FIM Superbike World Championship Imola, Italy September 30, 2006 Superpole Results: 1. Troy BAYLISS (Duc 999F06), 1:48.804 2. James TOSELAND (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:49.394 3. Andrew PITT (Yam YZF-R1), 1:49.433 4. Troy CORSER (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:49.442 5. Yukio KAGAYAMA (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:49.497 6. Max NEUKIRCHNER (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:49.840 7. Noriyuki HAGA (Yam YZF-R1), 1:49.856 8. Alex BARROS (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:49.888 9. Ruben XAUS (Duc 999F05), 1:49.958 10. Lorenzo LANZI (Duc 999F06), 1:50.081 11. Michel FABRIZIO (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:50.362 12. Ivan CLEMENTI (Duc 999RS), 1:50.737 13. Karl MUGGERIDGE (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:50.892 14. Regis LACONI (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:50.963 15. Norick ABE (Yam YZF-R1), 1:51.147 16. Vitorrio IANNUZZO (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:51.306 More, from a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing: Frustration for Foggy PETRONAS Racing at Imola Steve Martin was denied a chance to challenge for a Superpole slot through a frustrating chain of events in the closing stages of the second qualifying session at Imola. Lying just 0.05 seconds outside the top 16 and having saved the softest rear tyre until last, the session was stopped with 1:53 seconds remaining when a rider crashed and deposited oil on the circuit. With his Foggy PETRONAS Racing crew preparing to send him out to try and complete a lap within that time from a standing start, the session was brought to a premature end, leaving Steve heading the fifth row for tomorrow’s 11th round races. Team-mate Craig Jones made further progress in morning qualifying, reducing his best lap time by another half a second despite an engine failure, and will start from 28th on the grid. Both riders used the afternoon free practice to further evaluate potential race tyres, finishing the session 18th and 28th respectively, while champion-elect Troy Bayliss claimed pole position in the Superpole shoot-out. Steve said: “To miss out on Superpole by 0.05 seconds was a bit of a disappointment, especially as I was out on the circuit on a new tyre with the chance to improve my time when the session was stopped. But I do not think it puts us at too much of a disadvantage because you finish the race where you are going to finish. We worked really hard in the afternoon with a full tank, our race times have come down and we look like we can lap in the 51s. At that pace, and with a bit of luck, we can challenge for points tomorrow” Craig said: “I made more progress in the morning but in the afternoon I tried a different tyre which I wasn’t as keen on. I used the afternoon to learn more and I was looking for people, like Fabrizio and Chili who know the circuit, to follow. I just need more laps here as the track is still new to me but I think I will be able to go quicker in the race. Obviously I would like to be further up the standings but I don’t think my times are too bad, so I am not too disappointed.” More, from a press release issued by FGSport Group: BAYLISS SECURES POLE ON DUCATI’S HOME GROUND – PRE-RACE BOOST FOR CHAMPION ELECT BAYLISS Having finished pre-Superpole qualifying only sixth fastest, runaway championship leader Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) pulled out a remarkable new track record of 1’48.805 to secure the pole position starting place for Sunday’s 21-lap Superbike races. His irresistible pace in Superpole put him some 0.590 seconds ahead of second placed rider James Toseland, who also ducked under his personal best to score a 1’49.394 and take second place on the front row. The front row four will be completed by Aussie duo Andrew Pitt (Yamaha Motor Italia) and 2005 champion, Troy Corser (Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra). The front row also features four different manufacturers on the front row. KAGAYAMA GOES FROM FASTEST TO FIFTH Yukio Kagayama (Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) was the fastest rider in regulation pre-Superpole qualifying, and despite taking risks during his Superpole lap; he dropped to the front spot on the second row after Superpole. Arguably the star of the entire Superpole show was Max Neukirchner (Alstare Engineering Suzuki) who rode his heart out to go from an already impressive ninth in regulation to sixth. In overall second in the championship chase, Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha Motor Italia) went seventh in Superpole. A fully competitive rider throughout his SBK Imola debut was Alex Barros (Klaffi Honda) but he could only score eighth after the lone duelling session of Superpole, taking the final place on the second row. XAUS IN THE VANGUARD AT ONE OF HIS FAVOURITE CIRCUITS Privateer Ducati rider Ruben Xaus (Sterilgarda Berik) is a three time winner at Imola, and despite the lack of factory horsepower, or sophisticated electronics, he was a force all through practice and set ninth fastest time in Superpole – largely thanks to a small error in the modified Variante Alta. Lorenzo Lanzi (Ducati Xerox) was cheered all the way into the top ten by a partisan local crowd, outperforming another Italian rider, Michel Fabrizio (DFX Treme Honda) to take tenth. Another Italian ace, Ivan Clementi (Tem Pedercini Ducati) rounded out the top three rows in 12th place, on an even more venerable Ducati than that of Xaus. LACONI MYSTIFIED AT FOURTH ROW START Having scored three previous race wins at Imola, PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse rider Regis Laconi was dismayed to find himself so far down the regular qualifying, and eventually the Superpole order. Last rider to qualify for Superpole, Laconi was 14th fastest after Superpole, behind Karl Muggeridge (Winston Ten Kate Honda) who was himself recovering from a slow crash, just before the start of Superpole. Norick Abe (Yamaha Motor France Ipone) and Vittorio Iannuzzo (Celani Suzuki) rounded out the top Superpole 16. MARTIN JUST MISSES SUPERPOLE BY A WHISKER Losing out