Home Blog Page 6121

McBride Earns First Canada Superbike Pole At Shannonville Motorsport Park

0

SHANNONVILLE, ON Matt McBride earned his first career Parts Canada Superbike Championship pole position during qualifying Friday for the final round of the series at Shannonville Motorsport Park. Riding the Riders Choice Suzuki GSX-R1000, the Mississauga, ON racer lapped the 2.45km Shannonville ‘Pro’ track in one minute, 4.900 seconds, just breaking Francis Martin’s lap record for the track of 1:04.902. “We had a little work to do this morning but it paid off,” said McBride, who picked up the $500 Vicious-I Pole Position Award for his performance. “The bike was working really well. I feel pretty confident for the race. I think there’s a little more in us.” Qualifying was brought forward a day due to concerns about weather conditions on Saturday, as the remains of tropical storm Ernesto are scheduled to pass through the Shannonville area. Granby, QC’s Kevin Lacombe gained a point on Parts Canada Superbike Championship leader Jordan Szoke by qualifying fourth fastest on his Team Toyota Yamaha / Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 at 1:05.294. Lacombe heads into Sunday’s season finale 40 points behind Szoke, 296-256. A 14th-place finish by Szoke will assure the Brantford, ON rider of his third national Superbike title. Szoke was seventh fastest Friday at 1:05.487 on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R, as just over half a second covered the top seven in an incredibly tight Superbike field. “Being half a second out is nothing to be ashamed of,” said Szoke, who has won five of the six Superbike races this year. “We’ll make a significant change to the front end, but I’m in a good position as far as the championship goes.” Pascal Picotte of St-Cecile Milton, QC qualified second fastest at 1:05.084 on his Team Toyota Yamaha / Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 and Cochrane, AB’s Clint McBain will start third on Sunday after turning a 1:05.166 on his final lap on the Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000. In other action at Shannonville, Lacombe gained four points on Szoke in the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike class by claiming pole for Sunday’s race with a time of 1:06.498 on his Yamaha YZF-R6. Szoke, who will start seventh on his Kawasaki ZX-6RR, now leads Lacombe by 43 points in the standings, 292-249. East York, ON’s Paul Penzo claimed his second straight Thunder pole with a time of 1:09.227 on his Ducati PS 1000 LE. Series leader in the twins class, Darren James qualified fourth on his Buell XB9R, and the North Vancouver rider takes a 25-point lead over Oliver Jervis, 271-246 into Sunday’s race. Jervis was second fastest in qualifying on his BMW RS1200. Dave Bagshaw of Kincardine, ON moved to within three points of series leader Paul Glenn of Keene, ON by claiming pole for the Suzuki SV650 National Cup race at 1:12.400. Saskatoon’s Brett McCormick was quickest in practice for the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike class aboard his Yamaha YZF-R6 with a time of 1:07.994. Dany Jourdain of St-Jean Richelieu, QC placed second on a Suzuki GSX-R600 and points leader Karl Daigle of Granby, QC was third riding his Honda CBR600RR. Qualifying for the Amateur 600 class is still scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Practice in the other classes will continue Saturday and races in all five national classes are set for Sunday. For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com Starting line-up for Sunday’s final round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park, showing starting position, rider name, hometown, type of motorcycle and qualifying time: 1.Matthew McBride, Mississauga, ON, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:04.900; 2. Pascal Picotte, St-Cecile Milton, QC, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:05.084; 3. Clint McBain, Cochrane, AB, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:05.166; 4. Kevin Lacombe, Granby, QC, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:05.294; 5. Francis Martin, Rock Forest, QC, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:05.300; 6. Andrew Nelson, Kars, ON, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:05.440; 7. Jordan Szoke, Brantford, ON, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:05.487; 8. Tom Kipp, Chardon, ON, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:06.055; 9. Jeff Williams, Harrowsmith, ON, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:06.820; 10. Erick Beausejour, Val Senneville, QC, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:07.296 11. Stephane Chabot, Oshawa, ON, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:07.315; 12. Jean Paul Tache, North Bay, ON, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:07.504; 13. Frank Trombino, Kleinburg, ON, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:07.550; 14. Sean Heydorn, Aurora, ON, Honda CBR600RR, 1:08.125; 15. Larry Orde, Lakefield, ON, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:08.245; 16. Jeremy Burgess, Hammonds Plains, NS, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:08.590; 17. Matthew Bushe, Castleton, ON, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:08.679; 18. Yoshihiro Hamaguchi, Yokkaichi-shi, Japan, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:08.946; 19. Todd Scott, Bedford, NS, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:09.437; 20. Zenon Nelson, Bowmanville, ON, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:09.554 21. Laurent Feuiltault, Mississauga, ON, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:09.746; 22. Jesse Sherstan, Stoney Plain, AB, Honda CBR600RR, 1:10.901; 23. Nicolas Audet, St-Henri, QC, Honda CBR600RR, 1:11.311; 24. Sylvain Grenier, Lasalle, QC, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:14.418 More, from a press release issued by Pirelli: Pirelli Privateer Sets Shannonville Track Record During Friday qualifying for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, privateer racer Matt McBride rode his Riders Choice Suzuki GSX-R1000 to an all-out track record at Shannonville Motorsport Park, on a set of Pirelli Diablo Superbike Slicks. Adding to this news of a new track record over those set by any other brand of tire is that McBride is a privateer; testament to the level, fair, playing field provided by spec tires equally available to all racers. This is the second over-all track record set during Pirelli’s first year as the spec-tire for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. The Canadian championship is a seven-event series that visits six Canadian tracks. It was also McBride’s first pole position for the series’ premier class, Parts Canada Superbike. McBride set a time on the Shannonville ‘Pro’ track of 1:04.900, utterly shattering the previous record. Qualifying is usually conducted on Saturday but for this event it was moved up one day because of threatening weather from Ernesto.

