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Walker Fastest In Wet Friday Morning World Superbike Practice In England

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Walker Fastest In Wet Friday Morning World Superbike Practice In England

FIM Superbike World Championship Silverstone, England May 26 Practice Results: 1. Chris WALKER (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:36.563 2. Michel FABRIZIO (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:37.797 3. Noriyuki HAGA (Yam YZF-R1) 1:38.120 4. Troy BAYLISS (Duc 999F06) 1:38.350 5. Regis LACONI (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:38.555 6. James TOSELAND (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:38.555 7. Max NEUKIRCHNER (Duc 999RS) 1:39.111 8. Fonsi NIETO (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:39.152 9. Troy CORSER (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:39.289 10. Karl MUGGERIDGE (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:39.557 11. Sebastien GIMBERT (Yam YZF-R1) 1:39.576 12. Andrew PITT (Yam YZF-R1) 1:39.694 13. Tommy HILL (Yam YZF-R1) 1:39.694 14. Josh BROOKES (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:40.534 15. Yukio KAGAYAMA (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:40.580 16. Norick ABE (Yam YZF-R1) 1:40.614 17. Gianluca NANNELLI (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:40.640 18. Lorenzo LANZI (Duc 999F06) 1:40.731 19. Ruben XAUS (Duc 999F05) 1:40.745 20. Steve MARTIN (Foggy Petronas FP1) 1:40.795 21. Ivan CLEMENTI (Duc 999RS) 1:40.800 22. Roberto ROLFO (Duc 999F05) 1:40.800 23. Vittorio IANNUZZO (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:40.827 24. Marco BORCIANI (Duc 999F05) 1:41.761 25. Craig JONES (Foggy Petronas FP1) 1:42.402 26. Alex BARROS (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:42.482 27. Fabien FORET (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:46.566 28. Shinichi NAKATOMI (Yam YZF-R1) 1:47.309

Riba Sets The Pace In First, Wet World Supersport Practice At Silverstone, Peris 10th

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Riba Sets The Pace In First, Wet World Supersport Practice At Silverstone, Peris 10th

FIM Supersport World Championship Silverstone, England May 26 Practice Results: 1. Pere RIBA (Kaw ZX-6RR) 1:40.768 2. Matthieu LAGRIVE (Hon CBR600RR) 1:43.125 3. Barry VENEMAN (Suz GSX-R600) 1:43.421 4. Maxime BERGER (Kaw ZX-6RR) 1:43.615 5. Kai Borre ANDERSEN (Suz GSX-R600) 1:43.696 6. Javier FORES (Yam YZF-R6) 1:43.703 7. Mauro SANCHINI (Yam YZF-R6) 1:43.734 8. David CHECA (Yam YZF-R6) 1:44.137 9. Gregory LEBLANC (Hon CBR600RR) 1:44.220 10. Chris PERIS (Yam YZF-R6) 1:44.411 11. Broc PARKES (Yam YZF-R6) 1:44.439 12. Kevin CURTAIN (Yam YZF-R6) 1:44.448 13. William DE ANGELIS (Hon CBR600RR) 1:44.469 14. Robbin HARMS (Hon CBR600RR) 1:44.572 15. Sebastien CHARPENTIER (Hon CBR600RR) 1:44.667

Ducati’s Bostrom Fastest During Superbike Test At Miller Motorsports Park

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Ducati’s Bostrom Fastest During Superbike Test At Miller Motorsports Park

Miller Motorsports Park – Test BOSTROM FASTEST AT MILLER MOTORSPORTS PARK TEST Tooele (Utah): Parts Unlimited Ducati’s Ben Bostrom and Neil Hodgson tested at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah on Wednesday and Thursday. Bostrom and the Ducati 999 were unofficially fastest at the test, the first time at the track for many of the AMA Superbike competitors including the Parts Unlimited Ducati Team. “We got lots of track time at the test and I was able to learn a lot more about the bike,” said Bostrom, whose best time was a 1:50.4. “I feel we have a good handle on things now and we’re ready to improve our results at the next few races. At this test, I think the bike is coming together for us and we had the time to try some things out, unlike the past few weekends where we struggled a bit with finding our ideal setup. I’m happy with how things went here.” Although the track’s timing system missed some of the day’s faster laps, a consensus of hand timing and on-board lap timers had Bostrom as the quickest at the test and Neil Hodgson fourth fastest. “I’m pleased with the test,” said Hodgson, the 2003 World Superbike champion. “According to our timing, my best lap was a 1:50.9, which puts us up with the quicker riders. We have a good setup for the track when we come back to race. I like the track and my hat is off to them for building it. It’s really well done. The corners are very flowing and in some ways it is not like any other track in the States.” “The team thinks the test went really well,” said team manager Tom Bodenbach. “Both Ben and Neil seemed to get a lot out of the Utah test. They both seemed to get their Ducati 999 Superbikes dialed in for this track. We hope that some of what we learned translates to the next race at Road America, too. It was good for us to get two days of nice weather and we feel it was very productive.” The Parts Unlimited Ducati Team will race a Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin June 2-4, and the Miller Motorsports Park round will be held June 16-18.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Promises More Concessions, More Restrooms, Less Traffic For 2006 U.S.G.P.

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Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Promises More Concessions, More Restrooms, Less Traffic For 2006 U.S.G.P.