on the up sections during Imola’s frequent changes of elevation, Steve Martin (Petronas FP-1) scored 17th place on the grid, helping demonstrate how difficult a qualifying task it was for both Fonsi Nieto (Kawasaki PSG-1 Corse) 18th and Chris Walker (PSG-1 Kawasaki Corse) at Imola. Kurtis Roberts was an ever-improving 20th on the second Pedercini Ducati, ahead of Josh Brookes (Kawasaki Bertocchi), who had suffered a heavy fall earlier in the day. Pierfrancesco Chili (DFX Treme Honda) was subdued in Superpole, scoring only 26th place. SUPERSPORT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP A fabulous battle of wills between team-mates Sebastien Charpentier (Winston Ten Kate Honda) and Kenan Sofuoglu (Winston Ten Kate Honda) characterized the second and final WSS qualifying session at Imola, with the 2005 champion Charpentier easing to a new track best of 1’52.245, with Sofuoglu only 0.269 behind. Third fastest was another Honda rider, Katsuaki Fujiwara (Megabike Honda), with championship leader Kevin Curtain (Yamaha Motor Germany) fourth quickest, and starting from the front row on Sunday. Top Ducati rider was local man Gianluca Nannelli (SC Caracchi Ducati), fifth quickest. SUPERSTOCK 1000 FIM CUP Luca Scassa (EVR Corse Ormeni MV Agusta) took pole for Sunday’s 1000cc Superstock race thanks to his time from first qualifying, 1’54.074. Ilario Dionisi (Unionbike Gi Motorsport MV Agusta) leapfrogged Friday’s second quickest rider Brendan Roberts (HP Racing Suzuki) to take second on the grid. Claudio Corti (Yamaha Team Italia) was fourth, while championship leader Alessandro Polita (Celani Suzuki) went seventh. SUPERSTOCK 600 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP With Niccolo Canepa (Ducati Xerox) out of the race the field was left open for Xavier Simeon (Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra) to take the crown at Imola and he duly did so – but not without some nervous moments. He made a hard pass on eventual race winner Davide Giugliano (Lightspeed Kawasaki) early in the nine-lap race, but ran on into the final chicane, simultaneously losing the chance of another victory, and gifting full points to the following Giugliano. Sylvain Barrier (Moto1 Yamaha) scored a fine third place in the Imola race. With one race remaining, Simeon now has 196 points, Canepa an unchanged 151 and Giugliano 145. More, from a press release issued by Team Klaffi Honda: Barros in eight on the grid Alex Barros (Team Klaffi Honda) secured eight spot on the grid in todays Superpole qualifying at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola. Barros went into Superpole from fifth position after the second qualifying. Alex Barros: “I made a mistake in my Superpole lap, missed three corners in a row going through the Aque Minerale. I think a time about 1:49,4 was possible for me. That would have put me in up to fourth or fifth. Our race-setup and my pace under racing conditions are quite promising. Tomorrow will try to get two good starts and be with the leaders as soon as possible, without letting anybody to escape.” Klaus Klaffenböck, Team Manager: “Let us say we got away with a blue eye today. Alex had a few mistakes on his lap. Honestly I expected a bit more after the good performance in the qualifying practices. A good start will be crucial for Alex tomorrow, than he is be able to stay with the leading group.” More, from a press release issued by Winston Ten Kate Honda: SECOND IN SUPERPOLE FOR ON-FORM TOSELAND James Toseland (Winston Ten Kate Honda) scored second in an intense Superpole competition at a warm and dry Imola, having secured his best lap time of the weekend with a 1’49.394. Superpole was taken by championship leader Troy Bayliss, with a blitzing 1’48.804, with Andrew Pitt and Troy Corser now also on the front row of the grid thanks to their Superpole performances. James’ immediate championship rival, Noriyuki Haga, was seventh fastest, and starts from row two. In 13th place Karl Muggeridge (Winston Ten Kate Honda) will now start from the fourth row of the grid for Sunday’s 21-lap Superbike races, after not setting a Superpole lap as fast as his best time from the opening day of qualifying. Sliding off his machine shortly before Superpole began restricted Muggeridge’s speed in Superpole, but he his confident in his race pace for Sunday’s competition. Ronald Ten Kate Team Manager “Good for James to be on the front row and I would say his time was quite good. I never expected that anyone would go into the 1’48s, to be honest. On race tyres we are pretty consistent; we have shown that in all the sessions so far. With raceday to come James always has a little extra to bring, so we are looking forward to the races, which should be very good around here, and all the top guys are up there. Karl I feel sorry for a bit, because crashing out before Superpole does not boost your confidence so he’ll have to put up a fight tomorrow to show what we all know – that he is worth more than his Superpole starting position. We have some work to do in the garage tonight with the electronics package, because finally we have time to do it, now that the chassis set-up is basically OK. We need to fine tune the electronics system and that should bring us quite a bit for tomorrow’s races as well.” James Toseland Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (2nd Position Superpole lap time 1’49.394) “My Superpole lap was good but I saw Troy’s lap before I went out and that was pretty good also, so he deserves a round of applause for that one – going from a 50.2 to a ‘48.8! But we’ve been good all weekend, top three all weekend, and I put a good consistent lap together to get a front row start. That was important because there is hardly a straight in a straight line here, it’s all braking on angles and braking into corners, then it’s straight into the next one, so it will be tough to pass. It will be tough to win tomorrow over the full race distance but it is possible – and I will be going for it. I want to finish off the season strong.” Karl Muggeridge Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (13th Position Superpole lap time 1’50.892) “Due to fall I had in the last session, I wasn’t confident