Updated Post: Hayes Takes AMA Formula Xtreme Pole With New Lap Record At Road Atlanta

0

Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda’s Josh Hayes took his first Lockhart Phillips USA AMA Formula Xtreme pole position of the season Friday during qualifying at Road Atlanta, in Braselton, Georgia. Hayes was fastest throughout much of the 40-minute qualifying session, but he waited to use his last Dunlop qualifying tire until the final moments of the session, when he followed Championship rival Jason DiSalvo out of the pits. Hayes hoped following DiSalvo would pressure him into making a mistake, and apparently the strategy worked, as DiSalvo ran his factory Yamaha YZF-R6 off track at the end of the back straightaway. Hayes finished his lap without a mistake, turned a new lap record time of 1:24.430, took pole position and the bonus Championship point that comes with it. That point pulled Hayes into a tie with DiSalvo for second in the Championship standings, two points behind Championship leader Eric Bostrom. Bostrom, DiSalvo’s teammate, concentrated on perfecting the race set-up of his Yamaha YZF-R6 during qualifying but still managed to turn the second-fastest time, a 1:24.844. DiSalvo ended up third with a 1:24.933, just ahead of Hayes’ teammate Aaron Gobert, who turned a 1:24.936. Rockwall Honda’s Ryan Andrews (1:26.642), Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Michael Barnes (1:26.759), Team Stargel Castrol’s Brian Stokes (1:27.238) and Andrews’ teammate Ty Howard (1:27.258) earned second-row starting spots. Barnes crashed hard early in the session, but returned to the track to put in a faster time on his back-up bike. Lockhart Phillips USA AMA Formula Xtreme Championship Road Atlanta Braselton, Georgia September 1, 2006 Provisional Qualifying Results: 1. Josh Hayes (Hon CBR600RR), 1:24.430, new track record 2. Eric Bostrom (Yam YZF-R6), 1:24.845 3. Jason DiSalvo (Yam YZF-R6), 1:24.934 4. Aaron Gobert (Hon CBR600RR), 1:24.936 5. Ryan Andrews (Hon CBR600RR), 1:26.642 6. Michael Barnes (Suz GSX-R600), 1:26.760 7. Brian Stokes (Yam YZF-R6), 1:27.238 8. Ty Howard (Hon CBR600RR), 1:27.258 9. Eric Wood (Hon CBR600RR), 1:27.385 10. Blake Young (Suz GSX-R600), 1:27.690 11. Danny Eslick (Suz GSX-R600), 1:27.760 12. Tony Meiring (Suz GSX-R600), 1:28.825 13. Jeremy McWilliams (Buell XBRR), 1:28.930 14. Michael Beck (Yam YZF-R6), 1:29.510 15. Garrett Carter (Yam YZF-R6), 1:29.985 16. Armando Ferrer (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:30.510 17. Keith Marshall (Suz GSX-R600), 1:30.993 18. Victor Chirinos (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:31.329 19. Marco Martinez (Yam YZF-R6), 1:31.450 20. Shane Narbonne (Suz GSX-R600), 1:31.725 110% Of Fast Time = 1:32.873 Did Not Qualify 21. Michael Morgan (Suz GSX-R600), 1:33.178 22. Dirk Sanchez (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:33.223 23. Chris Siebenhaar (Suz GSX-R600), 1:33.270 24. Johnny Rock Page (Yam YZF-R6), 1:33.274 25. James Kerker (Hon CBR600RR), 1:34.393 26. Jeremiah Johnson (Suz GSX-R600), 1:34.708 More, from a press release issued by Team M4 EMGO Suzuki: TOP FIVES FOR TEAM M4 EMGO SUZUKI IN ATLANTA Team M4 EMGO Suzuki opened the tenth round of the 2006 AMA road racing season in promising fashion at Road Atlanta, putting in three top-five performances on the day. Coming off of their spectacular double podium result in the AMA Supersport contest at Virginia International Raceway two weeks ago, Michael Barnes and Geoff May are right in the thick of things again this weekend aboard their Pirelli-shod GSX-R600s. In the class’ solitary practice session on the day, Barnes posted the fourth fastest Supersport time with a quick lap of 1:27.435. Local favorite May was only fractions of a second behind his teammate, clocking in at 1: 27.684, the sixth best lap in the practice. Shea Fouchek, the team’s developmental rider, got off to a solid start at Road Atlanta as well. The Texan was 17th in Friday’s Supersport session at 1: 31.861. Georgian May was also impressive at his home track aboard the squad’s powerful GSX-R1000, notching up the fourth fastest lap of the day in Superstock at 1: 24.997. Despite a tough go of things in Formula Xtreme qualifying, Barnes managed to qualify on the second row for Saturday’s 15-lap race. The Floridian set the sixth fastest lap in FX qualifying at 1: 26.760 even after crashing and fighting to find grip in the hot afternoon conditions after getting off to a quick start in the morning free session (5th — 1:26.298). Barnes explained, “We set some pretty good times in the morning FX session and I was really looking forward to qualifying. But when I went out with a race tire the temperature didn’t treat it like I was hoping. I had a major moment and I saved a highside but then I was running off the track towards the airfence and I had to bail on the bike. I flipped over and hit my head pretty good. “I got a ride back in from a fan and got on the ‘B’ bike. We just put some softer tires on and tried to salvage a grid position but we went slower than we did this morning on a race tire. I’ll be ready to go tomorrow. I just need a good night’s sleep.” In addition to Saturday’s Formula Xtreme race, Team M4 EMGO Suzuki will also qualify for Sunday’s Supersport and Superstock finals tomorrow.

Updated Post: May To Ride With M4 EMGO Suzuki Again In 2007

0

Today at Road Atlanta, Geoff May renewed his contract with Team Hammer, Inc. and will ride for the team–currently competing as M4 EMGO Suzuki–again in 2007. May joined the team for the 2005 racing season. More, from a press release issued by Team M4 EMGO Suzuki: MAY RE-SIGNS WITH M4 EMGO SUZUKI Team M4 EMGO Suzuki and Geoff May have agreed to a contract extension that will see the 26-year-old rider from Georgia remain with the team in 2007. Currently enjoying a tremendous second season with the squad, May and Team M4 EMGO Suzuki expect to improve even further in their third year together with the goal of winning races and championships. “I’m really excited to be staying with Team M4 EMGO Suzuki,” said May. “I’ve had a lot of good times here over the past two seasons and I only see it getting better from here. This is a strong opportunity for me. The bikes are fast and reliable; I’ve got the best crew in the paddock and I’m glad to be continuing on with them. We’re also happy to be staying with Pirelli. I’ve been working with them for some time now and they’re making great tires.” During his first year with Team M4 EMGO Suzuki, May earned the first two AMA podium finishes of his career, finishing second at Road America and third at Road Atlanta aboard the team’s GSX-R1000 Superstock machine. He ended the 2005 season ranked fifth in Supersport and eighth in Superstock. Having taken a major step forward together in 2006, May currently stands third in the Supersport title race, just three points shy of the runner-up position, and fourth in the Superstock championship. He’s proven to be a consistent challenger in both classes all year long, having racked up a combined four podium placings and twelve top fives in ’06. “I’d like to thank John Ulrich, Keith Perry, the whole M4 EMGO team, and everyone at Suzuki,” said May. “I owe a lot to them for helping me live my dream. We’ve had some success together and everything is going great for us. They offered me a sweet deal to come back and I was glad to take it.” Crew Chief Keith Perry said, “We’ve had a good year with Geoff and I feel we’ve learned a lot that will make next year even better. We’ve worked really hard along with Suzuki and Pirelli and all of us want to continue together, keep the momentum going, and accomplish even more. We think a lot of Geoff’s abilities as a rider and we feel we can bring everything up a notch. Next year will be our third year in a row with the same rider, mechanics, and tires. It’s rare when you get the opportunity to do that in racing and we think it i s a positive situation for all of us.”

