749R), -56.674 seconds 18. Tatu LAUSLEHTO (Hon CBR600RR), -65.815 seconds 19. Alessio CORRADI (Yam YZF-R6), -66.452 seconds 20. Joan LASCORZ (Hon CBR600RR), -66.777 seconds Championship Standings (After 11 of 12 races): 1. Curtain, 187 points 2. Charpentier, 169 points 3. Sofuoglu, 137 points 4. Parkes, 129 points 5. Harms, 107 points 6. Roccoli, 96 points 7. Tiberio, 74 points 8. Vizziello, 69 points 9. Stigefelt, 62 points 10. Fores, 49 points 11. Checa, 33 points 12. TIE, Fujiwara/Nannelli/Zaiser, 30 points 15. Anderson, 29 points 16. Sanna, 27 points 17. TIE, Easton/Chambon, 24 points 19. De Angelis, 22 points 20. Brookes, 21 points More, from a press release issued by Winston Ten Kate Honda: CHARPENTIER AND SOFUOGLU PEERLESS AT IMOLA A superb display of formation flying from Sebastien Charpentier (Winston Ten Kate Honda) and Kenan Sofuoglu (Winston Ten Kate Honda) gave them the best result possible, with Charpentier’s win keeping his championship hopes very much alive and Sofuoglu’s second moving him up to third in the overall classification. Sofuoglu was the long-term leader, until Charpentier passed with seven laps to go, and other than a short excursion across the Variante Alta for Sofuoglu with just a handful of laps left, the race continued to a conclusion without major incident. A slow-starting Charpentier took the new lap record of 1’53.388 on lap five, as he first caught and then passed Curtain, who eventually finished a lonely third. After the Imola points had been awarded, Curtain now leads Charpentier by 18 points, 187 to 169, with Sofuoglu third on 137. One race remains, at Magny Cours next weekend, on Charpentier’s home track. Ronald Ten Kate – Team Manager “We had the best possible result today in Supersport and after practice we knew that we would be strong in the race. But you still have to go out and do it, so compliments to the riders who have made such a good job. Kenan made a good start and pulled quite a gap, so Sebastien had to make up a lot of ground to him and they were about on the same pace, with Kenan realising that it was not only about the race but our chance for the championship. So he didn’t make it too hard for Sebastien to pass, and he didn’t fight for his position. I am happy that we can go to Magny Cours still fighting for the championship. Today we helped to take the Manufacturers’ Championship for Honda for the fourth year in a row, so I am happy for this. Now we go to Magny Cours and hope that we can make a result like this again. Then we have shown that even with the new bike coming, the old bike was – like I used to say – not so bad!” Sebastien Charpentier – Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (First Position 2nd in the world championship with 169 points) “I am happy, because after the German race it was not easy for me in my head. Now, for sure, the victory was perfect for me, and my team, and Honda. This was very important for the championship, because the last race is in Magny Cours, in France, and I hope to win again. The package of our bike and the choice of tyres were good today and my team-mate was very good today. After my crash in Brno it was not easy, even if my hand was not completely perfect today, because I hurt it in Germany. The start was not ideal for me, but I closed the gap step-by-step. Robbin Harms crashed in front of me and it would have been easy to hit him or make a mistake. I have to say thanks to everyone for the good weekend we have enjoyed here. Sometimes it is not so easy, like after Germany, but thanks to everyone, the team and my family, for the good support.” Kenan Sofuoglu – Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (2nd position 3rd in the world championship with 137 points) “Of course I am really happy with this race, and with Sebastien and I finishing first and second. Sebastien was trying for the championship so I did not really try too hard – but Sebastien was already riding really fast anyway. We had good bikes and good set-up. I hope in Magny-Cours we can win the championship and I can be on the podium too. We will keep working hard and looking to next week.”