enough to push the bike the way I would normally do in Superpole. I could have done better without the crash but I will have warm-up tomorrow to set the bike up the way I want it again, to be competitive in the race.” More, from a press release issued by Team Alstare Engineering Corona Extra: SUPER SIXTH FOR MAX! Team Alstare Engineering Corona Extra rider Max Neukirchner embarrassed many of the top factory riders at Imola today by posting the sixth fastest lap in Superpole. The German led the charge for over half of the 16-rider Superpole shoot-out and was only beaten by determined rides from the leading contenders. Troy Bayliss (Ducati) took Superpole with a tremendous lap of 1:48.804 – the only rider to dip into the 1:48s. Second was James Toseland (Honda) with Andrew Pitt (Yamaha) third and then Max’s fellow Alstare riders Troy Corser and Yukio Kagayama fourth and fifth respectively. MAX – 6th, 1:49.840 I am very happy with my Superpole lap, even though I made a little mistake during it. But sixth is pretty good considering everything and it’s a sign that I am getting to understand the Alstare Engineering bike more and more. Unfortunately I had a bit of a crash in the afternoon practice and although I was OK, the bike was pretty badly damaged. I’m afraid I gave my mechanics a lot of work to do. Sixth was good today, but what’s important is tomorrow. I need a couple of good starts and be strong throughout the two races. If I can do that, I can look forward to a couple of good finishes. More, from a press release issued by Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra: FRONT ROW FOR TROY. Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Troy Corser set the fourth fastest time in Superpole today and will start tomorrow’s eleventh round of the 2006 Superbike World Championship from the front row of the grid. His team mate Yukio Kagayama is just behind, in fifth place, and both are determined to get podiums in tomorrow’s pair of 21 lap races. Series leader Troy Bayliss (Ducati) took Superpole with a lap of 1:48.804, the fastest he has been all weekend, with James Toseland (Honda) second and Andrew Pitt (Yamaha) third. It was a also a good day for Alstare Engineering Corona Extra rider Max Neukirchner. The young German rode a superb Superpole and posted the sixth quickest lap of the 16-rider shoot-out, ahead of many of the top factory riders. TROY – 4th, 1:49.442 I’m pretty happy I am on the front row and that’s important here at Imola because there are not that many passing places. Taking Superpole was a possibility, but when the rear of the bike started moving around like it did, it was hard to go faster then Bayliss. But, I’m satisfied with my bike set-up on race tyres and we’ll have to see how it goes tomorrow. I hope that I will not be involved in a big fight at the start of the race because I want to conserve my tyres a little for the end of the race. When it’s hotter, our tyres don’t seem to work as well, so I’d prefer cooler conditions than today. YUKIO – 5th, 1:49.497 I am sort of happy with the set-up of my bike for the race, but a lot will depend on how hot it is tomorrow. For me, the tyres do not work the same way in hot conditions as cool conditions, so the end of the race is going to be very interesting if it is as hot as it was this afternoon. I am bit disappointed with my Superpole lap. I tried very hard and I really wanted a front row place. So now I need two good starts and for me usually that is not a big problem. I want two podiums tomorrow and I will try my best to get them. More, from a press release issued by Xerox Ducati: BAYLISS (DUCATI XEROX) SETS BLISTERING LAP TO TAKE SUPERPOLE FOR IMOLA WORLD SUPERBIKE ROUND Imola (Italy), Saturday 30th September: Troy Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) set a blistering lap of 1 minute 48.804 seconds in Superpole for tomorrow’s Italian Round of the World Superbike Championship at Imola. The 37 year-old Australian, only sixth after the two qualifying sessions, knocked more than a second off his performance to take his fifth Superpole of the year and the twelfth in his career, outrunning second-placed James Toseland (Honda) by almost six-tenths of a second. “We put a good lap together in Superpole but Imola is a really difficult track” declared Troy. “It’s very technical and has a strange surface so we’ve been working hard with the bike to make it do what I want and honestly it took until the last session to find what we’re looking for. Right at the end of the session, we found it and straightaway I just felt comfortable on the bike. I knew I was going to do a good lap anyway but wasn’t sure about a 1m48. Now I’m really confident and I’ve done a lot of laps on the race tyre. The situation I’m in right now in the championship, I’m really happy with pole. We’ll wait and see how it all goes tomorrow but it’ll be interesting for sure”. Lorenzo Lanzi looked much more confident in the one-lap Superpole session as he recorded his quickest time this weekend but it was only good enough for tenth place on the third row of the grid. “My lap in Superpole was not bad but it could have been better”, commented Lorenzo. “It was my best lap of the weekend but it wasn’t enough. Pity, because it means I start from the third row. However after my long-run in the afternoon session I am quite happy with the pace on my race tyre. I aim on getting a good start because at Imola it’s not easy to overtake”. More, from a press release issued by Scuderia SC Caracchi: Frustrating day for Roberto Rolfo in Superbike: the rider from Turin has been also unlucky when something entered into the braking system and Roby got some difficult, then when the problem has been solve and he started for a fast lap, the practice ended for red flag. “Actually we had no luck.” commented Roberto Rolfo at the end of qualifying practice. “Today the bike performed better, but I had a strange feeling with the brakes. I joined the pit for a control and the braking system looked to be OK, but I had once more the same problem. When we found the solution we lost a lot of time, I started for a fast lap and the red flag stopped the qualifying session, so I’ve been unable to improve my