Updated Post: Mladin On Provisional AMA Superbike Pole Position Friday At Road Atlanta

0

Six-time and defending AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin took provisional pole position during AMA Superbike qualifying Friday afternoon at Road Atlanta, in Braselton, Georgia. Mladin piloted his Dunlop-shod GSX-R1000 to a time of 1:22.348 on a potential race tire, well off his lap record time of 1:21.685. Asked about the difference between his qualifying lap Friday and his lap record, Mladin said it was due to the deterioration of the track and that he hadn’t pushed his bike to the limit yet. Mladin also said he was surprised that his teammate Ben Spies (second-fastest with a 1:22.606) was as close to him in the qualifying order as he was, considering Spies is riding with a two-week-old broken right hand. Third-fastest Friday afternoon was Miguel Duhamel, who turned a 1:23.473 on his American Honda CBR1000RR. According to Duhamel’s Crew Chief Al Ludington, Duhamel had made few changes to the set-up he developed during a recent test at Road Atlanta and was concentrating on evaluating race tires. Roger Hayden earned the final spot on the provisional front row with a time of 1:24.046 on his factory Kawasaki ZX-10R. Roger Hayden’s teammate and older brother Tommy Hayden (1:24.057), Parts Unlimited Ducati teammates Ben Bostrom (1:24.327) and Neil Hodgson (1:24.355) and Duhamel’s teammate Jake Zemke (1:24.596) recorded times good enough for the provisional second row. Aaron Yates turned the ninth-fastest time (1:24.920) on the third Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 in spite of his injured right shoulder, while Millennium KWS Suzuki’s Matt Lynn (1:25.195) was the fastest non-Dunlop qualifier, 10th, on his Pirelli-shod GSX-R1000. Only 33 riders attempted to qualify in the Superbike class Friday, compared with 44 riders in 2005. AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited Road Atlanta Braselton, Georgia September 1, 2006 Provisional Qualifying Results: 1. Mat Mladin (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:22.348 2. Ben Spies (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:22.606 3. Miguel Duhamel (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:23.473 4. Roger Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:24.046 5. Tommy Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:24.057 6. Ben Bostrom (Duc 999F06), 1:24.327 7. Neil Hodgson (Duc 999F06), 1:24.355 8. Jake Zemke (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:24.596 9. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:24.920 10. Matt Lynn (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.195 11. Steve Rapp (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.283 12. Jason Pridmore (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.546 13. Jake Holden (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.666 14. Marty Craggill (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.039 15. Larry Pegram (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:26.058 16. Chris Ulrich (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.175 17. John Haner (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.527 18. Eric Wood (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.586 19. Gary Mason (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.192 20. Brian Stokes (Yam YZF-R1), 1:27.267 21. Jason Curtis (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.547 22. Cory West (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.568 23. Taylor Knapp (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.843 24. Robertino Pietri (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.209 25. Scott Jensen (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.260 26. Scott Carpenter (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.550 27. Dean Mizdal (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.674 28. Brad Hendry (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.979 29. Michael Sanchez (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:29.185 30. Marco Martinez (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:30.683 31. James Kerker (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:30.702 32. Fernando Amantini (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:30.925 33. Marcin Biernacki (Yam YZF-R1), 1:32.571 More, from a press release issued by Parts Unlimited Ducati: BOSTROM AND HODGSON QUALIFY SIXTH AND SEVENTH AT ROAD ATLANTA Braselton (Georgia) 1 September 2006: Parts Unlimited Ducati’s Ben Bostrom and Neil Hodgson qualified a provisional sixth and seventh on Friday for the Road Atlanta AMA Superbike races. Both Ducati 999 riders spent much of the session in third and fourth place, but were unable to improve their lap times in the crucial last few minutes of the session. Today’s action was held in warm and sunny conditions at the 2.54-mile (4.09-kilometer), 12-turn course located outside of Atlanta. Ben Bostrom was sixth with a best time of 1:24.327 on Friday. The former series champion said the team is yet to finalize a setup and is looking to improve lap times at the unique Georgia circuit. “We have two different bike setups for tomorrow and we’re working with them, trying to decide what is best,” said Bostrom. “This is a challenging track for us and we are working hard to try to find some time. We were up there for part of the session but I didn’t use a qualifier at the end. We didn’t drop our times like some of the others did. I need to pick up the pace tomorrow and the team will do our best. I’m excited to give it another shot.” Neil Hodgson was also third at one point in Friday’s qualifying session before finishing with a time of 1:24.355. The former World Superbike champion wanted a better result on Friday. “It wasn’t one of our best sessions. I don’t really feel like commenting more than that but I’m glad I have a chance to improve on it in the morning,” said Hodgson. “We feel positive about what the boys can do on race tires. Prior to everyone bringing out the qualifiers, Ben and Neil were third and fourth,” said team manager Tom Bodenbach. “After the qualifying session, the engineers and riders have had a good debrief that brought about some new ideas to test in the morning. The whole Parts Unlimited Ducati Team is working hard to finish the season on a positive note. It’s important to everyone to do well in the last three races of the year.” Saturday’s race begins at 3 PM local time.