Barros Wins, Bayliss Cruises To Clinch Superbike World Championship In Race One At Imola

FIM Superbike World Championship Imola, Italy October 1, 2006 Race Two Results: 1. Alex BARROS (Hon CBR1000RR), 21 laps, 39:00.096 2. James TOSELAND (Hon CBR1000RR), -4.351 seconds 3. Andrew PITT (Yam YZF-R1), -6.809 seconds 4. Noriyuki HAGA (Yam YZF-R1), -11.179 seconds 5. Troy BAYLISS (Duc 999F06), -11.537 seconds 6. Lorenzo LANZI (Duc 999F06), -20.974 seconds 7. Fonsi NIETO (Kaw ZX-10R), -23.055 seconds 8. Karl MUGGERIDGE (Hon CBR1000RR), -23.747 seconds 9. Norick ABE (Yam YZF-R1), -27.289 seconds 10. Regis LACONI (Kaw ZX-10R), -29.160 seconds 11. Shinichi NAKATOMI (Yam YZF-R1), -30.792 seconds 12. Chris WALKER (Kaw ZX-10R), -32.104 seconds 13. Ivan CLEMENTI (Duc 999RS), -38.537 seconds 14. Roberto ROLFO (Duc 999F05), -45.410 seconds 15. Josh BROOKES (Kaw ZX-10R), -48.494 seconds 16. Pierfrancesco CHILI (Hon CBR1000RR), -48.656 seconds 17. Craig JONES (Foggy Petronas FP1), -60.950 seconds 18. Walter BARTOLINI (Duc 999RS), -79.707 seconds 19. Nicola BRIGNOLA (Duc 999RS), -5 laps, DNF, mechanical 20. Michel FABRIZIO (Hon CBR1000RR), -12 laps, DNF, mechanical 21. Troy CORSER (Suz GSX-R1000), -14 laps, DNF, mechanical 22. Kurtis ROBERTS (Duc 999RS), -15 laps, DNF, mechanical 23. Sebastien GIMBERT (Yam YZF-R1), -17 laps, DNF, mechanical 24. Marco BORCIANI (Duc 999F05), -17 laps, DNF, mechanical 25. Vitorrio IANNUZZO (Suz GSX-R1000), -18 laps, DNF, mechanical 26. Ruben XAUS (Duc 999F05), -19 laps, DNF, crash 27. Steve MARTIN (Foggy Petronas FP1), -19 laps, DNF, mechanical 28. Ivan GOI (Hon CBR1000RR), -21 laps, DNF, mechanical 29. Max NEUKIRCHNER (Suz GSX-R1000), -21 laps, DNF, crash 30. Yukio KAGAYAMA (Suz GSX-R1000), -21 laps, DNF, crash Superbike World Championship Point Standings (After 19 of 24 races): 1. Bayliss, 368 points 2. Toseland, 284 points 3. Haga, 283 points 4. Pitt, 226 points 5. TIE, Corser/Barros, 211 points 7. Kagayama, 177 points 8. Lanzi, 143 points 9. Walker, 138 points 10. Nieto, 136 points 11. Fabrizio, 117 points 12. Muggeridge, 105 points 13. Xaus, 103 points 14. Abe, 100 points 15. Laconi, 90 points 16. Rolfo, 66 points 17. Nakatomi, 38 points 18. Neukirchner, 22 points 19. TIE, Martin/Fabien Foret, 19 points

