Former GP star Jeremy McWilliams and Buell engineers are testing at Buttonwillow Raceway near Bakersfield, California today and tomorrow, before leaving for Laguna Seca. McWilliams will ride a Buell XBRR in the Formula Xtreme race at Laguna Seca.
The Roadracing World Action Fund’s latest purchase of soft barriers for $28,500 (for deployment by AMA Pro Racing in road racing and by IMDA in dirt track) caused a deficit of nearly $13,000, but the racing community has stepped up to more than cover that deficit. The Action Fund’s replenished war chest of $33,190.92 is a monument to their enthusiastic support. AMA Superbike points leader Ben Spies and his mom/manager Mary Spies spurred a frenzy of donations by pledging to match donations up to $10,000 and $5000 respectively, and with the latest spurt of contributions totaling $17,157, their match was more than met. Ben Spies has long been a supporter of the Action Fund, and soft barriers deployed by the Action Fund with his financial help have directly affected his friends and fellow racers. For example, Spies’ friend John Haner credits soft barriers deployed by the Action Fund with saving him from serious injury when he hit a tire wall lined with soft barriers. Many other racers have benefited from Spies’ selfless generosity, and he remains the only factory rider in the AMA Series who has made a large contribution to the Action Fund, for soft barrier deployment. The WERA BBS Auction ’06 brought in another $7251, for an overall total of $9721 since it began in May. Participants included Most Valuable Contributors Fred and Adrienne Bittner, who met their self-imposed yearly quota of $2900 (about enough to purchase and ship one 30-foot section of inflatable soft barrier) by supplementing their auction bids of $1275 with an extra $1625. The Bittner’s total donations since 2002 to both road race and dirt track funds now stand at $15,350. Other WERA BBS Auction ’06 participants include Frank Angel, $1000; Jerrell Lawrence $735; Brad Wilson, $701; James MacKenzie, $680; Matt Manspeaker, $550; Anthony San Andres, $425; Jon Wytack, $350; Jon Gu, $345; Peter Kirsh, $340; Dan Carr, $325; Mark Stheiner, $225; Lori Kobayashi, $190; Steven Kohlscheen, $190; Most Frequent Contributor Darrin Talbott, $100; Greg Travis, $100; John Butler, $95; Tony Fiesel, $25; and Michael Ryan, $25. The auction continues with WERA and NESBA pledging to match winning bids on certain items, for instance, Jon Gu’s winning bid of $345 for a NESBA track day will be matched by NESBA. Check out www.nesba.com . Racing 2 Save Lives, a non-profit organization, donated $1000 in honor of injured racer Vincent Haskovec. Haskovec appeared at the Racing 2 Save Lives charity event at Miller Motorsports Park earlier this year. Kurveygirl.com donated $30, and has pledged to donate a portion of their sales every month. The Little Motorcycle author Ed Link has pledged $1 per book sold through October 1. Roadracing World Action Fund, Inc. is a 501(3)c not for profit organization and donations are tax deductible. Summary of Recently Posted Contributions (Contributor comments and dedications are included below with their listing. Total overall contribution appears in parentheses.) Ben Spies $10,000 Mary Spies $5,000 Jim Hinshaw/Precision Medical, Inc. $5000 “On behalf of all WERA racers.” Fred & Adrienne Bittner/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $1625 Fred & Adrienne Bittner $1000 ($15,350) Racing 2 Save Lives $1000 ($1500)In Honor of Vincent Haskovec Frank Angel/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $850 ($1900) Jerall W. Lawrence/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $735 Brad Wilson/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $701 ($2426) James McKenzie/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $680 ($880) Matt Manspeaker/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $550 Matthias Schaub/Spiegler Brake Systems $500 “There are still way too many concrete walls in road racing.” Anthony San Andres/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $425 Jon Wytack/ WERA BBS Auction ’06 $350 Jon Gu $345 “Thanks to NESBA for offering the match!” Peter Kirsh/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $340 Dan Carr/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $325 Matthew Macheca/In Memory of Chris Stevenson $250 Ray McCurdy $250 Mark Stheiner/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $225 “For keeping our riders safe. Thanks to Dave, Rocky Stargel and MB!” Rick Fairbairn $200 ($300) Lori Kobayashi/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $190 ($240) Steven Kohlscheen/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $190 ($240) Greg Travis/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $100″ Thanks for all of your hard work to help make racing safer for those involved.” Paul Finn $100 Darrin Talbott/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $100 ($635) “Dave K is my hero” Team Velocity Racing/In Memory of Chris Stevenson, WERA #422 $100 ($200) Brian Stricker $100 “Matt Lynn’s top 5” John W. Butler/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $95 ($325) Vinton Squires $67 ($134) Todd Gyure $60 ($120) “This is my third donation, all in memory of Ryan Smith CMRA #19.” Michael Gougis $50 ($100) “Just picked up my racebike from the shop yesterday, and my guys gave me a screaming deal on the work they did for me, so I want to pass along my good fortune with a donation to the Action Fund.” Jon Smail Family/NESBA 616 Midwest $50 Marc McMaster $50 Jon Oliver $50 “Thanks to everyone making the sport even safer.” Vincent Rollieri/TZ250 $50 Melissa and William Hendrix $50 Mike Coisman $50 “WERA Racing and NITRO!” Richard Bassett $50 “If it wasn’t for Airfence me and my bike would have been in pieces.” Dan Taylor $50 Bruce Norton/NESBA rider $50 Elaine Seasly $42 ($140.80) Raytheon Charitable Giving Through Payroll Program Dan Christopher $40 Robert Ware Estate $32 Kurveygirl.com $30 Michael Ryan/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $25 ($50) Tony Fiesel/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $25 Lee D’amico $10 ($25) July 18, 2006 Accounting Details to Date Road Racing Expenditure Details Direct purchase of soft barriers: $263,570 Shipping/Customs: $20,442.83 Bank Fees: $384.05 Airfence* Deployment Crew Training: $700 Transportation & Installation: $5577.78 Corporation/Business Fees: $982 Online Auction Fees: $221.99 Printing Education Materials – $346.42 Misc Supplies: $39.59 Donation to AMA Pro Racing for purchase of soft barriers: $104,104 Total Spent: $398,911.54 Total Donations Collected $429,432.64 Misc. Income $118.31 Cash on hand: $30,639.41 Dirt Track Expenditure Details Direct purchase of soft barriers: $34,500 Shipping/Customs: $2717.72 Transportation & Installation $2174.77 Total Spent: $39,392.49 Total collected: $41,944 Cash on hand: $2551.51 All administrative costs, including the percentage taken by credit card companies on credit card donations, have been absorbed by Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. *Trademark of Airfence Safety Systems Australia.