MONTEREY, Calif. (May 25, 2006) Fans attending the 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix July 21-23 featuring the MotoGP World Championship and American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Superbike Championship at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca are not likely to go away hungry. Concession stands for this year’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix have been increased from the nine that were available last year to 54 locations for the 2006 motorcycle extravaganza. The 2005 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix attracted the largest crowd in the history of the 2.238-mile, 11-turn permanent road course nestled in the hills of the former Fort Ord Military Installation. “We are doing everything we can to upgrade the experience for the large and loyal group of fans who will attend the 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix,” said Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca CEO/General Manager Gill Campbell. “Included improvements will address food concessions, souvenirs, rest rooms and traffic flow. Feedback from fans in attendance has been and will continue to be an important factor in our continuing improvements to one of the premier road racing venues in the world.” In addition to the increased number of food concession stands, there will be more concession distribution points and a better system in place to restock each new concession center. Many more and better placed portable restrooms will be onsite for spectators during the 2006 event. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and the Corkscrew Clothing Co., the official souvenir store of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, will open an 8,000 square foot souvenir store during the 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix. The store, located in the Yamaha Marketplace vendor expo area, will sell both 2005 and 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix merchandise, as well as Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca 50th Season of Racing merchandise. Fans of the “Kentucky Kid” won’t want to miss the section of the Corkscrew Clothing Co. store devoted to the official merchandise of last year’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix winner, Nicky Hayden. A new traffic flow plan, previously announced, is in place to also help to increase the fan experience. Highlights of the plan include all general admission parking off-site, with spectators transported via shuttle bus; a motorcycle-only entrance; and increased staffing and directional signage. More information on the traffic plan is available at www.laguna-seca.com. More information on the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix is available at www.redbullusgrandprix.com. Tickets are on sale now for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca’s 50th Season of Racing including the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix July 21-23, the 33rd Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races August 18-20 and the Monterey Sports Car Championships featuring the American Le Mans Series October 20-22. Tickets and more information are available by calling (800) 327-SECA or on-line at www.laguna-seca.com.

Kawasaki Is Looking For Former Team Green Riders

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Kawasaki Is Looking For Former Team Green Riders

IRVINE, Calif. (May 25, 2006) Do you remember John Kitsch, Brian Swink, Jeff Matiasevich, or Jason McCormick? Ever wonder what they are doing now? So does Team Green. That’s why Kawasaki’s popular amateur trackside support program is looking for information on former Team Green riders. If you were part of the history of Team Green, we would like to hear from you. Please contact Kawasaki at (949) 770-0400, ext. 2226, or fax information to 949-460-5612. You can also send an e-mail to [email protected]. Please put “25 years” in the subject line. Deadline for sending information is July 1st.

Monterey Classic Bike Auction To Run During MotoGP Weekend At Laguna Seca

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Monterey Classic Bike Auction To Run During MotoGP Weekend At Laguna Seca

May 25, 2006 Reprising last year’s successful debut, the Monterey Classic Bike Auction will return July 20-22, 2006 to the Portola Plaza Hotel amidst the excitement and energy of the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Extensive information about this year’s event can now be found at www.montereyclassicbikeauction.com. In 2005, the inaugural MCBA set a new standard for the consignment and acquisition of collectible motorcycles. Highlights included bids approaching a half-million dollars for a KR Proton Moto GP, as well as active bidding for such one-of-a-kind collectibles as a factory-fresh KTM 950 Supermoto and a fascinating pre-war Simplex. This year’s edition will move the bar even higher, with a spectacular roster of specimens from around the world lined up to go on the block. The 2006 selection will include vintage, rare and custom bikes from the worlds of Roadracing, Motocross, Street and more, plus collectible artwork and memorabilia that can be found nowhere else. The Monterey Classic Bike Auction will again be powered by the nation’s leading powersport auction company, National Powersport Auctions (www.npauctions.com). NPA has a sterling reputation for making the auction experience turnkey, trouble-free and enjoyable for both buyers and sellers. While the excitement of being on-site is unparalleled, collectors who are unable to attend the auction in person can bid from anywhere in the world in “real time” using NPA’s unique Auction Simulcast technology. In fact, about a third of the winning bidders during the 2005 MCBA participated live via the Internet. Complete information about the venue, auction schedule, tips for buyers and sellers, and much more is available now at www.montereyclassicbikeauction.com.

Bayliss: Anything Can Happen At Silverstone

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Bayliss: Anything Can Happen At Silverstone