October 2006

MotoGP Leader Nicky Hayden Mid-Season: It’s All Good A Race In The Life Of Kenny Lee Roberts MotoGP Mutterings: Mick Doohan, Bar Brawler Press Intro: Michelin Pilot Power 2CT Suspension Secrets From MotoGP Bob And Jeff Tigert: Racing Across Two Generations Grand Prix History: How The FIM Crushed A Rider Strike Ed Tech: A Mechanic Looks At Exotic Racebikes Cribs: John Hopkins In England MotoGP At Brno: Capirossi Wins, Hayden Falters AMA At Mid-Ohio: Spies Sweeps AMA At VIR: Spies Injured, Mladin Wins World Superbike At Brands Hatch: Bayliss, Haga Each Win ASRA At Barber: Wood Wins, Takes Championship WERA National Endurance At Summit Point WERA National Challenge At Summit Point CMRA At Hallet AHRMA At Mid-Ohio CCS At Barber Letters To The Editor Inside Info 10 Years Ago The Little Motorcycle Lidz: Josh Herrin MotoGP Trivia Elena Myers: Girl Racer New Products Review: Laguna Seca On Network TV Ask Ed Racing Schools & Track Days Road Racing & School Calendar Guide To Road Racing Organizations Jamie Hacking: Hacker! ASRA/CCS Newsletter Moto-ST Newsletter The Crash Page High-Performance Parts & Services Directory Want Ads Numbers Advertisers Index And Directory Chris Ulrich: Adventures Of A Racer On The Front Cover: Newly crowned 2006 AMA Supersport Champion and Roadracing World columnist Jamie Hacking (2) at VIR. Photo by Andrew Wheeler. (Inset) Marco Simoncelli (58) demonstrates the theme of this month’s Crash Page, losing the front. Photo by DPPI.

AMA Superbike At Mid-Ohio: Revised Sunday Schedule Released

AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio October 1 Tentative Event Schedule: 8:00am – Noon Registration: Crew, Sponsors & Guests 7:30am Tech Inspection Open 8:00am – 8:20am AMA Sports Practice 8:25am – 8:45am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Practice 8:50am – 9:10am Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Practice 9:15am – 9:35am Repsol Lubricants Superstock Practice 9:40am – 10:00am Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei Helmets Practice 10:15am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Heat Race 1 (5 laps) 10:40am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Heat Race 2 (5 laps) 11:05am AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Heat Race 3 (5 laps) 11:45am Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Race (60k – 16 laps) 12:15pm – 1:00pm Lunch Break 1:00pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited LCQ Heat Race (5 laps) 1:45pm Repsol Lubricants Superstock Race (60k – 16 laps) 2:30pm AMA Sports Race – 600 Superstock (10 laps) 3:20pm Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei Helmets Race (60k – 16 laps) 4:10pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Race (100k – 26 laps) 5:15pm AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited Consolation Race (60k – 16 laps)

Saturday Ends With Multiple Crashes, Injury As AMA Runs Qualifying Into Rain Storm At Mid-Ohio

A difficult day of waiting out off-and-on rain at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course ended Saturday evening with AMA Pro Racing running a Superstock qualifying session into a downpour, resulting in a multi-bike crash and one serious injury. Following a short break after the Formula Xtreme warm-up session Saturday afternoon, the Superstock class was sent out on track for a combined, 30-minute qualifying session. AMA Pro Racing officials, meanwhile, were keeping one eye on weather radar as a storm front approached the track. Five minutes into the session, the rain showers arrived and suddenly let loose in turn one. Millennium KWS Suzuki’s Matt Lynn hit the suddenly-wet turn one first, lost traction and ran off the track, nearly crashing in the already-wet grass. Team Roadracingworld.com Suzuki’s Robertino Pietri came into turn one next and crashed instantly. “Everything was OK, then suddenly big time rain,” said Pietri, a Venezuelan. “I was going into turn one and big rain. I just lost the front quick.” An instant behind Pietri, Corona Extra Suzuki’s Gary Mason lost control of his slick-tired GSX-R1000 on the wet track in turn one. “I had just entered turn one, hit the brakes and it was raining so hard,” said Mason, a veteran of the British Superbike Championship. “I was like, ‘Yes, I saved it! Sh-t! I’m on the grass, and that wall is coming up really fast.’ I bailed out. I pulled the chute and got off. I’m on the ground trying to crawl away and a Kawasaki comes flying in.” Mason was followed into the impact zone by Attack Kawasaki’s Damon Buckmaster. Buckmaster was unavailable for comment because he was transported to a local hospital to have an injury to his right wrist X-rayed. Mason said Buckmaster appeared to be in quite a bit of pain. “When you’re riding 140 mph on slick tires, you’re on your ass as soon as it starts raining,” added Mason. “They knew that rain was coming. Why didn’t they just call it a day? I see their side of it. They have to put a show on for the fans, but sh-t, man! That’s dangerous.” Mason’s teammate Michael Sanchez also crashed, in turn 13, and Graves Yamaha’s Eric Bostrom and Yoshimura Suzuki’s Aaron Yates lost traction and rode off the track when the rain hit. The Superstock qualifying session was not restarted. AMA Pro Racing is expected to release a revised schedule of events for Sunday shortly.