After the productive tests at the Eurospeedway Lausitz, Troy has only time for a very short break before the Czech round of the championship in Brno this weekend. There was not enough time to go home before going to Brno, so he and Chris (the motorhome driver) set off for a leisurely drive to the racetrack in the Czech Republic. Troy Corser was pleased with the Lausitz tests and felt that he and the team have resolved some of their recent bike problems. Brno is fast, flowing and, at 5.403 kilometres, one of the longest tracks in the SBK calendar. It is a circuit much loved by riders and fans alike and last year Troy won the first race and took runner-up spot in the second. TROY I’m very happy with how our tests in Lausitz went. It is not the best track for testing things, but we were able to work on some of the stuff that caused us a few problems recently and made some good progress. At the end of the tests, I felt more happy with the clutch and the electronics. I didn’t push hard for any lap times, but I did some simulated race distances and they went very well. I like Brno – it is a proper racetrack – and I had some good results there last year. I’m looking for more of the same this year and put Misano way back in the past. Bayliss has a very good lead in the title race, but it’s not all over until it’s all over! See ya, Troy 2005 results Race 1: 1 TROY CORSER (Aus-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra), 2 Toseland (GB-Ducati), 3 Laconi (F-Ducati), Race 2: 1 Haga (J-Yamaha), 2 TROY CORSER (Aus-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra), 3 Vermeulen (Aus-Honda), 2006 Brno race dates: 21-23 July
Milwaukee, Wis. — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HDI) today announced record revenue and earnings per share for its second quarter ended June 25, 2006. Revenue for the quarter was $1.38 billion compared to $1.33 billion in the year-ago quarter, a 3.3 percent increase. Net income for the quarter was $243.4 million compared to $237.4 million, an increase of 2.5 percent over the second quarter of 2005. Second quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.91, an 8.3 percent increase compared to last year’s $0.84. Harley-Davidson’s worldwide dealer network sold more than 125,000 motorcycles during the second quarter, an increase of 10.0 percent over the prior year. U.S. retail motorcycle sales for the second quarter grew by 8.1 percent and international sales increased by 17.3 percent. “I am very pleased with our retail performance during the quarter,” said Jim Ziemer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Harley-Davidson, Inc. “And looking back over the past 12 months, worldwide retail sales of our motorcycles have grown 8.6 percent. This momentum demonstrates the continued strong appeal of our products and the Harley-Davidson experience,” he said. “I am equally pleased with our prospects for the future, given the exciting new products and services we are bringing to market. Last week we introduced our 2007 models to nearly 5,000 dealership employees and owners during our Summer Dealer Meeting in San Diego. The highlight of the meeting was the dramatic unveiling of an all new, state-of-the-art engine, the Twin Cam 96™. This outstanding new engine, mated with our recently-introduced six-speed transmission, is featured in the 2007 Dyna™, SoftailÃ’, and Touring models,” said Ziemer. “Looking ahead to the remainder of 2006, the Company’s wholesale shipment target for the calendar year remains between 348,000 and 352,000 Harley-DavidsonÃ’ motorcycles,” said Ziemer. “Our motorcycle shipment plan for the third quarter is 97,000 motorcycles. This includes approximately 12,500 Harley-Davidson motorcycles that were produced in the second quarter to prepare for the new model introduction.” “The Company believes that worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles will support a wholesale unit growth rate in the range of 5 to 9 percent annually and an annual EPS growth rate of 11 to 17 percent,” said Ziemer. Motorcycles and Related Products Segment Second Quarter Results Revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $1.03 billion, an increase of $21.7 million, or 2.2 percent over the same period last year. Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totaled 79,796 units, an increase of 2,668 units, or 3.5 percent over last year’s second quarter. Revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consists of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $251.7 million, an increase of $13.9 million, or 5.9 percent over the year-ago quarter. Revenue from General Merchandise, which consists of MotorClothesä apparel and collectibles, totaled $67.1 million, an increase of $3.7 million, or 5.8 percent. For the long term, the Company expects the growth rate for P&A revenue to be slightly higher than Harley-Davidson’s motorcycle shipment growth rate, and the General Merchandise growth rate is expected to be lower than the motorcycle shipment growth rate. Gross margin for the second quarter of 2006 was 37.5 percent of revenue, equal to the margin for the same period in 2005. Operating margin decreased to 23.6 percent in the second quarter of 2006 from 24.0 percent in the second quarter of 2005. Motorcycle Retail Sales Data Worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 10.0 percent for the second quarter of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. In the U.S., retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 8.1 percent for the quarter. The heavyweight motorcycle market in the U.S. increased 9.9 percent for the same period. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 17.3 percent in international markets during the second quarter of 2006 compared to the second quarter of 2005. Second quarter retail sales increased 15.8 percent in Japan; Europe was up 15.6 percent; Canada was up 13.4 percent and all other international markets combined were up 33.5 percent. Data is listed in the accompanying tables. Financial Services Segment Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) reported second quarter operating income of $56.3 million, an increase of $5.2 million, or 10.3 percent compared to the year-ago quarter. This increase was primarily due to higher net interest income and insurance revenues. For the long term, the Company expects the HDFS operating income growth rate to be slightly higher than the growth rate of Harley-Davidson motorcycle shipments. Income Tax Rate The Company’s second quarter effective income tax rate was 36.0 percent compared to 35.5 percent in the same quarter last year. This increase was due to the expiration of the federal research and development tax credit as of December 31, 2005. The Company expects its full year effective tax rate in 2006 to be 35.5 percent, assuming the retroactive reinstatement of this tax credit. Harley-Davidson, Inc. – Six Month Results For the first six months of 2006, revenue totaled $2.66 billion, a 3.6 percent increase over the year-ago period. Earnings per share were $1.77, an increase of 9.3 percent compared to the same period last year. Through the first six months of this year, shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were 159,302 units, a 3.5 percent increase compared to last year’s 153,844 units. Harley-Davidson motorcycle revenue was $2.04 billion, up 2.6 percent compared to last year’s $1.99 billion. P&A revenue totaled $434.7 million, a 4.8 percent increase over last year’s $414.7 million. General Merchandise revenue totaled $135.6 million, a 10.4 percent increase compared to $122.9 million during the same period in 2005. HDFS operating income was $107.9 million, a 3.2 percent increase over last year’s $104.6 million.