performance.” More, from a press release issued by Team Yamaha Motor France – Ipone: Abe in Superpole Norick Abe qualified for Superpole where he finished in 15th position. Shinichi Nakatomi was 22nd and Sebastien Gimbert (injured) 25th. After some good practice sessions, Norick Abe was in the top 16 to qualify for Superpole. He will start tomorrow from the fourth row of the starting grid. As he his finding more and more grip, he is confident that he can do a good race on Sunday. Shinichi Nakatomi qualified 22nd, with a time of 1:51.406, while Sebastien Gimbert was 25th in 1:52.116 (Friday time). Norick Abe: “I had some gearbox problems so we had to change my engine. The new one was different, and also the gearing. So my feeling was not so good. Tomorrow I will use my old engine that has been fixed, so everything should be OK.” Shinichi Nakatomi: “My feeling is progressing well. The bike is better and better. But there are a lot of riders on the track and it is very difficult to find a clear lap to do a fast time.” Sebastien Gimbert: “Things did not go very well. We are trying to rebuild my bike like it was until it was destroyed at Assen when I crashed. It is difficult for me to have my feeling back after I raced the Bol d’Or on a slightly different bike. I am not in top physical shape, not at 100%. I do not really understand: I love this track, but I don’t have the feeling.” Martial Garcia (team manager): “Abe did very well. By the end of this season, he is doing better and better. Nakatomi tried hard for his first time on this difficult and dangerous track. Gimbert has the consequences of his Assen and Bol d’Or crashes. He was very courageous with a broken rib. It is normal that it is difficult for him to have a good rhythm.” More, from a press release issued by Team Suzuki Press Office: Team Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra rider Troy Corser set the fourth fastest time in Superpole today and will start tomorrow’s 11th round of the 2006 Superbike World Championship from the front row of the grid. His team mate Yukio Kagayama is just behind, in fifth place, and both are determined to get podiums in tomorrow’s pair of 21 lap races. It was a also a good day for Alstare Engineering Corona Extra rider Max Neukirchner: The young German rode a superb Superpole and posted the sixth quickest lap of the 16-rider shoot-out, ahead of many of the top factory riders. Series leader Troy Bayliss (Ducati) took Superpole with a lap of 1:48.804 with James Toseland (Honda) second and Andrew Pitt (Yamaha) third. Troy Corser – 4th, 1:49.442: “I’m pretty happy I am on the front row and that’s important here at Imola because there are not that many passing places. Taking Superpole was a possibility, but when the rear of the bike started moving around like it did, it was hard to go faster then Bayliss. But I’m satisfied with my bike set-up on race tyres and we’ll have to see how it goes tomorrow. I hope that I will not be involved in a big fight at the start of the race because I want to conserve my tyres a little for the end of the race. When it’s hotter, our tyres don’t seem to work as well, so I’d prefer cooler conditions than today.” Yukio Kagayama – 5th, 1:49.497: “I am sort of happy with the set-up of my bike for the race but a lot will depend on how hot it is tomorrow. For me, the tyres do not work the same way in hot conditions as cool conditions, so the end of the race is going to be very interesting if it is as hot as it was this afternoon. I am bit disappointed with my Superpole lap. I tried very hard and I really wanted a front-row place. So now I need two good starts and for me usually that is not a big problem. I want two podiums tomorrow and I will try my best to get them.” Max Neukirchner – 6th, 1:49.840: “I am very happy with my Superpole lap, even though I made a little mistake during it. But sixth is pretty good considering everything and it’s a sign that I am getting to understand the Alstare Engineering bike more and more. Unfortunately I had a bit of a crash in the afternoon practice and although I was ok, the bike was pretty badly damaged. I’m afraid I gave my mechanics a lot of work to do. Sixth was good today, but what’s important is tomorrow. I need a couple of good starts and be strong throughout the two races. If I can do that, I can look forward to a couple of good finishes. More, from a press release issued by Troy Corser’s publicist: FIRST ROW FOR TROY! Troy battled throughout his Superpole lap in this afternoon’s heat at Imola and came away with a place on the front row of the grid. His lap of 1:49.442, was the fourth quickest lap in Superpole and means that , as long as he makes a good start and doesn’t get caught up in a first corner coming together, he will be in a good position to challenge for a podium or two. His fellow countryman, Troy Bayliss (Ducati) took Superpole with a time of 1:48.804, the only rider to get into the 1:48s today. Second on the grid is James Toseland (Honda), with Andrew Pitt (Yamaha) third. TROY – 4th, 1:49.442 The front row is good enough – especially after my Superpole lap. It was quite lively, I can tell you! But it seems to be a fact that, when the conditions are hot, our tyres don’t work as well. I don’t know why and I don’t think the technicians know why either. Also, when it is hot, tyre life becomes more critical and it’s something I’ll have to think about for the end of the race. If I don’t get involved in many big fights, it may be possible to conserve the tyres, so that I’ll have something in hand at the end. I think we’ve got a pretty good bike set-up on race rubber, so there’s no reason why I can’t fight for a podium or two. This season has had a lot of ups and downs and I really want to finish with podiums. I’m in fourth place at the moment, but third is not out of the question yet. That’s what I’ll be aiming for. Wish me luck. Troy

Noted two-stroke race engine builder and tuner Harry Okuda, 65, died from cancer September 28 at Veterans Hospital in Long Beach, California, according to CMRRA boss Al Lyons. He is survived by his wife Debra. A memorial service has been scheduled at 1:00 p.m. October 4 at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601.