Updated Post: Barnes Fastest In AMA Formula Xtreme Warm-up Late Saturday Afternoon At Mid-Ohio

Lockhart Phillips USA AMA Formula Xtreme Championship Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio September 30 Provisional Practice Times (start time 5:10 p.m., end time 5:30 p.m.): 1. Michael Barnes (Suz GSX-R600), 1:30.358 2. Jason DiSalvo (Yam YZF-R6), 1:30.363 3. Aaron Gobert (Hon CBR600RR), 1:30.989 4. Eric Bostrom (Yam YZF-R6), 1:31.245 5. Josh Hayes (Hon CBR600RR), 1:31.531 6. Chaz Davies (Yam YZF-R6), 1:32.334 7. Danny Eslick (Suz GSX-R600), 1:32.569 8. Michael Beck (Yam YZF-R6), 1:32.754 9. Jeremy McWilliams (Buell XB-RR), 1:33.018 10. Blake Young (Suz GSX-R600), 1:33.301 11. Ty Howard (Hon CBR600RR), 1:33.406 12. Ryan Andrews (Hon CBR600RR), 1:33.469 13. Ryan Elleby (Hon CBR600RR), 1:33.581 14. Garrett Carter (Yam YZF-R6), 1:33.858 15. Eric Wood (Hon CBR600RR), 1:34.592 16. Armando Ferrer (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:35.414 17. Brian Hall (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:36.766 18. Jason McCluskey (Yam YZF-R6), 1:36.908 19. Hawk Mazzotta (Yam YZF-R6), 1:37.476 20. Johnny Rock Page (Yam YZF-R6), 1:37.602 More, from a press release issued by Team M4 EMGO Suzuki: BARNES SHINES AS RAIN INTERRUPTS RACING AT MID-OHIO Saturday was a long and frustrating day at Mid-Ohio for Team M4 EMGO Suzuki with multiple rainstorms interrupting the action. Recurring rainfall in the area forced a number of long waits for a dry track and there were only fleeting moments of on-track activity. However, in one brief appearance beforea third shower prematurely ended the day, Michael Barnes put on an impressive performance. ‘Barney’ topped the charts in the 20-minute afternoon Formula Xtreme practice, the only time Team M4 EMGO Suzuki circulated the Mid-Ohio racecourse on Saturday. The Floridian registered a 1:30.358 aboard his Pirelli-shod GSX-R600 to set the pace. Better weather is expected for what’s promising to be an extremely busy Sunday to conclude the 2006 AMA season. Barnes and May will qualify in morning (Barnes in Supersport and May in Supersport and Superstock) before the squad turns their attention to a trio of races to round out the year. Barnes will first take on the Formula Xtreme contest and then May will race his GSX-R1000 in Superstock. Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s final race will be in the Supersport class, where May and Barnes have taken two consecutive 2-3 finishes and stood 1-2 in Friday’s opening practice this weekend.