SILVERSTONE SHORT CIRCUIT AWAITS CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER BAYLISS AND LANZI (DUCATI XEROX TEAM) Silverstone (UK), Thursday 25 May: Following the high-speed blast around Monza, the World Superbike Championship passes from the quickest to the slowest track on the championship calendar as the Ducati Xerox Team pairing of Troy Bayliss and Lorenzo Lanzi line up for the fifth round at Silverstone. Last year the Grand Prix circuit used for three editions of World Superbike up until 2004 was replaced by the 3.561 km short track, and the two races saw a double triumph for the Ducati Xerox Team with Regis Laconi and James Toseland taking a win apiece. The hard-charging Aussie Troy Bayliss last raced at Silverstone in 2002, when he shared the wins on a rain-affected Sunday with his Honda rival Colin Edwards. This time round Troy is on a winning streak of five consecutive races and he aims to further increase his points lead this weekend. “For me Silverstone is similar to Monza because I always seem to get good results there,” declared Troy. “In BSB I was always up at the front or winning, and I remember that day back in 2002 when I won one race and had two crashes. Anything can happen at Silverstone! It’s a different circuit now but it’s still got a few corners I remember. I know we can go well here because we had a couple of wins last year! Monza was probably the most satisfying race of the year for me. We had a few stability problems during the weekend but the guys in the team sorted it out for the race. I think I’m in pretty good shape now, I’m riding well and am confident for this weekend whether it’s rainy or sunny.” Lorenzo Lanzi struggled in front of his numerous home fans at Monza, but feels confident he can score a couple of good results at Silverstone. “I know that things didn’t go too well at Monza, but I am approaching Silverstone in the right spirit, like I do about all the other races, confident and calm about it,” commented Lorenzo. “Silverstone is a track that I like a lot, even though the faster circuit we used a couple of years ago was much better. The first part of the track is not bad, but I don’t really like the final part which is very slow. I have some good memories of Silverstone because I won a round of the European Superstock championship here in 2003.” DUCATI XEROX RIDERS IN STORE AT HARRODS. Troy Bayliss and Lorenzo Lanzi made a special guest appearance in the famous Harrods department store in Knightsbridge, Central London this morning. In an event organised in collaboration with Ducati Corse’s luggage partner Tumi, the two riders were present in the store for a couple of hours before heading off to Silverstone. Troy and Lorenzo were greeted by representatives from Harrods, Tumi and Xerox prior to the store opening and posed for photographs in front of the Harrods shop window where the luggage collection is on display. They were escorted by the store’s security guards through Harrods to the Tumi concession in the luggage department to sign autographs and stop for more photographs with fans, customers and employees. Finally the riders extracted lucky names in a prize draw to win a pillion ride on the Ducati Xerox 2-Seater Experience at the Silverstone weekend as well as some items from the Tumi+Ducati luggage collection. THE CIRCUIT. Name: Silverstone Circuit Length: 3.561 km Pole Position: right Corners Left/Right: 5/7 Longest straight: 491 m CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS (after 4 of 13 rounds). Riders – 1. Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) 175; 2. Corser (Suzuki) 139; 3. Toseland (Honda) 97; 4. Barros (Honda) 95; 5. Haga (Yamaha) 93; 6. Pitt (Yamaha) 79; 7. Lanzi (Ducati Xerox) 59; 8. Rolfo (Ducati) 46. Manufacturers – 1. Ducati 176; 2. Suzuki 149; 3. Honda 124; 4. Yamaha 113; 5. Kawasaki 57; 6. Petronas 4. STATISTICS. Best lap: Kagayama (Suzuki) 1m26.679s (2005). Lap record: Laconi (Ducati) 1m27.130s (2005). Superpole: Kagayama (Suzuki) 1m26.679s (2005). Race distance: 2 x 28 laps/99.708 km. 2005 RESULTS. Race 1: 1. Laconi (Ducati Xerox); 2. Corser (Suzuki); 3. Toseland (Ducati Xerox). Race 2: 1. Toseland; 2. Corser; 3. Haga (Yamaha). TV COVERAGE. Eurosport 2 (Europe): Saturday 27 May, 1900 Superpole (highlights); Sunday 28 May, 1300 Race 1 (live), 1630 Race 2 (live). British Eurosport (UK): 1730 Superpole (as live); Sunday 28 May, 2015 Race 1 + Race 2 (delayed). ITV (UK): Sunday 28 May, TBA Race 1 (highlights), 1515 Race 2 (live). La7 (Italy): Sunday 28 May, 1810 Races 1 & 2 (as live).

Toseland Wins “Silverstone World Cup”

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Toseland Wins “Silverstone World Cup”

The FIM Corona Extra Superbike World Championship heads to Silverstone this weekend (26-28 May) for the fifth round of the action-packed two-wheeled race series. As a preview to one of the biggest bike events on the UK sporting calendar, a number of riders, including England’s James Toseland and Chris Walker, turned out in their national football strips to represent their home country in the Silverstone World Cup. With the football World Cup fast approaching the riders were only too keen to pull on the shirt of their national team and walk out on the “hallowed turf” at Silverstone. Eight riders took part in a ‘Beat the Keeper’ style knockout tournament, which challenged the riders to dribble a ball around a set of cones before taking on goalkeeper Sarah Marshall a Silverstone employee who plays football for Coventry City’s Ladies team. Riders flying the flag for their country included James Toseland and Chris Walker – both representing England, France’s Regis Laconi, Noriyuki Haga of Japan, Australian Steve Martin, Germany’s Max Neukirchner and, adding a bit of Brazilian flare to proceedings, Alex Barros. All the riders were given three attempts to score past goalkeeper Marshall, and the two riders completing all three shots in the fastest time went through to the ultimate test of nerve in any World Cup showdown penalties! England and Australia went through to a dramatic Silverstone World Cup Final, represented by Toseland and Martin, who both demonstrated they are just as comfortable with a football as they are powering a World Superbike around Silverstone’s famous circuit. Toseland eventually fired England to World Cup victory after slotting two of his three penalties past Silverstone’s No. 1 goalkeeper, Marshall. All the riders entered into the spirit of a thoroughly entertaining tournament, and jubilant celebrations followed the match winning strike by Toseland. Inspired by the England World Cup winning team of 1966, all the riders invaded the pitch and proceeded to carry the Silverstone World Cup winner, and 2004 World Superbike Champion around on their shoulders celebrations that were reminiscent of the legendary Bobby Moore being lifted above the heads of his England team mates at Wembley. Speaking after his Silverstone World Cup victory Toseland commented, “Let’s just hope this isn’t the only trophy I’ll be lifting at Silverstone this weekend. I just hope I can carry this winning streak into the two Superbike races on Sunday.”

Statistics And Challenges For World Championship Riders As They Prepare For Silverstone

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Statistics And Challenges For World Championship Riders As They Prepare For Silverstone

A CIRCUIT FOR TWO Only 2 manufacturers won in Silverstone in the history of the championship, Ducati with 6 wins and Honda with 2. The same can be said for pole positions, 3 for Ducati and one for Suzuki, the one recorded in 2005.