Fun Bike Center in San Diego is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a Laguna Seca U.S. Grand Prix viewing party and sale at our amazing new location. Come out Saturday and Sunday (7/22-7/23) to enjoy free food and drinks while watching the best racing in the world on mulitple plasma screen televisions. To help celebrate the 2nd annual U.S. Grand Prix we are also having a sale on all street-bike parts and accessories in stock. All street parts and accessories in stock are at least 15% off from July 14th-23rd, with many items marked off up to 40 and even 50%. Fun Bike Center’s new location covers more than 240,000 square feet total, making it San Diego’s largest! Our stock of new an used motorcycles is unmatched in Southern California. With a parts and accessories department covering more than 45,000 square feet, we have endless choices for your sportbike, cruiser, and touring needs. And Yes! We have Spidi and MotoGP Kangaroo suits in stock! Come out for a great weekend full of racing, deals, and food! For any questions give us a call at (858)278-6635 or check us out at funbike.com!
Red Bull and Aztrackday.com are putting on a US MotoGP Race Party and screening the new movie from the makers of FASTER, The Doctor, The Tornado and The Kentucky Kid. The event will be held Sunday July 23 from 11:00AM to 4:00PM at The Tilted Kilt – 660 W. Warner Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 (just east of I-10 on Warner Rd). Directions: http://www.tiltedkiltaz.com/tilted-kilt-location.htm . There will be plenty of premium bike only parking, give-aways and Door Prizes! We will have FREE food and RedBull. Schedule: 11:00 AM – The Doctor, The Tornado and the Kentucky Kid 1:00 PM – AMA Supersport from Laguna Seca 2:00 PM – RedBull US MotoGP from Laguna Seca 3:00 PM – AMA Formula Extreme from Laguna Seca
Alton, Va. One of the new attractions for fans at this year’s Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals at VIRginia International Raceway over the weekend of August 18-20 is the addition of the Trackside VIP Suite ticket, which offers fans access to the track’s new Paddock Suites overlooking the pit lane. Forty of these very-limited-access tickets were offered to the public and sold out within eight weeks. Event promoters M1 Entertainment have made arrangements with VIR to obtain two more suites for the weekend, opening up 40 more opportunities for fans to enjoy the ultimate in trackside viewing pleasure. The experience is not unlike having a backstage pass to your favorite music event, with access and privileges unavailable to the general public. For only $245 (tickets available only in advance), the Trackside VIP Suite ticket includes three-day admission, paddock access, a Pit Walk Pass, car parking pass, official event program and access to a pitside suite overlooking the pit lane. Each climate-controlled suite can accommodate 20 people, and features closed-circuit coverage on a flat-panel plasma TV, private bathroom and catered continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack with drinks (cash bar service also available). Each ticket is good for one person only, allowing the individual fan to view the race from the suite with other fans. “The Trackside VIP Suite experience is the E-ticket ride for motorcycle racing fans,” said M1 Entertainment president Cameron Gray. “It just doesn’t get any better than this. Now the average race fan can get the same access and treatment as the big corporate hotshots who rent these suites to entertain their clients, and for a remarkably affordable price. Each suite has a balcony that overlooks the pit lane, and there is no way for a fan to get closer to the action without being on one of the teams.” Josh Lief, general manager of VIR, said, “We were pleasantly surprised when the first 40 Trackside VIP Suite tickets for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals sold out in only eight weeks, and pleased to be able to make two more suites available so 40 additional fans can take advantage of this unique opportunity.” The Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals offers a variety of ticket packages designed to fit every budget, including standard general-admissions tickets, Big Kahuna Super Tickets, Big Dog Hospitality Passes, Little Dog Hospitality Passes, Pit Walk Passes, car parking passes and camping passes. All current military personnel will receive a 30-percent discount and free parking with a copy of a current military ID (advance) or by presenting their ID card at the gate. Similarly, college students will be eligible for a 15-percent discount with a copy of a current college ID (advance) or by presenting their ID card at the gate. Groups of 20 or more will also be eligible for a 15-percent discount, providing the order is paid for with one credit card. Discounts do not apply to Trackside VIP Suite and Big Kahuna Super Tickets, or to Big Dog Hospitality Passes or Pit Walk Passes. Children aged 12 and under will receive free admission, provided they are accompanied by a paid adult, but must have a Little Dog Hospitality Pass to enter the Big Dog Hospitality area. Advance ticket sales will end at 5:00 pm on August 14. Tickets ordered too late to mail will be able to be picked up at Will Call at the track. To purchase tickets, visit www.m1event.com or www.gettix.net. VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Va., just north of historic Milton, N.C. In addition to its 3.27-mile natural-terrain road racing circuit, VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America’s first motorsports country club; the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park; the VIR Gallery, a sales showroom for high-end collector and racing cars; Plantation Valley Kart Track, a 5/8-mile paved karting circuit; The Lodge at VIR, a 27-room trackside hotel; the new VIR Paddock Suites and Garages, with 18 dual-purpose hospitality/ lodging units and garages; and the Oak Tree Tavern, a full-service restaurant located within the circa-1840 Plantation Clubhouse. For more information on VIRginia International Raceway, visit the track’s website at www.virclub.com or telephone 434-822-7700. For more information on M1 Entertainment, visit their website at www.m1event.com or contact them via telephone at 303-377-3278. For more information on the AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited, visit their website at www.amasuperbike.com.