AMA teams were greeted with rain as they arrived at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Saturday morning, putting the day’s schedule of practice, qualifying, Superbike heat races and the Formula Xtreme finale on hold and contingency plans to reschedule the weekend’s events into place. AMA teams were told at Friday’s rider’s meeting that because the weekend’s weather forecast included rain with significant periods of dry time that activities would be postponed if it rained in hopes of running the activities in the dry later. So it was with great surprise to team members Saturday morning when calls were made to start Superstock practice, the first scheduled event, on time even though it was raining. The confusion the calls for practice caused resulted in the teams requesting a meeting with AMA Pro Racing officials. At 9:10 a.m. local time, team representatives and AMA Pro Racing officials held a meeting that AMA Pro Racing barred Roadracingworld.com from attending. AMA Pro Racing officials freely spoke with Roadracingworld.com after the meeting, however. “We’re looking at a possible clear window later,” AMA Pro Racing Road Race Series Director Ron Barrick told Roadracingworld.com. “We’re hoping to get the track dried and get some events in this afternoon. Our priorities are the Superbike heat races and the Formula Xtreme race. The heat races are one of the unique features of this event, and we don’t want to lose those. So if it continues raining today, we have an alternate schedule for Sunday that includes the Superbike heat races.” During the meeting, the rain stopped falling, and as Barrick spoke, the track’s jet-powered dryers were fired up and sent out on track. It takes approximately two hours to completely dry the racetrack, according to AMA Pro Racing, meaning the heat races could start as soon as noon local time. If dry time remains after the Superbike heat races and Formula Xtreme race, timed qualifying for Supersport and Superstock will be held. When asked why practices were held (not one single rider went out) Saturday morning if there were to be no activities in the rain at Mid-Ohio, Barrick said, “That was just in case anyone wanted to go out and get some track time in the wet.” Team members who were at the meeting, however, said AMA Pro Racing officials told them that they were honoring their agreement with Mid-Ohio to hold practice and left it up to the riders whether they would go out or not. AMA Sports Vice President Douglas Neubauer also held a meeting Saturday morning for the riders entered in the AMA Sports 600cc Supersport race at Mid-Ohio and told those riders, “I think we’re pretty much done for the day. I know most of you raced here in the rain last weekend, and I doubt anyone wants to run in it again.” The AMA Sports 600cc Supersport riders only had one 30-minute practice scheduled Saturday.

FIM Supersport World Championship Imola, Italy September 30, 2006 Final Qualifying Results: 1. Sebastien CHARPENTIER (Hon CBR600RR), 1:52.245 2. Kenan SOFUOGLU (Hon CBR600RR), 1:52.541 3. Katusaki FUJIWARA (Hon CBR600RR), 1:53.441 4. Kevin CURTAIN (Yam YZF-R6), 1:53.512 5. Gianluca NANNELLI (Duc 749R), 1:53.758 6. Robbin HARMS (Hon CBR600RR), 1:53.902 7. Willliam DE ANGELIS (Hon CBR600RR), 1:53.906 8. Gianluca VIZZIELLO (Yam YZF-R6), 1:53.960 9. Broc PARKES (Yam YZF-R6), 1:53.991 10. Johan STIGEFELT (Hon CBR600RR), 1:54.019 11. Yoann TIBERIO (Hon CBR600RR), 1:54.225 12. Chris PERIS (Yam YZF-R6), 1:54.373 13. Massimo ROCCOLI (Yam YZF-R6), 1:54.426 14. David CHECA (Yam YZF-R6), 1:54.429 15. Christian ZAISER (Duc 749R), 1:54.497 16. Mauro SANCHINI (Yam YZF-R6), 1:54.563 17. Stephane CHAMBON (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:54.599 18. Barry VENEMAN (Suz GSX-R600), 1:54.730 19. Kai Borre ANDERSEN (Suz GSX-R600), 1:54.895 20. Maxime BERGER (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:54.975 More, from a press release issued by Winston Ten Kate Honda: CHARPENTIER AND SOFULOFLU DOMINATE FINAL QUALIFYING Both Sebastien Charpentier (Winston Ten Kate Honda) and Kenan Sofuoglu (Winston Ten Kate Honda) improved on their Friday best time to secure a 1-2 start for their Dutch-based team, giving them the best possible preparation for Sunday’s 21-lap race. The last few minutes of qualifying were an exciting time in the Winston Ten Kate Honda pit, as the crews working with each rider had their own battle for supremacy on the track. It was a successful campaign for both, as the nearest challenger ended up some 1.2 seconds behind Charpentier and 0.9 seconds behind Sofuoglu. The top three was an all-Honda affair after Katsuaki Fujiwara scored third best time, heading off Charpentier’s championship rival, Kevin Curtain. Charpentier needs to beat Curtain on Sunday, and try to keep as many riders between him and his great rival as possible, to stay in contention for the championship itself, by reducing Curtain’s advantage going into the final round next weekend. Ronald Ten Kate – Team Manager “Big compliments to all my riders and my team staff who have been working very hard to have a strong day today. We also improved on what were already impressive times from yesterday, and at a certain point the feeling inside the garage was like there was an epic battle going on and Kenan was very determined to grab the pole. He did not succeed but he came very close so we have to express our admiration for his efforts. For the race configuration, we are quite fast and constant. It’s all we want to concentrate on right now, trying to win the race tomorrow. I think this was one of the most exciting qualifying sessions inside this garage, because they broke the lap record, and it was incredible. It’s great to see Seb back on his old form, dominating again like he did at the start of the season, before he suffered a serious injury. He has had some difficult times. The Magny-Cours test was the breakthrough for him, and now it is good to see that he is the true