Haslam On Pole Position For British Superbike Finale At Brands Hatch

Rizla Suzuki’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne was challenging for pole position at the 13th round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch when rain interrupted qualifying and left him frustrated in second place. Riding in front of his home fans, Byrne was in provisional pole for much of the 50-minute session. His lap time was bettered with 15-minutes remaining and before he could get out of the garage for another lap the rain started to fall, scuppering his chances of going any faster. Team mate James Haydon only managed one qualifying lap before the wet weather closed in, but he was content to end up in a strong starting position of seventh on the second row. John Hopkins from Rizla Suzuki’s MotoGP team completed a brace of demonstration laps on his GSV-R at the 2.60-mile long circuit. He will return on race day for another 10-minute display before joining the Rizla Suzuki Superbike team to cheer on Byrne and Haydon. Ducati’s Leon Haslam took pole position and won the Audi Quattro Performance Award in the process. Shane Byrne: “I am gutted not to have taken pole position. I think I had the measure of the rest of the field but the rain made sure I didn’t get a chance to show it. On the front row at the top of the hill is pretty good though, so that’s ok. “My Rizla Suzuki is in great shape and I am enjoying riding at my home circuit. I’m at the front, racing in my neck of the woods, and fancy a couple of wins to end the season on a high note.” James Haydon: “On my qualifying lap I made a couple of small mistakes and I really wanted a second attempt at setting a time. I got out of pit lane before the rain started but half-way round the next lap the heavens opened and I had to settle for seventh. “I’m happy with my Rizla Suzuki and we have settled on a tyre for both wet and dry conditions. I am looking forward to the racing and hoping I can run with the leaders and go for the podium.” Niall Mackenzie – Race Operations Manager: “There’s a real excitement and buzz within the team at the moment. We are all encouraged by Shakey’s second place on the grid and his obvious determination to challenge for race wins this weekend. It is all coming together for him. “James is just over half a second away from pole position and has a similar race pace to the front row. We are expecting good things from him in the races.” Qualifying Times: 1: Leon Haslam (Ducati) 1:26.558, 2: Shane Byrne (Rizla Suzuki) +0.062, 3: Michael Rutter (Honda) +0.194, 4: Jonathan Rea (Honda) +0.195, 5: Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) +0.240, 6: Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) +0.353, 7: James Haydon (Rizla Suzuki) +0.674, 8: Karl Harris (Honda) +0.753, 9: Ben Wilson (Suzuki) +1.136, 10: Glen Richards (Honda) +1.179.

Updated Post: Spies Fastest In “Pretty Scary” AMA Superbike Practice Saturday Afternoon At Damp Mid-Ohio