AUSTRALIA WINS Australian riders are running a streak of 7 wins (since Qatar race 2), with two wins for Corser and 5 for Bayliss. It’s the third all-time streak for a country and the absolute record for Australia. The longest sequence belongs to Great Britain, with 12 races in a row from Valencia 2003 race 1 to Silverstone 2003 race 2. In that occasion Neil Hodgson recorded 9 wins in a row, then Toseland scored his maiden win in Oschersleben race 2 and Hodgson then went on to win 2 more races. The streak was broken by Xaus, that won in Misano. The second sequence of all times is made in U.S.A. and signed by Colin Edwards that won 9 races in a row from Laguna Seca 2002 race 2 to Imola 2002 race 2. Edwards’ last win is the last one from an american rider in the SBK™ World Championship.

FOCUS ON THE CHAMPIONSHIP With a third of the championship gone, it’s time to have a look at the standings. Bayliss leads by 36 points on Corser. In the history of the championship, after the 8th race only in 3 occasions a larger gap was recorded: in 1995 when Carl Fogarty led by 91 points over Aaron Slight, in 2003, when Hodgson led by 85 points over Xaus and last year, when Corser led team-mate Kagayama by 52 points. In all 3 cases the leading rider went on to win the Championship at the end of the year. In one occasion the same gap of this year, 36 points, was recorded: in 1999 Fogarty led Corser by 36 points (167 vs. 131) and at the end won the Championship in a 26 race season.

CORSER ON THE PODIUM In Monza Corser scored his 32nd third place in race 1 and reached Aaron Slight in the ranking with riders that scored more third places. Corser misses only 4 second places to reach Slight also in the second places ranking (42). Counting Corser’s wins (33), Troy sums up 103 podium places out of 202 races finished and 236 started.

ANNIVERSARIES OF THE WEEK · 24 may 1998, first pole position for Noriyuki Haga (Albacete), 10th pole for Yamaha. During his career the japanese rider recorded 2 poles, in Albacete 1998 and Sugo 2002. Albacete 1998 is the last pole scored by Yamaha – first podium for Gregorio Lavilla; · 27 may 2001, first pole, podium and fastest lap for Steve Hislop in Donington Park; · 28 may 1995, 25th win and 25th fastest lap for Carl Fogarty in Donington Park, first podium for Pierfrancesco Chili.

MILESTONES IN SILVERSTONE · 2002 100 race starts for Lucio Pedercini; · 2003 first fastest lap and 10th podium for Gregorio Lavilla; first front row presence for Yukio Kagayama; · 2004 first win and first fastest lap (75th for Honda) for Chris Vermeulen; 150 race starts for Lucio Pedercini; · 2005 10th fastest lap for Regis Laconi; 250th race start for Pierfrancesco Chili.

HIGHS AND LOWS OF 2005 IN SILVERSTONE · only win of the season for Toseland in race 2; · best season race result for Chili, a double 5th place. During 2005 Chili classified 6 times in 5th place; · Laconi scores one of the three wins of the season, he then won 2 races in Misano; · Kagayama scores the third pole of his career. From that moment on the japanese rider never managed to gain the front row again, during this season his best qualifying performance is a 7th place in Qatar; · Best season qualifying result for Haga with a second place; · Double retirement for Fonsi Nieto, definetely unlucky in Great Britain, since in 2005 he posted his only other double retirement in Brands Hatch; · Worst qualifying performance (24th) and race performance for Steve Martin (20th in race 2).

CHARPENTIER The absolute record of wins can be reached by the french rider in Silverstone. He is only one win short of Casoli’s and Muggeridge’s record of 11 wins.

GOOD TIMES FOR ITALY IN SUPERSTOCK 1000 4 riders at the top of the Championship (Polita, Badovini, Chiarello e Scassa), 2 wins and 3 fastest laps in a row for Alessandro Polita, 2 podiums in a row for Badovini and 3 straight front rows for Luca Scassa. These are the numbers of the consistency of the italian riders in Superstock 1000. The final touch is by Polita, that is running a streak of 11 races in the points, only 2 races short of the absolute record set by Van Keymeulen (Assen 2004 to Magny Cours 2005).

Charpentier Looks To Repeat Last Year’s World Supersport Win At Silverstone

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Charpentier Looks To Repeat Last Year’s World Supersport Win At Silverstone

The most recent Monza race, now consigned to history, saw Sebastien Charpentier score the third step of the podium after a great comeback, and Kenan Sofuoglu take fifth place for the Winston Ten Kate Honda Team. All involved now land in England for the fifth round of the Supersport World Championship, at Silverstone. For the second year the race will be held on the “short” circuit, to increase the show for the fans, and the 2005 edition gave a victory to the soon-to-be World Champion, Sebastien Charpentier. The French rider is ready to repeat that dose of medicine, on a circuit which provides huge scope for his technical abilities. Also Kenan Sofuoglu is looking for another convincing race after Monza. The Turkish rider is putting a recent difficult period behind him and is ready to use this latest opportunity to step back onto the podium. Ronald Ten Kate Team Manager “We are in good shape in general, with the machinery and the riders, and at Silverstone we want to count on repeating at least what we achieved last year. It’s a pity that we are still racing on the “short” circuit but we will try to bring home important results, no matter what. For this race weekend we have work to do with the suspension, and we will try some new materials, to see if we can improve our set-up of the bike.” Sebastien Charpentier Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider “In Monza I didn’t win but my comeback after the “stop & go” penalty was quite nice. Not only for the many overtakes I made, but also because it was a confirmation of the potential of our bike, which is exceptional. But now I want to feel victory again and in Silverstone I will do my best to repeat what happened last year. I am hoping also to have Kenan beside me on the podium.” Kenan Sofuoglu Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider “I was home for one week in Turkey and I worked really hard with my personal trainer. In the last few laps of Monza Race I had a sort of crisis due to tiredness and I couldn’t see so well. I think I have done a great series of workouts recently and I feel ready for the race in England. Silverstone isn’t one of my favourite circuits but the atmosphere of the fans in the stand is incredible, and this helps me to give the maximum every time.”