News And Notes From The AMA Superbike Event At Road Atlanta

0

Aaron Yates crashed his Yoshimura Suzuki on the out-lap of Superbike practice this morning. Yates highsided exiting the concrete patch in turn seven and landed on the asphalt, injuring his right shoulder. Yates had trouble riding in the remainder of the Superbike session, but after getting the shoulder taped was able to ride harder in the Superstock practice session. Yates, the defending AMA Superstock Champion, is second in Superstock points, 32 behind Jamie Hacking. Ben Bostrom would not go into details about his condition but said he has come down with a type of chronic fatigue syndrome, which can be treated with medications but not until after the season ends. Bostrom called his condition Friday “fair” and added that some days are better than others. Asked about his broken right hand, AMA Superbike Championship leader Ben Spies said, “It’s still broken. The pain on a scale of 10 has gone down from a 10 to a seven, but I’ll be able to deal with it and do what I need to do.” Jason Pridmore is riding with a broken right ankle, which he suffered in a crash during the Superstock race at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). As a result, Pridmore (who cannot walk without crutches or a walking cast) is not riding in Superstock at Road Atlanta so he may concentrate on the Superbike class. Pridmore said he had famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. Arthur Ting examine the fracture and that surgery will not be required. Attack Kawasaki’s Ben Attard is also dealing with pain this weekend. He had his wisdom teeth cut out Tuesday. Attard said he was told the pain would subside by now, but it hasn’t and he cannot take anything stronger than over-the-counter pain medication while he is riding. The decision that there will be no racing if it rains at Road Atlanta has met with unanimous approval from all riders polled by Roadracingworld.com. Those riders include: Ben Bostrom, Tommy Hayden, Ben Spies, Aaron Yates, Jake Zemke.

Sun Shining, Weather Forecast Improving At Road Atlanta

0

At 2:13 p.m. local time, the sun is shining on AMA Superbike qualifying at Road Atlanta, in Braselton, Georgia, and the weather forecast for the rest of the weekend is improving. Thursday evening, www.weather.com was forecasting a 30% chance of isolated thunderstorms on Saturday and partly cloudy skies and a 20% chance for rain on Sunday. Now, the forecast calls for only partly cloudy skies on Saturday and sunny skies on Sunday, with only 20% chance for rain on either day. High temperatures are expected to reach the mid-80s, which is about 15 degrees cooler than when the AMA teams tested at Road Atlanta in August.

DiSalvo Tops AMA Superstock Practice Friday At Sunny Road Atlanta

0

Repsol Lubricants AMA Superstock Championship Road Atlanta Braselton, Georgia September 1, 2006 Provisional Practice Results: 1. Jason DiSalvo (Yam YZF-R1 LE), 1:24.285 2. Jamie Hacking (Yam YZF-R1 LE), 1:24.369 3. Eric Bostrom (Yam YZF-R1 LE), 1:24.514 4. Geoff May (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:24.997 5. Josh Hayes (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:25.227 6. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.260 7. Aaron Gobert (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:25.274 8. Steve Rapp (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.488 9. Jake Holden (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.677 10. Ben Attard (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:25.787 11. John Haner (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.156 12. Matt Lynn (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.269 13. Chris Ulrich (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.275 14. Marty Craggill (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.485 15. Damon Buckmaster (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:26.722 16. Gary Mason (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.885 17. Cory West (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.176 18. Robertino Pietri (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:29.018 19. Brad Hendry (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:29.159 20. Barry Teasdale (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:29.547

Regina Chain Is Accepting Sponsorship Applications For 2007 Season

Regina USA is accepting sponsorship applications from September 1st to December 31st for the 2006/2007 racing season. Please submit resumes to Regina USA Inc., 824 Chesapeake Drive, Cambridge, MD 21613, Attention: Race Support. Online applications may also be made via ~http://www.sponsorhouse.com~. Find more information about Regina Chain at ~http://www.reginachain.it/eng/index.asp~.

Hayes Quickest In First Formula Xtreme Practice At Road Atlanta

0

Lockhart Phillips USA AMA Formula Xtreme Championship Road Atlanta Braselton, Georgia September 1, 2006 Provisional Practice Times: 1. Josh Hayes (Hon CBR600RR), 1:25.186 2. Jason DiSalvo (Yam YZF-R6), 1:25.350 3. Aaron Gobert (Hon CBR600RR), 1:25.435 4. Eric Bostrom (Yam YZF-R6), 1:25.459 5. Michael Barnes (Suz GSX-R600), 1:26.298 6. Ty Howard (Hon CBR600RR), 1:27.433 7. Blake Young (Suz GSX-R600), 1:27.725 8. Brian Stokes (Yam YZF-R6), 1:28.129 9. Eric Wood (Hon CBR600RR), 1:28.167 10. Danny Eslick (Suz GSX-R600), 1:28.225 11. Ryan Andrews (Hon CBR600RR), 1:28.287 12. Jeremy McWilliams (Buell XBRR), 1:28.511 13. Tony Meiring (Suz GSX-R600), 1:29.201 14. Garrett Carter (Yam YZF-R6), 1:30.221 15. Michael Beck (Yam YZF-R6), 1:30.738 16. Shane Narbonne (Suz GSX-R600), 1:31.536 17. Keith Marshall (Suz GSX-R600), 1:31.562 18. Armando Ferrer (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:31.735 19. Marco Martinez (Yam YZF-R6), 1:31.935 20. Victor Chirinos (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:32.148

Mladin Tops First AMA Superbike Practice At Road Atlanta

0

AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited Road Atlanta Braselton, Georgia September 1, 2006 Provisional Practice Times: 1. Mat Mladin (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:22.970 2. Ben Spies (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:22.991 3. Miguel Duhamel (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:24.096 4. Neil Hodgson (Duc 999F06), 1:24.324 5. Tommy Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:24.328 6. Roger Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:24.570 7. Jake Zemke (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:24.617 8. Ben Bostrom (Duc 999F06), 1:24.919 9. Steve Rapp (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.572 10. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.826 11. Jason Pridmore (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.034 12. Jake Holden (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.488 13. Matt Lynn (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.567 14. John Haner (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.768 15. Brian Stokes (Yam YZF-R1), 1:27.032 16. Marty Craggill (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.063 17. Larry Pegram (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:27.078 18. Chris Ulrich (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.172 19. Gary Mason (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.296 20. David Weber (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.708 21. Jason Curtis (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.734 22. Taylor Knapp (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.763 23. Eric Wood (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.810 24. Scott Jensen (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.548 25. Cory West (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.878 26. Scott Carpenter (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:29.487 27. Brad Hendry (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:30.401 28. Robertino Pietri (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:30.655 29. Mike Sanchez (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:30.685 30. Dean Mizdal (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:31.111 31. Marco Martinez (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:31.657 32. Fernando Amantini (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:32.263 33. James Kerker (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:32.348 34. Marcin Biernacki (Yam YZF-R1), 1:33.552