champion.” Sebastien Charpentier – Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (Pole Position – 1’52.245 11 laps) “Not bad, a new lap record, and the mechanics worked really hard to allow me to do this. The bike was nice today and the bike looks good for tomorrow. I worked in a good direction and I used just one new tyre. Now I am happy, and as the temperature was hotter than yesterday, things worked better today. The best thing about the race is that all the other top Supersport riders are some way behind, and we made many fast laps. I expect a very good race with Kenan tomorrow, and I’m going for maximum points. The strategy is to go into the lead and ride hard, and then have a look at the situation. I love this track, it is the best track in the world, and a very famous venue.” Kenan Sofuoglu – Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider (Second Position – 1’52.541 – 12 laps) “It’s OK, and I was very close to pole. OK, I couldn’t take it but it was a good thing that we could do constant 52s, and that is what will be important for the race. I hope that I can make a very good race tomorrow and that I can help Sebastien. He looks good and we were really fighting. He has more experience than me and therefore he could put it all together in one lap. I made a little mistake putting my best lap together as I was nervous, but it’s OK.” More, from a press release issued by Scuderia SC Caracchi: Gianluca Nannelli will start from the second row tomorrow at Imola for the Supersport race, thank the fifth fastest recorded today on his SC 749R Ducati. Also if he lost a position in the grid Gianluca Nannelli is obviously satisfied for his performance. “The bike suffered a small trouble in the final stage of qualifying.” related Gianluca Nannelli at the end of practice. “Despite that I repeated, or better increased, yesterday’s laptime so I’m rather satisfied for that result. With the race tyres we have selected I found a good pace, as top speed the bike is one of the fastest, so I’m confident to be able to offer a good performance tomorrow, to reward the team for the great work done.” Satisfied Stefano Caracchi too; the team general manager commented: “Now I believe that people which say that our 749R is an obsolete and not developed machine has been denied by the truth. Easton recorded the highest top speed and Nannelli is in front, fighting for the victory. Actually, thanks the skill and professionality of Franco Farnè and all the guys, the bike is continuously developed, of course under the expenses limit of a private team, and it’s still a very performing machine. The Nanna’s talent made the difference, but on a bad bike you’ll never could challenge the leaders!” Luka Nedog is getting better performances and here in Imola has been able to stay in front of experienced riders. “I suppose I could more improve my lap time, but I’m quite satisfied for today’s result.” related Luka Nedog at the end. “I made still some mistake in the fastest lap, but now I’m fighting with riders that at the beginning of the season were in front of me, also when Imola is new for me and is a very demanding track. However I’m rather satisfied because for tomorrow’s race I’m very confident.” Today too Stuart Easton’s bike has been recorded as the fastest of Supersport group by the speed trap after the finish line. Easton improved his lap time more as a second and failed the fifth row for a fistful of thousandth of second. “The engine push in a fantastic way: Today I tried to improve my lap time.” – has been the comment by Stuart Easton rejoining the pit. “I clearly improved my lap time and I failed for a whisker a better row in the starting grid. But, has I always say, The race is to run tomorrow and I’m confident to tone the last details on my bike during the warm up and to be ready and OK for the race.”

FIM Superbike World Championship Imola, Italy September 30, 2006 Second Qualifying Results: 1. Yukio KAGAYAMA (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:49.758 2. Troy CORSER (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:49.875 3. James TOSELAND (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:50.039 4. Ruben XAUS (Duc 999F05), 1:50.155 5. Alex BARROS (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:50.212 6. Troy BAYLISS (Duc 999F06), 1:50.214 7. Andrew PITT (Yam YZF-R1), 1:50.250 8. Michel FABRIZIO (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:50.350 9. Max NEUKIRCHNER (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:50.376 10. Noriyuki HAGA (Yam YZF-R1), 1:50.745 11. Vitorrio IANNUZZO (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:50.755 12. Ivan CLEMENTI (Duc 999RS), 1:50.768 13. Lorenzo LANZI (Duc 999F06), 1:50.799 14. Norick ABE (Yam YZF-R1), 1:50.832 15. Karl MUGGERIDGE (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:50.882 16. Regis LACONI (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:50.922 17. Steve MARTIN (Foggy Petronas FP1), 1:50.971 18. Pablo NIETO (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:51.077 19. Chris WALKER (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:51.227 20. Kurtis ROBERTS (Duc 999RS), 1:51.259 21. Josh BROOKES (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:51.405 22. Shinya NAKATOMI (Yam YZF-R1), 1:51.406 23. Marco BORCIANI (Duc 999F05), 1:51.527 24. Nicola BRIGNOLA (Duc 999RS), 1:52.001 25. Sebastien GIMBERT (Yam YZF-R1), 1:52.034 26. Pierfrancesco CHILI (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:52.120 27. Roberto ROLFO (Duc 999F05), 1:52.192 28. Craig JONES (Foggy Petronas FP1), 1:52.624 29. Ivan GOI (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:52.984 30. Walter BARTOLINI (Duc 999RS), 1:53.063