Walker Fastest In Wet Friday Morning World Superbike Practice In England

FIM Superbike World Championship Silverstone, England May 26 Practice Results: 1. Chris WALKER (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:36.563 2. Michel FABRIZIO (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:37.797 3. Noriyuki HAGA (Yam YZF-R1) 1:38.120 4. Troy BAYLISS (Duc 999F06) 1:38.350 5. Regis LACONI (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:38.555 6. James TOSELAND (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:38.555 7. Max NEUKIRCHNER (Duc 999RS) 1:39.111 8. Fonsi NIETO (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:39.152 9. Troy CORSER (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:39.289 10. Karl MUGGERIDGE (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:39.557 11. Sebastien GIMBERT (Yam YZF-R1) 1:39.576 12. Andrew PITT (Yam YZF-R1) 1:39.694 13. Tommy HILL (Yam YZF-R1) 1:39.694 14. Josh BROOKES (Kaw ZX-10R) 1:40.534 15. Yukio KAGAYAMA (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:40.580 16. Norick ABE (Yam YZF-R1) 1:40.614 17. Gianluca NANNELLI (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:40.640 18. Lorenzo LANZI (Duc 999F06) 1:40.731 19. Ruben XAUS (Duc 999F05) 1:40.745 20. Steve MARTIN (Foggy Petronas FP1) 1:40.795 21. Ivan CLEMENTI (Duc 999RS) 1:40.800 22. Roberto ROLFO (Duc 999F05) 1:40.800 23. Vittorio IANNUZZO (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:40.827 24. Marco BORCIANI (Duc 999F05) 1:41.761 25. Craig JONES (Foggy Petronas FP1) 1:42.402 26. Alex BARROS (Hon CBR1000RR) 1:42.482 27. Fabien FORET (Suz GSX-R1000) 1:46.566 28. Shinichi NAKATOMI (Yam YZF-R1) 1:47.309

Riba Sets The Pace In First, Wet World Supersport Practice At Silverstone, Peris 10th

FIM Supersport World Championship Silverstone, England May 26 Practice Results: 1. Pere RIBA (Kaw ZX-6RR) 1:40.768 2. Matthieu LAGRIVE (Hon CBR600RR) 1:43.125 3. Barry VENEMAN (Suz GSX-R600) 1:43.421 4. Maxime BERGER (Kaw ZX-6RR) 1:43.615 5. Kai Borre ANDERSEN (Suz GSX-R600) 1:43.696 6. Javier FORES (Yam YZF-R6) 1:43.703 7. Mauro SANCHINI (Yam YZF-R6) 1:43.734 8. David CHECA (Yam YZF-R6) 1:44.137 9. Gregory LEBLANC (Hon CBR600RR) 1:44.220 10. Chris PERIS (Yam YZF-R6) 1:44.411 11. Broc PARKES (Yam YZF-R6) 1:44.439 12. Kevin CURTAIN (Yam YZF-R6) 1:44.448 13. William DE ANGELIS (Hon CBR600RR) 1:44.469 14. Robbin HARMS (Hon CBR600RR) 1:44.572 15. Sebastien CHARPENTIER (Hon CBR600RR) 1:44.667

Ducati’s Bostrom Fastest During Superbike Test At Miller Motorsports Park

Miller Motorsports Park – Test BOSTROM FASTEST AT MILLER MOTORSPORTS PARK TEST Tooele (Utah): Parts Unlimited Ducati’s Ben Bostrom and Neil Hodgson tested at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah on Wednesday and Thursday. Bostrom and the Ducati 999 were unofficially fastest at the test, the first time at the track for many of the AMA Superbike competitors including the Parts Unlimited Ducati Team. “We got lots of track time at the test and I was able to learn a lot more about the bike,” said Bostrom, whose best time was a 1:50.4. “I feel we have a good handle on things now and we’re ready to improve our results at the next few races. At this test, I think the bike is coming together for us and we had the time to try some things out, unlike the past few weekends where we struggled a bit with finding our ideal setup. I’m happy with how things went here.” Although the track’s timing system missed some of the day’s faster laps, a consensus of hand timing and on-board lap timers had Bostrom as the quickest at the test and Neil Hodgson fourth fastest. “I’m pleased with the test,” said Hodgson, the 2003 World Superbike champion. “According to our timing, my best lap was a 1:50.9, which puts us up with the quicker riders. We have a good setup for the track when we come back to race. I like the track and my hat is off to them for building it. It’s really well done. The corners are very flowing and in some ways it is not like any other track in the States.” “The team thinks the test went really well,” said team manager Tom Bodenbach. “Both Ben and Neil seemed to get a lot out of the Utah test. They both seemed to get their Ducati 999 Superbikes dialed in for this track. We hope that some of what we learned translates to the next race at Road America, too. It was good for us to get two days of nice weather and we feel it was very productive.” The Parts Unlimited Ducati Team will race a Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin June 2-4, and the Miller Motorsports Park round will be held June 16-18.

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Promises More Concessions, More Restrooms, Less Traffic For 2006 U.S.G.P.