McBride Earns First Canada Superbike Pole At Shannonville Motorsport Park

SHANNONVILLE, ON Matt McBride earned his first career Parts Canada Superbike Championship pole position during qualifying Friday for the final round of the series at Shannonville Motorsport Park. Riding the Riders Choice Suzuki GSX-R1000, the Mississauga, ON racer lapped the 2.45km Shannonville ‘Pro’ track in one minute, 4.900 seconds, just breaking Francis Martin’s lap record for the track of 1:04.902. “We had a little work to do this morning but it paid off,” said McBride, who picked up the $500 Vicious-I Pole Position Award for his performance. “The bike was working really well. I feel pretty confident for the race. I think there’s a little more in us.” Qualifying was brought forward a day due to concerns about weather conditions on Saturday, as the remains of tropical storm Ernesto are scheduled to pass through the Shannonville area. Granby, QC’s Kevin Lacombe gained a point on Parts Canada Superbike Championship leader Jordan Szoke by qualifying fourth fastest on his Team Toyota Yamaha / Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 at 1:05.294. Lacombe heads into Sunday’s season finale 40 points behind Szoke, 296-256. A 14th-place finish by Szoke will assure the Brantford, ON rider of his third national Superbike title. Szoke was seventh fastest Friday at 1:05.487 on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R, as just over half a second covered the top seven in an incredibly tight Superbike field. “Being half a second out is nothing to be ashamed of,” said Szoke, who has won five of the six Superbike races this year. “We’ll make a significant change to the front end, but I’m in a good position as far as the championship goes.” Pascal Picotte of St-Cecile Milton, QC qualified second fastest at 1:05.084 on his Team Toyota Yamaha / Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 and Cochrane, AB’s Clint McBain will start third on Sunday after turning a 1:05.166 on his final lap on the Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000. In other action at Shannonville, Lacombe gained four points on Szoke in the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike class by claiming pole for Sunday’s race with a time of 1:06.498 on his Yamaha YZF-R6. Szoke, who will start seventh on his Kawasaki ZX-6RR, now leads Lacombe by 43 points in the standings, 292-249. East York, ON’s Paul Penzo claimed his second straight Thunder pole with a time of 1:09.227 on his Ducati PS 1000 LE. Series leader in the twins class, Darren James qualified fourth on his Buell XB9R, and the North Vancouver rider takes a 25-point lead over Oliver Jervis, 271-246 into Sunday’s race. Jervis was second fastest in qualifying on his BMW RS1200. Dave Bagshaw of Kincardine, ON moved to within three points of series leader Paul Glenn of Keene, ON by claiming pole for the Suzuki SV650 National Cup race at 1:12.400. Saskatoon’s Brett McCormick was quickest in practice for the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike class aboard his Yamaha YZF-R6 with a time of 1:07.994. Dany Jourdain of St-Jean Richelieu, QC placed second on a Suzuki GSX-R600 and points leader Karl Daigle of Granby, QC was third riding his Honda CBR600RR. Qualifying for the Amateur 600 class is still scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Practice in the other classes will continue Saturday and races in all five national classes are set for Sunday. For more series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com Starting line-up for Sunday’s final round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park, showing starting position, rider name, hometown, type of motorcycle and qualifying time: 1.Matthew McBride, Mississauga, ON, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:04.900; 2. Pascal Picotte, St-Cecile Milton, QC, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:05.084; 3. Clint McBain, Cochrane, AB, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:05.166; 4. Kevin Lacombe, Granby, QC, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:05.294; 5. Francis Martin, Rock Forest, QC, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:05.300; 6. Andrew Nelson, Kars, ON, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:05.440; 7. Jordan Szoke, Brantford, ON, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:05.487; 8. Tom Kipp, Chardon, ON, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:06.055; 9. Jeff Williams, Harrowsmith, ON, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:06.820; 10. Erick Beausejour, Val Senneville, QC, Honda CBR1000RR, 1:07.296 11. Stephane Chabot, Oshawa, ON, Yamaha YZF-R6, 1:07.315; 12. Jean Paul Tache, North Bay, ON, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:07.504; 13. Frank Trombino, Kleinburg, ON, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:07.550; 14. Sean Heydorn, Aurora, ON, Honda CBR600RR, 1:08.125; 15. Larry Orde, Lakefield, ON, Yamaha YZF-R1, 1:08.245; 16. Jeremy Burgess, Hammonds Plains, NS, Kawasaki ZX-10R, 1:08.590; 17. Matthew Bushe, Castleton, ON, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:08.679; 18. Yoshihiro Hamaguchi, Yokkaichi-shi, Japan, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:08.946; 19. Todd Scott, Bedford, NS, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:09.437; 20. Zenon Nelson, Bowmanville, ON, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:09.554 21. Laurent Feuiltault, Mississauga, ON, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:09.746; 22. Jesse Sherstan, Stoney Plain, AB, Honda CBR600RR, 1:10.901; 23. Nicolas Audet, St-Henri, QC, Honda CBR600RR, 1:11.311; 24. Sylvain Grenier, Lasalle, QC, Suzuki GSX-R600, 1:14.418 More, from a press release issued by Pirelli: Pirelli Privateer Sets Shannonville Track Record During Friday qualifying for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, privateer racer Matt McBride rode his Riders Choice Suzuki GSX-R1000 to an all-out track record at Shannonville Motorsport Park, on a set of Pirelli Diablo Superbike Slicks. Adding to this news of a new track record over those set by any other brand of tire is that McBride is a privateer; testament to the level, fair, playing field provided by spec tires equally available to all racers. This is the second over-all track record set during Pirelli’s first year as the spec-tire for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. The Canadian championship is a seven-event series that visits six Canadian tracks. It was also McBride’s first pole position for the series’ premier class, Parts Canada Superbike. McBride set a time on the Shannonville ‘Pro’ track of 1:04.900, utterly shattering the previous record. Qualifying is usually conducted on Saturday but for this event it was moved up one day because of threatening weather from Ernesto.