BREA, Calif., (July 18, 2006) The Supercross, Motocross and Road Racing Public Relations effort for American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) is about to increase significantly, according to the Brea, Calif.-based motorcycle and ATV manufacturer. Effective June 1, 2006, Suzuki and award-winning advertising agency The Creative Works (TCW) joined forces with racing PR consultant Wendy Black to create a broader, more exciting and synergistic PR program for all of ASMC’s race teams. “I am really excited about working with Suzuki and The Creative Works,” said Black, who’d coordinated the Suzuki factory teams’ PR since 2002. “Our overall goal is to increase the PR support for the race teams, as well as broaden the range of PR support for the satellite race teams. Although I’ve worked in a limited way with TCW in the past, this collaboration will take Suzuki’s racing PR to a whole new, exciting level. I’ll continue to provide PR support for racing and TCW will continue to provide advertising support for racing. Together, we’ll provide a complementary service that will completely cover Suzuki in regards to race-oriented marketing.” TCW has been deeply involved with all of the Suzuki race teams for more than 14 years. TCW’s Jake Klingensmith regularly interacts with Team Makita Suzuki Racing and Yoshimura Suzuki, and works closely with the factory off-road team, the factory ATV teams in both MX and GNCC, as well as support MX teams and Suzuki privateers and amateurs. TCW supplies Suzuki with all photographic images for race team support, and it designs and produces the support materials for all Suzuki race teams. “Suzuki has been working with Wendy for several years now and we are thrilled that she’ll be joining TCW,” said ASMC Communications Manager Glenn Hansen. “The TCW staff lives and breathes racing and they design and produce our award-winning race-win advertising on a weekly basis. Jake at TCW attends a wide variety of race events and provides us and our teams with constant support, ranging from shooting and coordinating photography to rider support. This partner’s deep roots, experience and enthusiasm in the racing arena will complement Wendy’s race-related PR experience and will enable Suzuki to enhance its coverage and build upon the synergy of their existing race-oriented functions.” Prior to working with Suzuki’s race teams, Black was an associate editor at Cycle World magazine. While there, she was responsible for writing and editing feature stories and road tests, as well as overseeing select departments. Prior to joining Cycle World, Black was the managing editor at Dealernews. Black’s background also includes newspaper reporting and editing. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Communications/Journalism and currently resides in Chattanooga, Tenn. About ASMC The Motorcycle/ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1963 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC’s parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking is on the verge of becoming the first rider in the history of the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei to win the race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca four times. Going into the race, which runs on Sunday, July 23 at 11:30 a.m., Hacking is tied with Supersport legends Miguel Duhamel and Mike Smith as three-time Laguna Supersport winners. If he wins this weekend Hacking will not only set a new standard at the track, he’ll also extend his impressive points lead in the 2006 championship chase. “I’m riding really well right now, playing it smart,” said Hacking, who holds a 48-point lead over Kawasaki rider Roger Lee Hayden. “The Yamaha crew is doing a great job with the R6. It’s feels good going into Laguna with three wins under our belt.” Hacking first won the race in 2000. He followed that up with wins in 2002 and 2003. Hacking likes his chances in this weekend’s race, but knows the competition is only going to get stronger. “I’ve won a lot of Supersport races at Laguna, but I know Rog [Roger Lee Hayden] is going to come back strong. I know he’s going to be tough, but I just feel really good going into the race.” Hayden should be a lot closer to 100 percent healthy after having a tough time recovering from a broken leg and the surgery that went with it. After winning the first two rounds of the series Hayden missed the race at California Speedway in April. His comeback began with a solid fourth-place result at Road America in early June and continued with his runner-up finish to Hacking in Utah last month. That finish moved him from fourth to second in the standings. “It feels good to get back racing a little bit,” Hayden said after his podium result in Utah. “We’re trying to keep Jamie in sight. With the month break hopefully I can come back even stronger at Laguna.” Hayden won the Laguna Supersport race in 2004. Up-and-coming rider Danny Eslick is third in the standings on his Matsushima Performance Suzuki. Eslick has scored in the top-10 at every race so far this year and hopes to make his way back to the podium soon. The Oklahoman scored his first AMA Supersport podium finish at California Speedway in April, where he finished a career-best third. Another rider who is proving to be a quick study in AMA Supersport is Graves Yamaha’s Josh Herrin. The 16-year-old Georgian scored third in Utah in only his second race. That made him one of the youngest riders to earn a podium finish in the series. It will be interesting to see if Herrin’s progress continues at Laguna Seca. One rider who jokingly said he hopes Herrin doesn’t maintain his rapid ascent is Hayden. “I just hope he doesn’t improve as much in the next race or we’re all going to be in trouble,” Hayden said with a smile. The race will receive same-day coverage on SPEED at 4:00 p.m. eastern. The Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei race is part of the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix weekend that runs July 21-23. Call 1-800-327-SECA or (831) 242-8200 to purchase tickets for the combined Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix/AMA Superbike Championship weekend. You can also buy tickets online at www.laguna-seca.com.
FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Just thought you should know price-gouging in Monterey is alive and well again in 2006! I made and paid for reservations on 7/13/2005 right after the 2006 MotoGP dates were announced. I checked this month to make sure everything was in order. I currently have NO rooms — and am supposed to race in the AMA Superbike event! I have been told everything from “you changed your reservation to four rooms for one night” (I made it for four rooms for four nights) to “we never received your reservation.” I made my reservation through Lodging.com (now Orbitz) with the Good Nite Inn, Salinas. I have been getting the run-around for two weeks now from both these companies, each blaming the other and numerous computer glitches. Not only do I have my original confirmation printout, but my American Express charge as well to prove my reservation billed in 2005. (They just “refunded” the supposed “changed” amount July 5, 2006, so why didn’t they do that when I supposedly changed my reservation as they claim in March 2006?) By the way, I booked the rooms for $52/night — and now they’ve sold them for more than $200! Price-gouging? What else would you call that? I tried to sort this out today. I plan to take this up with Monterey’s District Attorney. Hopefully I will see you at the track! Mark Ledesma Phoenix, Arizona
Former GP star Jeremy McWilliams and Buell engineers are testing at Buttonwillow Raceway near Bakersfield, California today and tomorrow, before leaving for Laguna Seca. McWilliams will ride a Buell XBRR in the Formula Xtreme race at Laguna Seca.