MONTEREY, Calif. (May 25, 2006) Fans attending the 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix July 21-23 featuring the MotoGP World Championship and American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Superbike Championship at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca are not likely to go away hungry. Concession stands for this year’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix have been increased from the nine that were available last year to 54 locations for the 2006 motorcycle extravaganza. The 2005 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix attracted the largest crowd in the history of the 2.238-mile, 11-turn permanent road course nestled in the hills of the former Fort Ord Military Installation. “We are doing everything we can to upgrade the experience for the large and loyal group of fans who will attend the 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix,” said Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca CEO/General Manager Gill Campbell. “Included improvements will address food concessions, souvenirs, rest rooms and traffic flow. Feedback from fans in attendance has been and will continue to be an important factor in our continuing improvements to one of the premier road racing venues in the world.” In addition to the increased number of food concession stands, there will be more concession distribution points and a better system in place to restock each new concession center. Many more and better placed portable restrooms will be onsite for spectators during the 2006 event. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and the Corkscrew Clothing Co., the official souvenir store of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, will open an 8,000 square foot souvenir store during the 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix. The store, located in the Yamaha Marketplace vendor expo area, will sell both 2005 and 2006 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix merchandise, as well as Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca 50th Season of Racing merchandise. Fans of the “Kentucky Kid” won’t want to miss the section of the Corkscrew Clothing Co. store devoted to the official merchandise of last year’s Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix winner, Nicky Hayden. A new traffic flow plan, previously announced, is in place to also help to increase the fan experience. Highlights of the plan include all general admission parking off-site, with spectators transported via shuttle bus; a motorcycle-only entrance; and increased staffing and directional signage. More information on the traffic plan is available at www.laguna-seca.com. More information on the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix is available at www.redbullusgrandprix.com. Tickets are on sale now for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca’s 50th Season of Racing including the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix July 21-23, the 33rd Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races August 18-20 and the Monterey Sports Car Championships featuring the American Le Mans Series October 20-22. Tickets and more information are available by calling (800) 327-SECA or on-line at www.laguna-seca.com.

Kawasaki Is Looking For Former Team Green Riders

IRVINE, Calif. (May 25, 2006) Do you remember John Kitsch, Brian Swink, Jeff Matiasevich, or Jason McCormick? Ever wonder what they are doing now? So does Team Green. That’s why Kawasaki’s popular amateur trackside support program is looking for information on former Team Green riders. If you were part of the history of Team Green, we would like to hear from you. Please contact Kawasaki at (949) 770-0400, ext. 2226, or fax information to 949-460-5612. You can also send an e-mail to [email protected]. Please put “25 years” in the subject line. Deadline for sending information is July 1st.

Monterey Classic Bike Auction To Run During MotoGP Weekend At Laguna Seca

May 25, 2006 Reprising last year’s successful debut, the Monterey Classic Bike Auction will return July 20-22, 2006 to the Portola Plaza Hotel amidst the excitement and energy of the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Extensive information about this year’s event can now be found at www.montereyclassicbikeauction.com. In 2005, the inaugural MCBA set a new standard for the consignment and acquisition of collectible motorcycles. Highlights included bids approaching a half-million dollars for a KR Proton Moto GP, as well as active bidding for such one-of-a-kind collectibles as a factory-fresh KTM 950 Supermoto and a fascinating pre-war Simplex. This year’s edition will move the bar even higher, with a spectacular roster of specimens from around the world lined up to go on the block. The 2006 selection will include vintage, rare and custom bikes from the worlds of Roadracing, Motocross, Street and more, plus collectible artwork and memorabilia that can be found nowhere else. The Monterey Classic Bike Auction will again be powered by the nation’s leading powersport auction company, National Powersport Auctions (www.npauctions.com). NPA has a sterling reputation for making the auction experience turnkey, trouble-free and enjoyable for both buyers and sellers. While the excitement of being on-site is unparalleled, collectors who are unable to attend the auction in person can bid from anywhere in the world in “real time” using NPA’s unique Auction Simulcast technology. In fact, about a third of the winning bidders during the 2005 MCBA participated live via the Internet. Complete information about the venue, auction schedule, tips for buyers and sellers, and much more is available now at www.montereyclassicbikeauction.com.