Updated Post: Hayes Takes AMA Formula Xtreme Pole With New Lap Record At Road Atlanta

Parts Unlimited PJ1 Erion Honda’s Josh Hayes took his first Lockhart Phillips USA AMA Formula Xtreme pole position of the season Friday during qualifying at Road Atlanta, in Braselton, Georgia. Hayes was fastest throughout much of the 40-minute qualifying session, but he waited to use his last Dunlop qualifying tire until the final moments of the session, when he followed Championship rival Jason DiSalvo out of the pits. Hayes hoped following DiSalvo would pressure him into making a mistake, and apparently the strategy worked, as DiSalvo ran his factory Yamaha YZF-R6 off track at the end of the back straightaway. Hayes finished his lap without a mistake, turned a new lap record time of 1:24.430, took pole position and the bonus Championship point that comes with it. That point pulled Hayes into a tie with DiSalvo for second in the Championship standings, two points behind Championship leader Eric Bostrom. Bostrom, DiSalvo’s teammate, concentrated on perfecting the race set-up of his Yamaha YZF-R6 during qualifying but still managed to turn the second-fastest time, a 1:24.844. DiSalvo ended up third with a 1:24.933, just ahead of Hayes’ teammate Aaron Gobert, who turned a 1:24.936. Rockwall Honda’s Ryan Andrews (1:26.642), Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Michael Barnes (1:26.759), Team Stargel Castrol’s Brian Stokes (1:27.238) and Andrews’ teammate Ty Howard (1:27.258) earned second-row starting spots. Barnes crashed hard early in the session, but returned to the track to put in a faster time on his back-up bike. Lockhart Phillips USA AMA Formula Xtreme Championship Road Atlanta Braselton, Georgia September 1, 2006 Provisional Qualifying Results: 1. Josh Hayes (Hon CBR600RR), 1:24.430, new track record 2. Eric Bostrom (Yam YZF-R6), 1:24.845 3. Jason DiSalvo (Yam YZF-R6), 1:24.934 4. Aaron Gobert (Hon CBR600RR), 1:24.936 5. Ryan Andrews (Hon CBR600RR), 1:26.642 6. Michael Barnes (Suz GSX-R600), 1:26.760 7. Brian Stokes (Yam YZF-R6), 1:27.238 8. Ty Howard (Hon CBR600RR), 1:27.258 9. Eric Wood (Hon CBR600RR), 1:27.385 10. Blake Young (Suz GSX-R600), 1:27.690 11. Danny Eslick (Suz GSX-R600), 1:27.760 12. Tony Meiring (Suz GSX-R600), 1:28.825 13. Jeremy McWilliams (Buell XBRR), 1:28.930 14. Michael Beck (Yam YZF-R6), 1:29.510 15. Garrett Carter (Yam YZF-R6), 1:29.985 16. Armando Ferrer (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:30.510 17. Keith Marshall (Suz GSX-R600), 1:30.993 18. Victor Chirinos (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:31.329 19. Marco Martinez (Yam YZF-R6), 1:31.450 20. Shane Narbonne (Suz GSX-R600), 1:31.725 110% Of Fast Time = 1:32.873 Did Not Qualify 21. Michael Morgan (Suz GSX-R600), 1:33.178 22. Dirk Sanchez (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:33.223 23. Chris Siebenhaar (Suz GSX-R600), 1:33.270 24. Johnny Rock Page (Yam YZF-R6), 1:33.274 25. James Kerker (Hon CBR600RR), 1:34.393 26. Jeremiah Johnson (Suz GSX-R600), 1:34.708 More, from a press release issued by Team M4 EMGO Suzuki: TOP FIVES FOR TEAM M4 EMGO SUZUKI IN ATLANTA Team M4 EMGO Suzuki opened the tenth round of the 2006 AMA road racing season in promising fashion at Road Atlanta, putting in three top-five performances on the day. Coming off of their spectacular double podium result in the AMA Supersport contest at Virginia International Raceway two weeks ago, Michael Barnes and Geoff May are right in the thick of things again this weekend aboard their Pirelli-shod GSX-R600s. In the class’ solitary practice session on the day, Barnes posted the fourth fastest Supersport time with a quick lap of 1:27.435. Local favorite May was only fractions of a second behind his teammate, clocking in at 1: 27.684, the sixth best lap in the practice. Shea Fouchek, the team’s developmental rider, got off to a solid start at Road Atlanta as well. The Texan was 17th in Friday’s Supersport session at 1: 31.861. Georgian May was also impressive at his home track aboard the squad’s powerful GSX-R1000, notching up the fourth fastest lap of the day in Superstock at 1: 24.997. Despite a tough go of things in Formula Xtreme qualifying, Barnes managed to qualify on the second row for Saturday’s 15-lap race. The Floridian set the sixth fastest lap in FX qualifying at 1: 26.760 even after crashing and fighting to find grip in the hot afternoon conditions after getting off to a quick start in the morning free session (5th — 1:26.298). Barnes explained, “We set some pretty good times in the morning FX session and I was really looking forward to qualifying. But when I went out with a race tire the temperature didn’t treat it like I was hoping. I had a major moment and I saved a highside but then I was running off the track towards the airfence and I had to bail on the bike. I flipped over and hit my head pretty good. “I got a ride back in from a fan and got on the ‘B’ bike. We just put some softer tires on and tried to salvage a grid position but we went slower than we did this morning on a race tire. I’ll be ready to go tomorrow. I just need a good night’s sleep.” In addition to Saturday’s Formula Xtreme race, Team M4 EMGO Suzuki will also qualify for Sunday’s Supersport and Superstock finals tomorrow.

Updated Post: May To Ride With M4 EMGO Suzuki Again In 2007

Today at Road Atlanta, Geoff May renewed his contract with Team Hammer, Inc. and will ride for the team–currently competing as M4 EMGO Suzuki–again in 2007. May joined the team for the 2005 racing season. More, from a press release issued by Team M4 EMGO Suzuki: MAY RE-SIGNS WITH M4 EMGO SUZUKI Team M4 EMGO Suzuki and Geoff May have agreed to a contract extension that will see the 26-year-old rider from Georgia remain with the team in 2007. Currently enjoying a tremendous second season with the squad, May and Team M4 EMGO Suzuki expect to improve even further in their third year together with the goal of winning races and championships. “I’m really excited to be staying with Team M4 EMGO Suzuki,” said May. “I’ve had a lot of good times here over the past two seasons and I only see it getting better from here. This is a strong opportunity for me. The bikes are fast and reliable; I’ve got the best crew in the paddock and I’m glad to be continuing on with them. We’re also happy to be staying with Pirelli. I’ve been working with them for some time now and they’re making great tires.” During his first year with Team M4 EMGO Suzuki, May earned the first two AMA podium finishes of his career, finishing second at Road America and third at Road Atlanta aboard the team’s GSX-R1000 Superstock machine. He ended the 2005 season ranked fifth in Supersport and eighth in Superstock. Having taken a major step forward together in 2006, May currently stands third in the Supersport title race, just three points shy of the runner-up position, and fourth in the Superstock championship. He’s proven to be a consistent challenger in both classes all year long, having racked up a combined four podium placings and twelve top fives in ’06. “I’d like to thank John Ulrich, Keith Perry, the whole M4 EMGO team, and everyone at Suzuki,” said May. “I owe a lot to them for helping me live my dream. We’ve had some success together and everything is going great for us. They offered me a sweet deal to come back and I was glad to take it.” Crew Chief Keith Perry said, “We’ve had a good year with Geoff and I feel we’ve learned a lot that will make next year even better. We’ve worked really hard along with Suzuki and Pirelli and all of us want to continue together, keep the momentum going, and accomplish even more. We think a lot of Geoff’s abilities as a rider and we feel we can bring everything up a notch. Next year will be our third year in a row with the same rider, mechanics, and tires. It’s rare when you get the opportunity to do that in racing and we think it i s a positive situation for all of us.”