The Roadracing World Action Fund’s latest purchase of soft barriers for $28,500 (for deployment by AMA Pro Racing in road racing and by IMDA in dirt track) caused a deficit of nearly $13,000, but the racing community has stepped up to more than cover that deficit. The Action Fund’s replenished war chest of $33,190.92 is a monument to their enthusiastic support. AMA Superbike points leader Ben Spies and his mom/manager Mary Spies spurred a frenzy of donations by pledging to match donations up to $10,000 and $5000 respectively, and with the latest spurt of contributions totaling $17,157, their match was more than met. Ben Spies has long been a supporter of the Action Fund, and soft barriers deployed by the Action Fund with his financial help have directly affected his friends and fellow racers. For example, Spies’ friend John Haner credits soft barriers deployed by the Action Fund with saving him from serious injury when he hit a tire wall lined with soft barriers. Many other racers have benefited from Spies’ selfless generosity, and he remains the only factory rider in the AMA Series who has made a large contribution to the Action Fund, for soft barrier deployment. The WERA BBS Auction ’06 brought in another $7251, for an overall total of $9721 since it began in May. Participants included Most Valuable Contributors Fred and Adrienne Bittner, who met their self-imposed yearly quota of $2900 (about enough to purchase and ship one 30-foot section of inflatable soft barrier) by supplementing their auction bids of $1275 with an extra $1625. The Bittner’s total donations since 2002 to both road race and dirt track funds now stand at $15,350. Other WERA BBS Auction ’06 participants include Frank Angel, $1000; Jerrell Lawrence $735; Brad Wilson, $701; James MacKenzie, $680; Matt Manspeaker, $550; Anthony San Andres, $425; Jon Wytack, $350; Jon Gu, $345; Peter Kirsh, $340; Dan Carr, $325; Mark Stheiner, $225; Lori Kobayashi, $190; Steven Kohlscheen, $190; Most Frequent Contributor Darrin Talbott, $100; Greg Travis, $100; John Butler, $95; Tony Fiesel, $25; and Michael Ryan, $25. The auction continues with WERA and NESBA pledging to match winning bids on certain items, for instance, Jon Gu’s winning bid of $345 for a NESBA track day will be matched by NESBA. Check out www.nesba.com . Racing 2 Save Lives, a non-profit organization, donated $1000 in honor of injured racer Vincent Haskovec. Haskovec appeared at the Racing 2 Save Lives charity event at Miller Motorsports Park earlier this year. Kurveygirl.com donated $30, and has pledged to donate a portion of their sales every month. The Little Motorcycle author Ed Link has pledged $1 per book sold through October 1. Roadracing World Action Fund, Inc. is a 501(3)c not for profit organization and donations are tax deductible. Summary of Recently Posted Contributions (Contributor comments and dedications are included below with their listing. Total overall contribution appears in parentheses.) Ben Spies $10,000 Mary Spies $5,000 Jim Hinshaw/Precision Medical, Inc. $5000 “On behalf of all WERA racers.” Fred & Adrienne Bittner/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $1625 Fred & Adrienne Bittner $1000 ($15,350) Racing 2 Save Lives $1000 ($1500)In Honor of Vincent Haskovec Frank Angel/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $850 ($1900) Jerall W. Lawrence/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $735 Brad Wilson/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $701 ($2426) James McKenzie/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $680 ($880) Matt Manspeaker/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $550 Matthias Schaub/Spiegler Brake Systems $500 “There are still way too many concrete walls in road racing.” Anthony San Andres/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $425 Jon Wytack/ WERA BBS Auction ’06 $350 Jon Gu $345 “Thanks to NESBA for offering the match!” Peter Kirsh/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $340 Dan Carr/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $325 Matthew Macheca/In Memory of Chris Stevenson $250 Ray McCurdy $250 Mark Stheiner/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $225 “For keeping our riders safe. Thanks to Dave, Rocky Stargel and MB!” Rick Fairbairn $200 ($300) Lori Kobayashi/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $190 ($240) Steven Kohlscheen/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $190 ($240) Greg Travis/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $100″ Thanks for all of your hard work to help make racing safer for those involved.” Paul Finn $100 Darrin Talbott/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $100 ($635) “Dave K is my hero” Team Velocity Racing/In Memory of Chris Stevenson, WERA #422 $100 ($200) Brian Stricker $100 “Matt Lynn’s top 5” John W. Butler/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $95 ($325) Vinton Squires $67 ($134) Todd Gyure $60 ($120) “This is my third donation, all in memory of Ryan Smith CMRA #19.” Michael Gougis $50 ($100) “Just picked up my racebike from the shop yesterday, and my guys gave me a screaming deal on the work they did for me, so I want to pass along my good fortune with a donation to the Action Fund.” Jon Smail Family/NESBA 616 Midwest $50 Marc McMaster $50 Jon Oliver $50 “Thanks to everyone making the sport even safer.” Vincent Rollieri/TZ250 $50 Melissa and William Hendrix $50 Mike Coisman $50 “WERA Racing and NITRO!” Richard Bassett $50 “If it wasn’t for Airfence me and my bike would have been in pieces.” Dan Taylor $50 Bruce Norton/NESBA rider $50 Elaine Seasly $42 ($140.80) Raytheon Charitable Giving Through Payroll Program Dan Christopher $40 Robert Ware Estate $32 Kurveygirl.com $30 Michael Ryan/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $25 ($50) Tony Fiesel/WERA BBS Auction ’06 $25 Lee D’amico $10 ($25) July 18, 2006 Accounting Details to Date Road Racing Expenditure Details Direct purchase of soft barriers: $263,570 Shipping/Customs: $20,442.83 Bank Fees: $384.05 Airfence* Deployment Crew Training: $700 Transportation & Installation: $5577.78 Corporation/Business Fees: $982 Online Auction Fees: $221.99 Printing Education Materials – $346.42 Misc Supplies: $39.59 Donation to AMA Pro Racing for purchase of soft barriers: $104,104 Total Spent: $398,911.54 Total Donations Collected $429,432.64 Misc. Income $118.31 Cash on hand: $30,639.41 Dirt Track Expenditure Details Direct purchase of soft barriers: $34,500 Shipping/Customs: $2717.72 Transportation & Installation $2174.77 Total Spent: $39,392.49 Total collected: $41,944 Cash on hand: $2551.51 All administrative costs, including the percentage taken by credit card companies on credit card donations, have been absorbed by Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. *Trademark of Airfence Safety Systems Australia.