Bayliss: Anything Can Happen At Silverstone

SILVERSTONE SHORT CIRCUIT AWAITS CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER BAYLISS AND LANZI (DUCATI XEROX TEAM) Silverstone (UK), Thursday 25 May: Following the high-speed blast around Monza, the World Superbike Championship passes from the quickest to the slowest track on the championship calendar as the Ducati Xerox Team pairing of Troy Bayliss and Lorenzo Lanzi line up for the fifth round at Silverstone. Last year the Grand Prix circuit used for three editions of World Superbike up until 2004 was replaced by the 3.561 km short track, and the two races saw a double triumph for the Ducati Xerox Team with Regis Laconi and James Toseland taking a win apiece. The hard-charging Aussie Troy Bayliss last raced at Silverstone in 2002, when he shared the wins on a rain-affected Sunday with his Honda rival Colin Edwards. This time round Troy is on a winning streak of five consecutive races and he aims to further increase his points lead this weekend. “For me Silverstone is similar to Monza because I always seem to get good results there,” declared Troy. “In BSB I was always up at the front or winning, and I remember that day back in 2002 when I won one race and had two crashes. Anything can happen at Silverstone! It’s a different circuit now but it’s still got a few corners I remember. I know we can go well here because we had a couple of wins last year! Monza was probably the most satisfying race of the year for me. We had a few stability problems during the weekend but the guys in the team sorted it out for the race. I think I’m in pretty good shape now, I’m riding well and am confident for this weekend whether it’s rainy or sunny.” Lorenzo Lanzi struggled in front of his numerous home fans at Monza, but feels confident he can score a couple of good results at Silverstone. “I know that things didn’t go too well at Monza, but I am approaching Silverstone in the right spirit, like I do about all the other races, confident and calm about it,” commented Lorenzo. “Silverstone is a track that I like a lot, even though the faster circuit we used a couple of years ago was much better. The first part of the track is not bad, but I don’t really like the final part which is very slow. I have some good memories of Silverstone because I won a round of the European Superstock championship here in 2003.” DUCATI XEROX RIDERS IN STORE AT HARRODS. Troy Bayliss and Lorenzo Lanzi made a special guest appearance in the famous Harrods department store in Knightsbridge, Central London this morning. In an event organised in collaboration with Ducati Corse’s luggage partner Tumi, the two riders were present in the store for a couple of hours before heading off to Silverstone. Troy and Lorenzo were greeted by representatives from Harrods, Tumi and Xerox prior to the store opening and posed for photographs in front of the Harrods shop window where the luggage collection is on display. They were escorted by the store’s security guards through Harrods to the Tumi concession in the luggage department to sign autographs and stop for more photographs with fans, customers and employees. Finally the riders extracted lucky names in a prize draw to win a pillion ride on the Ducati Xerox 2-Seater Experience at the Silverstone weekend as well as some items from the Tumi+Ducati luggage collection. THE CIRCUIT. Name: Silverstone Circuit Length: 3.561 km Pole Position: right Corners Left/Right: 5/7 Longest straight: 491 m CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS (after 4 of 13 rounds). Riders – 1. Bayliss (Ducati Xerox) 175; 2. Corser (Suzuki) 139; 3. Toseland (Honda) 97; 4. Barros (Honda) 95; 5. Haga (Yamaha) 93; 6. Pitt (Yamaha) 79; 7. Lanzi (Ducati Xerox) 59; 8. Rolfo (Ducati) 46. Manufacturers – 1. Ducati 176; 2. Suzuki 149; 3. Honda 124; 4. Yamaha 113; 5. Kawasaki 57; 6. Petronas 4. STATISTICS. Best lap: Kagayama (Suzuki) 1m26.679s (2005). Lap record: Laconi (Ducati) 1m27.130s (2005). Superpole: Kagayama (Suzuki) 1m26.679s (2005). Race distance: 2 x 28 laps/99.708 km. 2005 RESULTS. Race 1: 1. Laconi (Ducati Xerox); 2. Corser (Suzuki); 3. Toseland (Ducati Xerox). Race 2: 1. Toseland; 2. Corser; 3. Haga (Yamaha). TV COVERAGE. Eurosport 2 (Europe): Saturday 27 May, 1900 Superpole (highlights); Sunday 28 May, 1300 Race 1 (live), 1630 Race 2 (live). British Eurosport (UK): 1730 Superpole (as live); Sunday 28 May, 2015 Race 1 + Race 2 (delayed). ITV (UK): Sunday 28 May, TBA Race 1 (highlights), 1515 Race 2 (live). La7 (Italy): Sunday 28 May, 1810 Races 1 & 2 (as live).

Toseland Wins “Silverstone World Cup”

The FIM Corona Extra Superbike World Championship heads to Silverstone this weekend (26-28 May) for the fifth round of the action-packed two-wheeled race series. As a preview to one of the biggest bike events on the UK sporting calendar, a number of riders, including England’s James Toseland and Chris Walker, turned out in their national football strips to represent their home country in the Silverstone World Cup. With the football World Cup fast approaching the riders were only too keen to pull on the shirt of their national team and walk out on the “hallowed turf” at Silverstone. Eight riders took part in a ‘Beat the Keeper’ style knockout tournament, which challenged the riders to dribble a ball around a set of cones before taking on goalkeeper Sarah Marshall a Silverstone employee who plays football for Coventry City’s Ladies team. Riders flying the flag for their country included James Toseland and Chris Walker – both representing England, France’s Regis Laconi, Noriyuki Haga of Japan, Australian Steve Martin, Germany’s Max Neukirchner and, adding a bit of Brazilian flare to proceedings, Alex Barros. All the riders were given three attempts to score past goalkeeper Marshall, and the two riders completing all three shots in the fastest time went through to the ultimate test of nerve in any World Cup showdown penalties! England and Australia went through to a dramatic Silverstone World Cup Final, represented by Toseland and Martin, who both demonstrated they are just as comfortable with a football as they are powering a World Superbike around Silverstone’s famous circuit. Toseland eventually fired England to World Cup victory after slotting two of his three penalties past Silverstone’s No. 1 goalkeeper, Marshall. All the riders entered into the spirit of a thoroughly entertaining tournament, and jubilant celebrations followed the match winning strike by Toseland. Inspired by the England World Cup winning team of 1966, all the riders invaded the pitch and proceeded to carry the Silverstone World Cup winner, and 2004 World Superbike Champion around on their shoulders celebrations that were reminiscent of the legendary Bobby Moore being lifted above the heads of his England team mates at Wembley. Speaking after his Silverstone World Cup victory Toseland commented, “Let’s just hope this isn’t the only trophy I’ll be lifting at Silverstone this weekend. I just hope I can carry this winning streak into the two Superbike races on Sunday.”

Statistics And Challenges For World Championship Riders As They Prepare For Silverstone

A CIRCUIT FOR TWO Only 2 manufacturers won in Silverstone in the history of the championship, Ducati with 6 wins and Honda with 2. The same can be said for pole positions, 3 for Ducati and one for Suzuki, the one recorded in 2005.