Updated Post: Mladin On Provisional AMA Superbike Pole Position Friday At Road Atlanta

Six-time and defending AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin took provisional pole position during AMA Superbike qualifying Friday afternoon at Road Atlanta, in Braselton, Georgia. Mladin piloted his Dunlop-shod GSX-R1000 to a time of 1:22.348 on a potential race tire, well off his lap record time of 1:21.685. Asked about the difference between his qualifying lap Friday and his lap record, Mladin said it was due to the deterioration of the track and that he hadn’t pushed his bike to the limit yet. Mladin also said he was surprised that his teammate Ben Spies (second-fastest with a 1:22.606) was as close to him in the qualifying order as he was, considering Spies is riding with a two-week-old broken right hand. Third-fastest Friday afternoon was Miguel Duhamel, who turned a 1:23.473 on his American Honda CBR1000RR. According to Duhamel’s Crew Chief Al Ludington, Duhamel had made few changes to the set-up he developed during a recent test at Road Atlanta and was concentrating on evaluating race tires. Roger Hayden earned the final spot on the provisional front row with a time of 1:24.046 on his factory Kawasaki ZX-10R. Roger Hayden’s teammate and older brother Tommy Hayden (1:24.057), Parts Unlimited Ducati teammates Ben Bostrom (1:24.327) and Neil Hodgson (1:24.355) and Duhamel’s teammate Jake Zemke (1:24.596) recorded times good enough for the provisional second row. Aaron Yates turned the ninth-fastest time (1:24.920) on the third Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 in spite of his injured right shoulder, while Millennium KWS Suzuki’s Matt Lynn (1:25.195) was the fastest non-Dunlop qualifier, 10th, on his Pirelli-shod GSX-R1000. Only 33 riders attempted to qualify in the Superbike class Friday, compared with 44 riders in 2005. AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited Road Atlanta Braselton, Georgia September 1, 2006 Provisional Qualifying Results: 1. Mat Mladin (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:22.348 2. Ben Spies (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:22.606 3. Miguel Duhamel (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:23.473 4. Roger Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:24.046 5. Tommy Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:24.057 6. Ben Bostrom (Duc 999F06), 1:24.327 7. Neil Hodgson (Duc 999F06), 1:24.355 8. Jake Zemke (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:24.596 9. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:24.920 10. Matt Lynn (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.195 11. Steve Rapp (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.283 12. Jason Pridmore (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.546 13. Jake Holden (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.666 14. Marty Craggill (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.039 15. Larry Pegram (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:26.058 16. Chris Ulrich (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.175 17. John Haner (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.527 18. Eric Wood (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.586 19. Gary Mason (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.192 20. Brian Stokes (Yam YZF-R1), 1:27.267 21. Jason Curtis (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.547 22. Cory West (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.568 23. Taylor Knapp (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.843 24. Robertino Pietri (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.209 25. Scott Jensen (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.260 26. Scott Carpenter (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.550 27. Dean Mizdal (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.674 28. Brad Hendry (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.979 29. Michael Sanchez (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:29.185 30. Marco Martinez (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:30.683 31. James Kerker (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:30.702 32. Fernando Amantini (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:30.925 33. Marcin Biernacki (Yam YZF-R1), 1:32.571 More, from a press release issued by Parts Unlimited Ducati: BOSTROM AND HODGSON QUALIFY SIXTH AND SEVENTH AT ROAD ATLANTA Braselton (Georgia) 1 September 2006: Parts Unlimited Ducati’s Ben Bostrom and Neil Hodgson qualified a provisional sixth and seventh on Friday for the Road Atlanta AMA Superbike races. Both Ducati 999 riders spent much of the session in third and fourth place, but were unable to improve their lap times in the crucial last few minutes of the session. Today’s action was held in warm and sunny conditions at the 2.54-mile (4.09-kilometer), 12-turn course located outside of Atlanta. Ben Bostrom was sixth with a best time of 1:24.327 on Friday. The former series champion said the team is yet to finalize a setup and is looking to improve lap times at the unique Georgia circuit. “We have two different bike setups for tomorrow and we’re working with them, trying to decide what is best,” said Bostrom. “This is a challenging track for us and we are working hard to try to find some time. We were up there for part of the session but I didn’t use a qualifier at the end. We didn’t drop our times like some of the others did. I need to pick up the pace tomorrow and the team will do our best. I’m excited to give it another shot.” Neil Hodgson was also third at one point in Friday’s qualifying session before finishing with a time of 1:24.355. The former World Superbike champion wanted a better result on Friday. “It wasn’t one of our best sessions. I don’t really feel like commenting more than that but I’m glad I have a chance to improve on it in the morning,” said Hodgson. “We feel positive about what the boys can do on race tires. Prior to everyone bringing out the qualifiers, Ben and Neil were third and fourth,” said team manager Tom Bodenbach. “After the qualifying session, the engineers and riders have had a good debrief that brought about some new ideas to test in the morning. The whole Parts Unlimited Ducati Team is working hard to finish the season on a positive note. It’s important to everyone to do well in the last three races of the year.” Saturday’s race begins at 3 PM local time.