AMA Sports 600cc Supersport Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio September 29, 2006 Provisional Practice Times: 1. David Hudson (Yam YZF-R6), 1:33.407 2. William Stranahan (Yam YZF-R6), 1:33.912 3. Danny Kelsey (Suz GSX-R600), 1:34.095 4. David Grey (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:34.523 5. Daryl Nolt (Hon CBR600RR), 1:35.197 6. Dan Sheehan (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:35.296 7. Eddie Kraft (Yam YZF-R6), 1:35.523 8. Mike Selpe (Suz GSX-R600), 1:35.545 9. Robert Oliva (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:35.836 10. Jonathan Lawrence (Yam YZF-R6), 1:35.879 11. Matt LaPham (Suz GSX-R600), 1:36.018 12. Robert Gorst (Suz GSX-R600), 1:36.190 13. Ben Lingel (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:36.403 14. Cory Burleson (Suz GSX-R600), 1:36.729 15. Brett Woodard (Suz GSX-R600), 1:38.356 16. Chase Vivion (Yam YZF-R6), 1:39.593 17. Rhiannon Lucente (Yam YZF-R6), 1:41.314

The American Honda CBR1000RRs of Miguel Duhamel and Jake Zemke are using Motec traction control systems for the first time this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. “No, we’re just having some fuel-injection problems. It’s popping around the racetrack like the Suzuki’s used to do, so we must have some virus in our fuel-injection system like they had,” joked Duhamel, when asked if he was using traction control in Friday morning AMA Superbike practice at Mid-Ohio. “We’re trying to get ready for 2007. Today, for me, is more of a test than a race. Obviously, I want to race, and I want to win. That’s what I’m paid for. But we’re definitely trying some new stuff, and hopefully, it will work better as time goes by. It’s working pretty good right now.” “We worked on it a little bit a couple of weeks ago,” at a two-day test at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, in Buttonwillow, California, said Zemke. “Our system, we’re just scratching the surface. This is the first time we’ve had it on a real racetrack. We’ve still got a ways to go, for sure, but all in all, first impression, it’s pretty good.” Duhamel was second-fastest in the first Superbike practice sessions Friday at Mid-Ohio, 0.090 second behind Mat Mladin, while Zemke was fourth-fastest, 0.582 second slower than Mladin. In Friday afternoon Superbike practice, Duhamel and Zemke were third- and fourth-fastest, respectively, 0.228 second and 0.501 second off the time of pacesetter Ben Spies.

Lockhart Phillips USA AMA Formula Xtreme Championship Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, Ohio September 29, 2006 Provisional Qualifying Results: 1. Eric Bostrom (Yam YZF-R), 1:26.628 2. Josh Hayes (Hon CBR600RR), 1:26.850 3. Jason DiSalvo (Yam YZF-R6), 1:27.181 4. Aaron Gobert (Hon CBR600RR), 1:27.436 5. Michael Barnes (Suz GSX-R600), 1:28.075 6. Danny Eslick (Suz GSX-R600), 1:28.609 7. Ty Howard (Hon CBR600RR), 1:28.864 8. Ryan Andrews (Hon CBR600RR), 1:28.930 9. Chaz Davies (Yam YZF-R6), 1:29.104 10. Michael Beck (Yam YZF-R6), 1:29.735 11. Jeremy McWilliams (Buell XB-RR), 1:29.735 12. Tony Meiring (Suz GSX-R600), 1:29.834 13. Brian Stokes (Yam YZF-R6), 1:30.182 14. Blake Young (Suz GSX-R600), 1:30.754 15. Garrett Carter (Yam YZF-R6), 1:30.898 16. Eric Wood (Hon CBR600RR), 1:30.911 17. Steve Crevier (Buell XB-RR), 1:31.089 18. Tyler McDonald (Yam YZF-R6), 1:31.099 19. Ryan Elleby (Hon CBR600RR), 1:31.224 20. Brian Hall (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:31.754 21. Chris Siebenhaar (Suz GSX-R600), 1:32.845 22. Armando Ferrer (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:32.928 23. Marco Martinez (Yam YZF-R6), 1:33.025 24. Myron Bell (Suz GSX-R600), 1:33.401 25. Jason McCluskey (Yam YZF-R6), 1:33.530 26. Michael Morgan (Suz GSX-R600), 1:34.008 27. Eric Haugo (Yam YZF-R6), 1:34.130 28. Hawk Mazzotta (Yam YZF-R6), 1:34.252 29. Shane Narbonne (Suz GSX-R600), 1:34.605 30. Johnny Rock Page (Yam YZF-R6), 1:34.619 110% of Fast Time: 1:35.291: 31. Mark Hatten (Duc 749R), 1:35.368 32. James Kerker (Hon CBR600RR), 1:35.620 33. Victor Chirinos (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:36.228 34. Simon Kowalski (Yam YZF-R6), 1:36.777 Unofficial Point Standings 1. Hayes, 321 2. Eric Bostrom, 319 3. DiSalvo, 313 More, from a press release issued by Team M4 EMGO Suzuki: MAY AND BARNES LEAD MID-OHIO SUPERSPORT Coming in with momentum on their side, Team M4 EMGO Suzuki are aiming to close out the 2006 AMA season on a high note this weekend at Mid-Ohio. Full of confidence coming off of two consecutive double podium Supersport finishes, Geoff May and Michael Barnes are both hoping to claim a breakthrough victory for the squad this weekend. They got off to a stellar start on Friday at the demanding race course, finishing the day’s solitary Supersport session ranked first and second. Georgian May held an impressive advantage over the entire field aboard his Pirelli-shod GSX-R600, registering a best time of 1: 31.016, almost a half-second quicker than any other rider. “I think we’re set on the 600,” May remarked. “We’ve got a really good race set-up and the tires are hooked up. Everything is working great and it seems like the other guys are having an issue with the grip.” Looking to score his much sought after maiden AMA win this weekend and secure second-place in the championship race, May added. “I’m motivated and perhaps some of these other guys out here aren’t so motivated. Maybe they’re ready for the season to be over but I’m ready for it. And we always want another opportunity for a win.” Barnes’ fastest lap in the class was a 1:31.467 at the Mid-Ohio track he’s already scored a podium finish at this season. ‘Barney’, who recently joined May in re-signing with Team M4 EMGO Suzuki for ’07, also enjoyed a solid outing in Formula Xtreme qualifying. The Floridian posted a 1: 28.075 lap to earn a starting position on the inside of row 2 with the session’s fifth best time. May also practiced aboard his GSX-R1000 Superstock machine, clocking a 1:27.776 to rank sixth best in the session. He expects to move up the order as the weekend progresses. “In Superstock we just ran out of time,” he explained. “We tried some different forks and they obviously didn’t work as well as we’d have liked. It’s so much cooler now than it was the last time we were here, so we’ll just go back to the known set-up. The Pirelli tires are working great; it’s a shame we ended up sixth in that session. I think we could have put it up on top of the board just like we did on the 600. We’ve just got to keep working on the big bike.” On Saturday May will qualify in Supersport and Superstock while Barnes will qualify in Supersport and take part in the 16-lap FX season finale.