After the productive tests at the Eurospeedway Lausitz, Troy has only time for a very short break before the Czech round of the championship in Brno this weekend. There was not enough time to go home before going to Brno, so he and Chris (the motorhome driver) set off for a leisurely drive to the racetrack in the Czech Republic. Troy Corser was pleased with the Lausitz tests and felt that he and the team have resolved some of their recent bike problems. Brno is fast, flowing and, at 5.403 kilometres, one of the longest tracks in the SBK calendar. It is a circuit much loved by riders and fans alike and last year Troy won the first race and took runner-up spot in the second. TROY I’m very happy with how our tests in Lausitz went. It is not the best track for testing things, but we were able to work on some of the stuff that caused us a few problems recently and made some good progress. At the end of the tests, I felt more happy with the clutch and the electronics. I didn’t push hard for any lap times, but I did some simulated race distances and they went very well. I like Brno – it is a proper racetrack – and I had some good results there last year. I’m looking for more of the same this year and put Misano way back in the past. Bayliss has a very good lead in the title race, but it’s not all over until it’s all over! See ya, Troy 2005 results Race 1: 1 TROY CORSER (Aus-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra), 2 Toseland (GB-Ducati), 3 Laconi (F-Ducati), Race 2: 1 Haga (J-Yamaha), 2 TROY CORSER (Aus-Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra), 3 Vermeulen (Aus-Honda), 2006 Brno race dates: 21-23 July
Milwaukee, Wis. — Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HDI) today announced record revenue and earnings per share for its second quarter ended June 25, 2006. Revenue for the quarter was $1.38 billion compared to $1.33 billion in the year-ago quarter, a 3.3 percent increase. Net income for the quarter was $243.4 million compared to $237.4 million, an increase of 2.5 percent over the second quarter of 2005. Second quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.91, an 8.3 percent increase compared to last year’s $0.84. Harley-Davidson’s worldwide dealer network sold more than 125,000 motorcycles during the second quarter, an increase of 10.0 percent over the prior year. U.S. retail motorcycle sales for the second quarter grew by 8.1 percent and international sales increased by 17.3 percent. “I am very pleased with our retail performance during the quarter,” said Jim Ziemer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Harley-Davidson, Inc. “And looking back over the past 12 months, worldwide retail sales of our motorcycles have grown 8.6 percent. This momentum demonstrates the continued strong appeal of our products and the Harley-Davidson experience,” he said. “I am equally pleased with our prospects for the future, given the exciting new products and services we are bringing to market. Last week we introduced our 2007 models to nearly 5,000 dealership employees and owners during our Summer Dealer Meeting in San Diego. The highlight of the meeting was the dramatic unveiling of an all new, state-of-the-art engine, the Twin Cam 96™. This outstanding new engine, mated with our recently-introduced six-speed transmission, is featured in the 2007 Dyna™, SoftailÃ’, and Touring models,” said Ziemer. “Looking ahead to the remainder of 2006, the Company’s wholesale shipment target for the calendar year remains between 348,000 and 352,000 Harley-DavidsonÃ’ motorcycles,” said Ziemer. “Our motorcycle shipment plan for the third quarter is 97,000 motorcycles. This includes approximately 12,500 Harley-Davidson motorcycles that were produced in the second quarter to prepare for the new model introduction.” “The Company believes that worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles will support a wholesale unit growth rate in the range of 5 to 9 percent annually and an annual EPS growth rate of 11 to 17 percent,” said Ziemer. Motorcycles and Related Products Segment Second Quarter Results Revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $1.03 billion, an increase of $21.7 million, or 2.2 percent over the same period last year. Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totaled 79,796 units, an increase of 2,668 units, or 3.5 percent over last year’s second quarter. Revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consists of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $251.7 million, an increase of $13.9 million, or 5.9 percent over the year-ago quarter. Revenue from General Merchandise, which consists of MotorClothesä apparel and collectibles, totaled $67.1 million, an increase of $3.7 million, or 5.8 percent. For the long term, the Company expects the growth rate for P&A revenue to be slightly higher than Harley-Davidson’s motorcycle shipment growth rate, and the General Merchandise growth rate is expected to be lower than the motorcycle shipment growth rate. Gross margin for the second quarter of 2006 was 37.5 percent of revenue, equal to the margin for the same period in 2005. Operating margin decreased to 23.6 percent in the second quarter of 2006 from 24.0 percent in the second quarter of 2005. Motorcycle Retail Sales Data Worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 10.0 percent for the second quarter of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. In the U.S., retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased 8.1 percent for the quarter. The heavyweight motorcycle market in the U.S. increased 9.9 percent for the same period. Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles grew 17.3 percent in international markets during the second quarter of 2006 compared to the second quarter of 2005. Second quarter retail sales increased 15.8 percent in Japan; Europe was up 15.6 percent; Canada was up 13.4 percent and all other international markets combined were up 33.5 percent. Data is listed in the accompanying tables. Financial Services Segment Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) reported second quarter operating income of $56.3 million, an increase of $5.2 million, or 10.3 percent compared to the year-ago quarter. This increase was primarily due to higher net interest income and insurance revenues. For the long term, the Company expects the HDFS operating income growth rate to be slightly higher than the growth rate of Harley-Davidson motorcycle shipments. Income Tax Rate The Company’s second quarter effective income tax rate was 36.0 percent compared to 35.5 percent in the same quarter last year. This increase was due to the expiration of the federal research and development tax credit as of December 31, 2005. The Company expects its full year effective tax rate in 2006 to be 35.5 percent, assuming the retroactive reinstatement of this tax credit. Harley-Davidson, Inc. – Six Month Results For the first six months of 2006, revenue totaled $2.66 billion, a 3.6 percent increase over the year-ago period. Earnings per share were $1.77, an increase of 9.3 percent compared to the same period last year. Through the first six months of this year, shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were 159,302 units, a 3.5 percent increase compared to last year’s 153,844 units. Harley-Davidson motorcycle revenue was $2.04 billion, up 2.6 percent compared to last year’s $1.99 billion. P&A revenue totaled $434.7 million, a 4.8 percent increase over last year’s $414.7 million. General Merchandise revenue totaled $135.6 million, a 10.4 percent increase compared to $122.9 million during the same period in 2005. HDFS operating income was $107.9 million, a 3.2 percent increase over last year’s $104.6 million.