News And Notes From The AMA Superbike Event At Road Atlanta

Aaron Yates crashed his Yoshimura Suzuki on the out-lap of Superbike practice this morning. Yates highsided exiting the concrete patch in turn seven and landed on the asphalt, injuring his right shoulder. Yates had trouble riding in the remainder of the Superbike session, but after getting the shoulder taped was able to ride harder in the Superstock practice session. Yates, the defending AMA Superstock Champion, is second in Superstock points, 32 behind Jamie Hacking. Ben Bostrom would not go into details about his condition but said he has come down with a type of chronic fatigue syndrome, which can be treated with medications but not until after the season ends. Bostrom called his condition Friday “fair” and added that some days are better than others. Asked about his broken right hand, AMA Superbike Championship leader Ben Spies said, “It’s still broken. The pain on a scale of 10 has gone down from a 10 to a seven, but I’ll be able to deal with it and do what I need to do.” Jason Pridmore is riding with a broken right ankle, which he suffered in a crash during the Superstock race at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). As a result, Pridmore (who cannot walk without crutches or a walking cast) is not riding in Superstock at Road Atlanta so he may concentrate on the Superbike class. Pridmore said he had famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. Arthur Ting examine the fracture and that surgery will not be required. Attack Kawasaki’s Ben Attard is also dealing with pain this weekend. He had his wisdom teeth cut out Tuesday. Attard said he was told the pain would subside by now, but it hasn’t and he cannot take anything stronger than over-the-counter pain medication while he is riding. The decision that there will be no racing if it rains at Road Atlanta has met with unanimous approval from all riders polled by Roadracingworld.com. Those riders include: Ben Bostrom, Tommy Hayden, Ben Spies, Aaron Yates, Jake Zemke.

Sun Shining, Weather Forecast Improving At Road Atlanta

At 2:13 p.m. local time, the sun is shining on AMA Superbike qualifying at Road Atlanta, in Braselton, Georgia, and the weather forecast for the rest of the weekend is improving. Thursday evening, www.weather.com was forecasting a 30% chance of isolated thunderstorms on Saturday and partly cloudy skies and a 20% chance for rain on Sunday. Now, the forecast calls for only partly cloudy skies on Saturday and sunny skies on Sunday, with only 20% chance for rain on either day. High temperatures are expected to reach the mid-80s, which is about 15 degrees cooler than when the AMA teams tested at Road Atlanta in August.

DiSalvo Tops AMA Superstock Practice Friday At Sunny Road Atlanta

Repsol Lubricants AMA Superstock Championship Road Atlanta Braselton, Georgia September 1, 2006 Provisional Practice Results: 1. Jason DiSalvo (Yam YZF-R1 LE), 1:24.285 2. Jamie Hacking (Yam YZF-R1 LE), 1:24.369 3. Eric Bostrom (Yam YZF-R1 LE), 1:24.514 4. Geoff May (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:24.997 5. Josh Hayes (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:25.227 6. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.260 7. Aaron Gobert (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:25.274 8. Steve Rapp (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.488 9. Jake Holden (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.677 10. Ben Attard (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:25.787 11. John Haner (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.156 12. Matt Lynn (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.269 13. Chris Ulrich (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.275 14. Marty Craggill (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.485 15. Damon Buckmaster (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:26.722 16. Gary Mason (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.885 17. Cory West (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.176 18. Robertino Pietri (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:29.018 19. Brad Hendry (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:29.159 20. Barry Teasdale (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:29.547

Regina Chain Is Accepting Sponsorship Applications For 2007 Season

Regina USA is accepting sponsorship applications from September 1st to December 31st for the 2006/2007 racing season. Please submit resumes to Regina USA Inc., 824 Chesapeake Drive, Cambridge, MD 21613, Attention: Race Support. Online applications may also be made via ~http://www.sponsorhouse.com~. Find more information about Regina Chain at ~http://www.reginachain.it/eng/index.asp~.

Hayes Quickest In First Formula Xtreme Practice At Road Atlanta

Lockhart Phillips USA AMA Formula Xtreme Championship Road Atlanta Braselton, Georgia September 1, 2006 Provisional Practice Times: 1. Josh Hayes (Hon CBR600RR), 1:25.186 2. Jason DiSalvo (Yam YZF-R6), 1:25.350 3. Aaron Gobert (Hon CBR600RR), 1:25.435 4. Eric Bostrom (Yam YZF-R6), 1:25.459 5. Michael Barnes (Suz GSX-R600), 1:26.298 6. Ty Howard (Hon CBR600RR), 1:27.433 7. Blake Young (Suz GSX-R600), 1:27.725 8. Brian Stokes (Yam YZF-R6), 1:28.129 9. Eric Wood (Hon CBR600RR), 1:28.167 10. Danny Eslick (Suz GSX-R600), 1:28.225 11. Ryan Andrews (Hon CBR600RR), 1:28.287 12. Jeremy McWilliams (Buell XBRR), 1:28.511 13. Tony Meiring (Suz GSX-R600), 1:29.201 14. Garrett Carter (Yam YZF-R6), 1:30.221 15. Michael Beck (Yam YZF-R6), 1:30.738 16. Shane Narbonne (Suz GSX-R600), 1:31.536 17. Keith Marshall (Suz GSX-R600), 1:31.562 18. Armando Ferrer (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:31.735 19. Marco Martinez (Yam YZF-R6), 1:31.935 20. Victor Chirinos (Kaw ZX-6RR), 1:32.148

Mladin Tops First AMA Superbike Practice At Road Atlanta

AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited Road Atlanta Braselton, Georgia September 1, 2006 Provisional Practice Times: 1. Mat Mladin (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:22.970 2. Ben Spies (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:22.991 3. Miguel Duhamel (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:24.096 4. Neil Hodgson (Duc 999F06), 1:24.324 5. Tommy Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:24.328 6. Roger Hayden (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:24.570 7. Jake Zemke (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:24.617 8. Ben Bostrom (Duc 999F06), 1:24.919 9. Steve Rapp (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.572 10. Aaron Yates (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:25.826 11. Jason Pridmore (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.034 12. Jake Holden (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.488 13. Matt Lynn (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.567 14. John Haner (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.768 15. Brian Stokes (Yam YZF-R1), 1:27.032 16. Marty Craggill (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.063 17. Larry Pegram (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:27.078 18. Chris Ulrich (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.172 19. Gary Mason (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.296 20. David Weber (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.708 21. Jason Curtis (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.734 22. Taylor Knapp (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:26.763 23. Eric Wood (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:27.810 24. Scott Jensen (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.548 25. Cory West (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:28.878 26. Scott Carpenter (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:29.487 27. Brad Hendry (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:30.401 28. Robertino Pietri (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:30.655 29. Mike Sanchez (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:30.685 30. Dean Mizdal (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:31.111 31. Marco Martinez (Suz GSX-R1000), 1:31.657 32. Fernando Amantini (Kaw ZX-10R), 1:32.263 33. James Kerker (Hon CBR1000RR), 1:32.348 34. Marcin Biernacki (Yam YZF-R1), 1:33.552