AUSTRALIA WINS Australian riders are running a streak of 7 wins (since Qatar race 2), with two wins for Corser and 5 for Bayliss. It’s the third all-time streak for a country and the absolute record for Australia. The longest sequence belongs to Great Britain, with 12 races in a row from Valencia 2003 race 1 to Silverstone 2003 race 2. In that occasion Neil Hodgson recorded 9 wins in a row, then Toseland scored his maiden win in Oschersleben race 2 and Hodgson then went on to win 2 more races. The streak was broken by Xaus, that won in Misano. The second sequence of all times is made in U.S.A. and signed by Colin Edwards that won 9 races in a row from Laguna Seca 2002 race 2 to Imola 2002 race 2. Edwards’ last win is the last one from an american rider in the SBK™ World Championship.

FOCUS ON THE CHAMPIONSHIP With a third of the championship gone, it’s time to have a look at the standings. Bayliss leads by 36 points on Corser. In the history of the championship, after the 8th race only in 3 occasions a larger gap was recorded: in 1995 when Carl Fogarty led by 91 points over Aaron Slight, in 2003, when Hodgson led by 85 points over Xaus and last year, when Corser led team-mate Kagayama by 52 points. In all 3 cases the leading rider went on to win the Championship at the end of the year. In one occasion the same gap of this year, 36 points, was recorded: in 1999 Fogarty led Corser by 36 points (167 vs. 131) and at the end won the Championship in a 26 race season.

CORSER ON THE PODIUM In Monza Corser scored his 32nd third place in race 1 and reached Aaron Slight in the ranking with riders that scored more third places. Corser misses only 4 second places to reach Slight also in the second places ranking (42). Counting Corser’s wins (33), Troy sums up 103 podium places out of 202 races finished and 236 started.

ANNIVERSARIES OF THE WEEK · 24 may 1998, first pole position for Noriyuki Haga (Albacete), 10th pole for Yamaha. During his career the japanese rider recorded 2 poles, in Albacete 1998 and Sugo 2002. Albacete 1998 is the last pole scored by Yamaha – first podium for Gregorio Lavilla; · 27 may 2001, first pole, podium and fastest lap for Steve Hislop in Donington Park; · 28 may 1995, 25th win and 25th fastest lap for Carl Fogarty in Donington Park, first podium for Pierfrancesco Chili.

MILESTONES IN SILVERSTONE · 2002 100 race starts for Lucio Pedercini; · 2003 first fastest lap and 10th podium for Gregorio Lavilla; first front row presence for Yukio Kagayama; · 2004 first win and first fastest lap (75th for Honda) for Chris Vermeulen; 150 race starts for Lucio Pedercini; · 2005 10th fastest lap for Regis Laconi; 250th race start for Pierfrancesco Chili.

HIGHS AND LOWS OF 2005 IN SILVERSTONE · only win of the season for Toseland in race 2; · best season race result for Chili, a double 5th place. During 2005 Chili classified 6 times in 5th place; · Laconi scores one of the three wins of the season, he then won 2 races in Misano; · Kagayama scores the third pole of his career. From that moment on the japanese rider never managed to gain the front row again, during this season his best qualifying performance is a 7th place in Qatar; · Best season qualifying result for Haga with a second place; · Double retirement for Fonsi Nieto, definetely unlucky in Great Britain, since in 2005 he posted his only other double retirement in Brands Hatch; · Worst qualifying performance (24th) and race performance for Steve Martin (20th in race 2).

CHARPENTIER The absolute record of wins can be reached by the french rider in Silverstone. He is only one win short of Casoli’s and Muggeridge’s record of 11 wins.

GOOD TIMES FOR ITALY IN SUPERSTOCK 1000 4 riders at the top of the Championship (Polita, Badovini, Chiarello e Scassa), 2 wins and 3 fastest laps in a row for Alessandro Polita, 2 podiums in a row for Badovini and 3 straight front rows for Luca Scassa. These are the numbers of the consistency of the italian riders in Superstock 1000. The final touch is by Polita, that is running a streak of 11 races in the points, only 2 races short of the absolute record set by Van Keymeulen (Assen 2004 to Magny Cours 2005).

Charpentier Looks To Repeat Last Year’s World Supersport Win At Silverstone

The most recent Monza race, now consigned to history, saw Sebastien Charpentier score the third step of the podium after a great comeback, and Kenan Sofuoglu take fifth place for the Winston Ten Kate Honda Team. All involved now land in England for the fifth round of the Supersport World Championship, at Silverstone. For the second year the race will be held on the “short” circuit, to increase the show for the fans, and the 2005 edition gave a victory to the soon-to-be World Champion, Sebastien Charpentier. The French rider is ready to repeat that dose of medicine, on a circuit which provides huge scope for his technical abilities. Also Kenan Sofuoglu is looking for another convincing race after Monza. The Turkish rider is putting a recent difficult period behind him and is ready to use this latest opportunity to step back onto the podium. Ronald Ten Kate Team Manager “We are in good shape in general, with the machinery and the riders, and at Silverstone we want to count on repeating at least what we achieved last year. It’s a pity that we are still racing on the “short” circuit but we will try to bring home important results, no matter what. For this race weekend we have work to do with the suspension, and we will try some new materials, to see if we can improve our set-up of the bike.” Sebastien Charpentier Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider “In Monza I didn’t win but my comeback after the “stop & go” penalty was quite nice. Not only for the many overtakes I made, but also because it was a confirmation of the potential of our bike, which is exceptional. But now I want to feel victory again and in Silverstone I will do my best to repeat what happened last year. I am hoping also to have Kenan beside me on the podium.” Kenan Sofuoglu Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider “I was home for one week in Turkey and I worked really hard with my personal trainer. In the last few laps of Monza Race I had a sort of crisis due to tiredness and I couldn’t see so well. I think I have done a great series of workouts recently and I feel ready for the race in England. Silverstone isn’t one of my favourite circuits but the atmosphere of the fans in the stand is incredible, and this helps me to give the maximum every time.”

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