Fun Bike Center in San Diego is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a Laguna Seca U.S. Grand Prix viewing party and sale at our amazing new location. Come out Saturday and Sunday (7/22-7/23) to enjoy free food and drinks while watching the best racing in the world on mulitple plasma screen televisions. To help celebrate the 2nd annual U.S. Grand Prix we are also having a sale on all street-bike parts and accessories in stock. All street parts and accessories in stock are at least 15% off from July 14th-23rd, with many items marked off up to 40 and even 50%. Fun Bike Center’s new location covers more than 240,000 square feet total, making it San Diego’s largest! Our stock of new an used motorcycles is unmatched in Southern California. With a parts and accessories department covering more than 45,000 square feet, we have endless choices for your sportbike, cruiser, and touring needs. And Yes! We have Spidi and MotoGP Kangaroo suits in stock! Come out for a great weekend full of racing, deals, and food! For any questions give us a call at (858)278-6635 or check us out at funbike.com!
Red Bull and Aztrackday.com are putting on a US MotoGP Race Party and screening the new movie from the makers of FASTER, The Doctor, The Tornado and The Kentucky Kid. The event will be held Sunday July 23 from 11:00AM to 4:00PM at The Tilted Kilt – 660 W. Warner Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 (just east of I-10 on Warner Rd). Directions: http://www.tiltedkiltaz.com/tilted-kilt-location.htm . There will be plenty of premium bike only parking, give-aways and Door Prizes! We will have FREE food and RedBull. Schedule: 11:00 AM – The Doctor, The Tornado and the Kentucky Kid 1:00 PM – AMA Supersport from Laguna Seca 2:00 PM – RedBull US MotoGP from Laguna Seca 3:00 PM – AMA Formula Extreme from Laguna Seca
Alton, Va. One of the new attractions for fans at this year’s Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals at VIRginia International Raceway over the weekend of August 18-20 is the addition of the Trackside VIP Suite ticket, which offers fans access to the track’s new Paddock Suites overlooking the pit lane. Forty of these very-limited-access tickets were offered to the public and sold out within eight weeks. Event promoters M1 Entertainment have made arrangements with VIR to obtain two more suites for the weekend, opening up 40 more opportunities for fans to enjoy the ultimate in trackside viewing pleasure. The experience is not unlike having a backstage pass to your favorite music event, with access and privileges unavailable to the general public. For only $245 (tickets available only in advance), the Trackside VIP Suite ticket includes three-day admission, paddock access, a Pit Walk Pass, car parking pass, official event program and access to a pitside suite overlooking the pit lane. Each climate-controlled suite can accommodate 20 people, and features closed-circuit coverage on a flat-panel plasma TV, private bathroom and catered continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack with drinks (cash bar service also available). Each ticket is good for one person only, allowing the individual fan to view the race from the suite with other fans. “The Trackside VIP Suite experience is the E-ticket ride for motorcycle racing fans,” said M1 Entertainment president Cameron Gray. “It just doesn’t get any better than this. Now the average race fan can get the same access and treatment as the big corporate hotshots who rent these suites to entertain their clients, and for a remarkably affordable price. Each suite has a balcony that overlooks the pit lane, and there is no way for a fan to get closer to the action without being on one of the teams.” Josh Lief, general manager of VIR, said, “We were pleasantly surprised when the first 40 Trackside VIP Suite tickets for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals sold out in only eight weeks, and pleased to be able to make two more suites available so 40 additional fans can take advantage of this unique opportunity.” The Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals offers a variety of ticket packages designed to fit every budget, including standard general-admissions tickets, Big Kahuna Super Tickets, Big Dog Hospitality Passes, Little Dog Hospitality Passes, Pit Walk Passes, car parking passes and camping passes. All current military personnel will receive a 30-percent discount and free parking with a copy of a current military ID (advance) or by presenting their ID card at the gate. Similarly, college students will be eligible for a 15-percent discount with a copy of a current college ID (advance) or by presenting their ID card at the gate. Groups of 20 or more will also be eligible for a 15-percent discount, providing the order is paid for with one credit card. Discounts do not apply to Trackside VIP Suite and Big Kahuna Super Tickets, or to Big Dog Hospitality Passes or Pit Walk Passes. Children aged 12 and under will receive free admission, provided they are accompanied by a paid adult, but must have a Little Dog Hospitality Pass to enter the Big Dog Hospitality area. Advance ticket sales will end at 5:00 pm on August 14. Tickets ordered too late to mail will be able to be picked up at Will Call at the track. To purchase tickets, visit www.m1event.com or www.gettix.net. VIRginia International Raceway is a multi-purpose road racing facility, located on the Dan River between Danville and South Boston, Va., just north of historic Milton, N.C. In addition to its 3.27-mile natural-terrain road racing circuit, VIR is the cornerstone of VIR Club, America’s first motorsports country club; the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park; the VIR Gallery, a sales showroom for high-end collector and racing cars; Plantation Valley Kart Track, a 5/8-mile paved karting circuit; The Lodge at VIR, a 27-room trackside hotel; the new VIR Paddock Suites and Garages, with 18 dual-purpose hospitality/ lodging units and garages; and the Oak Tree Tavern, a full-service restaurant located within the circa-1840 Plantation Clubhouse. For more information on VIRginia International Raceway, visit the track’s website at www.virclub.com or telephone 434-822-7700. For more information on M1 Entertainment, visit their website at www.m1event.com or contact them via telephone at 303-377-3278. For more information on the AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited, visit their website at www.amasuperbike.com.