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (September 29, 2006) — Officials from the AMA and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca announced today that they are exploring the possibility of adding a stand-alone AMA Superbike event in 2007. The companies are also considering reducing the number of AMA classes involved with the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix from four to two. The 2007 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix featuring the MotoGP World Championship and AMA Superbike Championship will be held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on July 20-22, 2007. Kerry Graeber, AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Director of Communications said the conversations are very preliminary at this point but that the AMA and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca would like to see both initiatives happen. “We’re excited about the possibility of adding a stand-alone AMA Superbike event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca,” said Graeber. I also think everybody agrees that trying to run all four AMA classes at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix is overly optimistic. Featuring two classes instead of four is better from a logistics standpoint and will result in a better overall show. It will also benefit our competitors with increased track time for practice and qualifying sessions.” Gill Campbell, CEO/General Manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca echoed Graeber’s thoughts. “We want to continue showcasing AMA road racing alongside the MotoGP World Championship while simultaneously creating a new AMA weekend for later in the season. We see this as the best of both worlds for competitors participating in the AMA Superbike Championship.” No date for the separate AMA event has been determined but Campbell confirmed that the companies are looking at September. “There are a couple of weekends in September that work from our perspective,” said Campbell. “The AMA is finalizing its 2007 schedule right now and determining how those two options work overall.” A final decision on both issues is expected within the next two weeks. About Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and SCRAMP: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca was built in 1957 and has been operated since its inception by the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula (SCRAMP). The world-renowned 2.238-mile, 11-turn permanent road course has seen many of the all-time greats in motorsports grace its technically challenging layout that includes the spectacular signature Corkscrew (Turns 8 and 8A). Among the many who have raced here are the likes of Mario Andretti, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Michael Andretti, Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jackie Stewart and on and on through a virtual who’s who of automobile and motorcycle racing. SCRAMP is a not-for-profit corporation that donates net proceeds from each race season to the volunteer organizations that help put on the events at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. About AMA Pro Racing AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF, the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship and the AMA Supermoto Championship. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.

Rizla Suzuki’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne was third and James Haydon seventh in wet practice for the 13th and final round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch in Kent. Heavy rain blighted both 50-minute sessions at the 2.60-mile long GP circuit, giving the riders plenty of time to work on the wet set-up on their GSX-R1000s. Ducati’s Leon Haslam was fastest. Byrne said: “I am happy with my Rizla Suzuki’s handling in wet conditions. I tried a couple of different wet-weather tyres and have an idea which one I would like to use if it rains on Sunday. “It’s great to be back at Brands Hatch racing at the GP circuit, it is one of my favourites and closest to my home in England. For the fans and for me, I hope the sun comes out for the rest of the weekend. It’s always more fun racing in the dry.” James Haydon started the weekend snapping at his team mate’s heels. “I missed the fastest period on circuit when a line was drying slightly and just before it rained again; but still managed a quick time later on,” he said. “We changed the rear shock on my Rizla Suzuki towards the end of the second session and it was a big improvement. I am relaxed and happy with riding and there is a lot more to come from me in either the wet or the dry.” John Hopkins from Rizla Suzuki Superbike’s sister Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team will be attending Brands Hatch to demonstrate his awesome GSV-R990 race bike tomorrow and Sunday. He will be on track at 1450 on Saturday, September 30th, and 1515 on Sunday, October 1st. He will then join the Rizla Suzuki Superbike team in its garage and hospitality unit and will be signing autographs and meeting the BSB fans. Practice Times: 1: Leon Haslam (Ducati) 1:33.963, 2: Jonathan Rea (Honda) +0.223, 3: Shane Byrne (Rizla Suzuki) +0.360, 4: Karl Harris (Honda) +0.441, 5: Gregorio Lavilla (Ducati) +0.543, 6: Ryuichi Kiyonari (Honda) +0.621, 7: James Haydon (Rizla Suzuki) +2.009, 8: Billy McConnell (Yamaha) +2.887, 9: Tommy Hill (Yamaha) +2.966, 10: Michael Rutter (Honda) +3.434.