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Ben Spies turned the fastest time during a 20-minute practice session Saturday afternoon at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, but Spies’ time of 1:29.848 was about four seconds slower than he did during practice Friday due to the track still having damp patches. Overnight and morning rain showers left the Mid-Ohio track wet Saturday morning. As soon as the rain ended, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Mid-Ohio staff started working to dry the 2.4-mile road course. AMA Pro Racing officials, meanwhile, issued a revised schedule, including short warm-ups for Superbike and Formula Xtreme, followed by three Superbike qualifying heat races, the Formula Xtreme race, the Superbike Last Chance Qualifier heat race and Superstock timed qualifying. The revised schedule called for the warm-ups to start at 1:00 p.m. That start time came and went as track staff continued to dry the track, with AMA riders occasionally going out on course in Mid-Ohio vehicles to check on the progress. At 1:15 p.m., Spies’ teammate Mat Mladin inspected the track and said it would take another 60 minutes to dry. At 1:30 p.m., Aaron Yates inspected the track and told AMA Road Race Series Manager Keith Kizer that it would take another 45 minutes to dry the track “at the current rate it’s drying,” he later recalled to Roadracingworld.com. Kizer then informed Yates that they would be sending the Superbikes out in five minutes because, “the motorcycles generate more heat and will dry the line faster than cars,” according to Yates. Shortly after Kizer’s and Yates’ conversation, Superbikes were called out for practice, and at 1:45 p.m. motorcycles began trickling out on a track that had several damp patches. Other than a few inconsequential rain drops and a mechanical failure that sidelined John Haner, the session rain without incident. Spies turned the fastest time on his last lap of the session, then told Roadracingworld.com, “It was pretty scary out there. I lost the front over a damp patch on the back straightaway right when I clicked into sixth gear one time.” “The track’s not dry,” said Mladin, when asked about the session. “If the track’s not dry we can’t race.” “It was a little bit sketchy,” said American Honda’s Jake Zemke. “The track was so cold and green, and my bike was moving around a lot. There was water seeping up out of cracks, and the back straight had some damp spots. And on a Superbike that’s not very fun to see. We’re spinning through there in the dry. It was about the worst conditions you could probably try to ride in.” At the conclusion of the Superbike warm-up, a brief rain shower completely dampened the track again, sending AMA race team scrambling back to their garages and transporters. Even though it took nearly four hours to dry the track for the short Superbike practice Saturday afternoon, Mid-Ohio staff began working to dry the track again at 3:10 p.m. local time. Sunset is forecast for 7:14 p.m. Saturday evening, leaving less than four hours to dry the track and run any events. AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio September 30, 2006 Provisional Practice Times: 1. Ben Spies (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:29.848 2. Mat Mladin (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:30.158 3. Ben Bostrom (Duc 999F06), 1:30.554 4. Cory West (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:31.075 5. Jake Zemke (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:31.227 6. Roger Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:31.562 7. Tommy Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:31.802 8. Neil Hodgson (Duc 999F06), 1:31.995 9. Marty Craggill (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:32.365 10. Matt Lynn (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:32.365 11. Jason Curtis (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:32.373 12. Ben Thompson (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:32.396 13. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:32.491 14. Robertino Pietri (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:33.312 15. Miguel Duhamel (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:33.795 16. Matt McBride (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:34.236 17. Eric Wood (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:34.585 18. Chris Ulrich (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:34.723 19. Jake Holden (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:35.174 20. Michael Sanchez (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:35.332 21. Scott Jensen (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:35.332 22. John Haner (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:37.273 23. Taylor Knapp (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:37.961 24. Jason Pridmore (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:39.041 More, from a press release issued by Parts Unlimited Ducati: BEN BOSTROM THIRD QUICKEST AT WET MID-OHIO Lexington (Ohio) 30 September 2006: In a day marred by rain and track delays, Parts Unlimited Ducati’s Ben Bostrom was third quickest in the only 15 minutes of AMA Superbike track time on Saturday at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Although the scheduled heat races were postponed until Sunday morning, Bostrom and teammate Neil Hodgson managed to get a few laps of practice on their Ducati 999 Superbikes. Bostrom led much of the practice that was delayed by rain and ended as another shower entered the Mansfield, Ohio area. “Those laps were just us testing some front tires, really,” said Bostrom whose best lap was timed at 1:30.554. “We switched tires and that was the end of the session. We learned the track here is slick when it’s cold. I thought it was safe enough to ride until it rained again. I’m looking forward to the race tomorrow but there really isn’t much to comment on today.” Neil Hodgson also lapped during the shortened session. “It was slippery out there for sure, in the few laps we got out there,” said Hodgson who was eighth at 1:31.995. “It started to rain again and that was the end of the session. I like to ride in the wet usually but the AMA won’t race in the rain at this track. We’re looking forward to clear weather tomorrow.” The day will begin with a Superbike warm-up, followed by the three heat races beginning at 10:15 AM local time. The 26-lap AMA Superbike season finale begins at 4:15 PM local time.

AMA Pro Issues Revised Saturday Schedule For Mid-Ohio

The rain has stopped, a jet blower and a fleet of track vehicles are circulating the track, and AMA Pro has released a revised schedule for today at Mid-Ohio. Saturday, Sept. 30 1:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m., Superbike practice 1:30 p.m.- 1:50 p.m., Formula Xtreme practice 2:15 p.m., Superbike Heat Race 1 (5 laps) 2:40 p.m., Superbike Heat Race 2 (5 laps) 3:05 p.m., Superbike Heat Race 3 (5 laps) 3:45 p.m., Formula Xtreme Race (16 laps) 4:45 p.m., Superbike LCQ Heat Race (5 laps) 5:05 p.m. – 5:25 p.m., Superstock Qualifying Group 1 5:35 p.m. – 5:55 p.m., Superstock Qualifying Group 2