BREA, Calif., (July 18, 2006) The Supercross, Motocross and Road Racing Public Relations effort for American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) is about to increase significantly, according to the Brea, Calif.-based motorcycle and ATV manufacturer. Effective June 1, 2006, Suzuki and award-winning advertising agency The Creative Works (TCW) joined forces with racing PR consultant Wendy Black to create a broader, more exciting and synergistic PR program for all of ASMC’s race teams. “I am really excited about working with Suzuki and The Creative Works,” said Black, who’d coordinated the Suzuki factory teams’ PR since 2002. “Our overall goal is to increase the PR support for the race teams, as well as broaden the range of PR support for the satellite race teams. Although I’ve worked in a limited way with TCW in the past, this collaboration will take Suzuki’s racing PR to a whole new, exciting level. I’ll continue to provide PR support for racing and TCW will continue to provide advertising support for racing. Together, we’ll provide a complementary service that will completely cover Suzuki in regards to race-oriented marketing.” TCW has been deeply involved with all of the Suzuki race teams for more than 14 years. TCW’s Jake Klingensmith regularly interacts with Team Makita Suzuki Racing and Yoshimura Suzuki, and works closely with the factory off-road team, the factory ATV teams in both MX and GNCC, as well as support MX teams and Suzuki privateers and amateurs. TCW supplies Suzuki with all photographic images for race team support, and it designs and produces the support materials for all Suzuki race teams. “Suzuki has been working with Wendy for several years now and we are thrilled that she’ll be joining TCW,” said ASMC Communications Manager Glenn Hansen. “The TCW staff lives and breathes racing and they design and produce our award-winning race-win advertising on a weekly basis. Jake at TCW attends a wide variety of race events and provides us and our teams with constant support, ranging from shooting and coordinating photography to rider support. This partner’s deep roots, experience and enthusiasm in the racing arena will complement Wendy’s race-related PR experience and will enable Suzuki to enhance its coverage and build upon the synergy of their existing race-oriented functions.” Prior to working with Suzuki’s race teams, Black was an associate editor at Cycle World magazine. While there, she was responsible for writing and editing feature stories and road tests, as well as overseeing select departments. Prior to joining Cycle World, Black was the managing editor at Dealernews. Black’s background also includes newspaper reporting and editing. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Communications/Journalism and currently resides in Chattanooga, Tenn. About ASMC The Motorcycle/ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, Calif., was founded in 1963 by Suzuki Motor Corporation. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC’s parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking is on the verge of becoming the first rider in the history of the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei to win the race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca four times. Going into the race, which runs on Sunday, July 23 at 11:30 a.m., Hacking is tied with Supersport legends Miguel Duhamel and Mike Smith as three-time Laguna Supersport winners. If he wins this weekend Hacking will not only set a new standard at the track, he’ll also extend his impressive points lead in the 2006 championship chase. “I’m riding really well right now, playing it smart,” said Hacking, who holds a 48-point lead over Kawasaki rider Roger Lee Hayden. “The Yamaha crew is doing a great job with the R6. It’s feels good going into Laguna with three wins under our belt.” Hacking first won the race in 2000. He followed that up with wins in 2002 and 2003. Hacking likes his chances in this weekend’s race, but knows the competition is only going to get stronger. “I’ve won a lot of Supersport races at Laguna, but I know Rog [Roger Lee Hayden] is going to come back strong. I know he’s going to be tough, but I just feel really good going into the race.” Hayden should be a lot closer to 100 percent healthy after having a tough time recovering from a broken leg and the surgery that went with it. After winning the first two rounds of the series Hayden missed the race at California Speedway in April. His comeback began with a solid fourth-place result at Road America in early June and continued with his runner-up finish to Hacking in Utah last month. That finish moved him from fourth to second in the standings. “It feels good to get back racing a little bit,” Hayden said after his podium result in Utah. “We’re trying to keep Jamie in sight. With the month break hopefully I can come back even stronger at Laguna.” Hayden won the Laguna Supersport race in 2004. Up-and-coming rider Danny Eslick is third in the standings on his Matsushima Performance Suzuki. Eslick has scored in the top-10 at every race so far this year and hopes to make his way back to the podium soon. The Oklahoman scored his first AMA Supersport podium finish at California Speedway in April, where he finished a career-best third. Another rider who is proving to be a quick study in AMA Supersport is Graves Yamaha’s Josh Herrin. The 16-year-old Georgian scored third in Utah in only his second race. That made him one of the youngest riders to earn a podium finish in the series. It will be interesting to see if Herrin’s progress continues at Laguna Seca. One rider who jokingly said he hopes Herrin doesn’t maintain his rapid ascent is Hayden. “I just hope he doesn’t improve as much in the next race or we’re all going to be in trouble,” Hayden said with a smile. The race will receive same-day coverage on SPEED at 4:00 p.m. eastern. The Pro Honda Oils Supersport presented by Shoei race is part of the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix weekend that runs July 21-23. Call 1-800-327-SECA or (831) 242-8200 to purchase tickets for the combined Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix/AMA Superbike Championship weekend. You can also buy tickets online at www.laguna-seca.com.
FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Just thought you should know price-gouging in Monterey is alive and well again in 2006! I made and paid for reservations on 7/13/2005 right after the 2006 MotoGP dates were announced. I checked this month to make sure everything was in order. I currently have NO rooms — and am supposed to race in the AMA Superbike event! I have been told everything from “you changed your reservation to four rooms for one night” (I made it for four rooms for four nights) to “we never received your reservation.” I made my reservation through Lodging.com (now Orbitz) with the Good Nite Inn, Salinas. I have been getting the run-around for two weeks now from both these companies, each blaming the other and numerous computer glitches. Not only do I have my original confirmation printout, but my American Express charge as well to prove my reservation billed in 2005. (They just “refunded” the supposed “changed” amount July 5, 2006, so why didn’t they do that when I supposedly changed my reservation as they claim in March 2006?) By the way, I booked the rooms for $52/night — and now they’ve sold them for more than $200! Price-gouging? What else would you call that? I tried to sort this out today. I plan to take this up with Monterey’s District Attorney. Hopefully I will see you at the track! Mark Ledesma Phoenix, Arizona
