Home Blog Page 6220

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

0

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.”

Ducati MotoGP Team Heads Home To Mugello With Strength, Confidence

0

The Ducati Marlboro Team travels to Mugello for its home Grand Prix full of confidence. Indeed the Bologna-based squad has never been in such a position of strength going into the Italian GP, with Loris Capirossi second equal on points after five races. Meanwhile Ducati currently holds second place in the constructors’ World Championship and the team itself lies third in the team’s contest. At the first five races of 2006 Ducati Marlboro Team riders Capirossi and Sete Gibernau scored a total of four front-row starts, one race victory and four top-four finishes. Such performances are a testimony to the great work done by the riders, the team, Ducati Corse and Bridgestone tyres. Both Capirossi and Gibernau go well at Mugello, one of the most challenging tracks in MotoGP, where they can count on massive support from Italian fans and in particular from the 3000 Ducatisti packed into the special Ducati grandstand, which is organized every year at the Correntaio curve. Capirossi and his Desmosedici have scored podium finishes in two of their last three visits to Mugello, while Gibernau was just a fraction of a second away from winning the 2004 Italian GP and qualified second fastest for last year’s race. The 2006 Italian GP is full of significance for Ducati because it marks the launch of the Desmosedici road bike, the first production machine to come out of the factory’s MotoGP project, which will be presented on Thursday 1 June at 11.30. This year is also the 80th anniversary of the foundation of Ducati, the 60th anniversary of the start of Ducati motorcycle production and the 50th anniversary of the ‘invention’ of the desmodromic distribution system. LORIS CAPIROSSI, Ducati Marlboro Team rider, 3rd overall, 79 points “For me, Mugello is so good, such a great event. Every year we go there it’s a special moment for the Italian riders. In fact, pretty much since 2000 – when I won after a big battle with Valentino (Rossi) and (Max) Biaggi – the race has been an Italian affair. And Mugello is extra special for me because the Ducati factory is only 60km down the road, which is great for all the staff who come to watch us race. It is an excellent track, very unusual, with an interesting mix of corners – fast, slow, up and down – so you have a little bit of everything. I always enjoy it a lot. “Getting second at the last race in France was fantastic, it was very good for me and for our championship hopes. I have to say thanks again to Ducati and to Bridgestone, everyone is working so hard for this project. Bridgestone brought new tyres to Le Mans which helped me get another podium.” SETE GIBERNAU, Ducati Marlboro Team rider, 9th overall, 33 points “I am looking forward to Mugello because we definitely took a step forward on bike set-up at the last race. We worked some more on settings and improved things, so I felt much more comfortable. “Mugello is a challenging track for me but I’ve done well there a few times. And this year it will be a special race for me because it’s Italy and I am now riding an Italian bike. I’ve always had some great fans in Italy and I guess I’ll be getting some more support this year, now I’m riding with Ducati. The track is one of the most technical in MotoGP, so your bike has to work real good if you want a good result. One of its most crucial points is the last corner, because if you get a good drive out of there you can use that extra speed to overtake other riders down the long straightaway. The other big challenge is the downhill corner entries that have a little grip.” LIVIO SUPPO, Ducati MotoGP project manager “Mugello is always a special event for Ducati – it’s our home race, plus Loris is Italian and maybe we can say that Sete is now half Italian! So, yes, it is an important event for us but at the end of the day it’s another race, just like the other 16. The main thing is that we go to Mugello in confident mood. We have scored some good results there over the past few years and we are in excellent shape at the moment, with both our riders able to race up front when everything goes according to plan.” THE CIRCUIT Mugello is one of the greatest events of the MotoGP season – a challenging, high-speed circuit situated in a beautiful Tuscan valley packed with thousands of enthusiastic fans. The track features one of the world’s longest straights, where the fastest bikes exceed 340kmh/211mph, giving the Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP6 a chance to really stretch its legs. The fast and flowing circuit is also one of the most demanding, with a thrilling blend of high-speed turns, rapid direction changes and plentiful off-camber corners. Mugello’s complexities are further heightened by a bumpy surface, which, combined with numerous adverse-camber corners, makes front-tyre choice particularly crucial. Mugello hosted its first bike GP in 1976 but only became a regular venue after total refurbishment in the early 1990s. Lap record: Max Biaggi (Honda), 1m 50.117s (171.472km/h/106.548mph) Pole position 2005: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha), 1m 49.223s DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM RIDER DATA LOGS LORIS CAPIROSSI Age: 33 (born April 4, 1973) Lives: Monaco Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP6 GP starts: 236 (65xMotoGP, 59×500, 84×250, 27×125) GP victories: 26 (4xMotoGP, 2×500, 12×250, 8×125) First GP victory: Britain, 1990 (125) First GP: Japan, 1990 (125) Pole positions: 40 (7xMotoGP, 5×500, 23×250, 5×125) First pole: Australia, 1991 (125) World Championships: 3 (125: 1990, 1991, 250: 1998) Mugello 2005 results: Grid: 6th. Race: 3rd SETE GIBERNAU Age: 33 (born December 15, 1972) Lives: Switzerland Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP6 GP starts: 165 (70xMotoGP, 76×500, 19×250) GP victories: 9 (8xMotoGP, 1×500) First GP victory: Valencia, 2001 (500) First GP: Spain, 1993 (250) Pole positions: 12 (11xMotoGP, 1×500) First pole: South Africa, 2000 (500) Mugello 2005 results: Grid: 2nd. Race: DNF

Toseland Motivated For Home Round Of Superbike World Championship At Silverstone

0

The fifth Superbike World Championship round of the 2006 season takes place this weekend at Silverstone, in the Northamptonshire area of England. The race will, for the second year in a row, be held on the “short” track, 3,619 meters long, with eight rights turns and seven lefts. James Toseland has only positive recollections of this track layout: first of all because it’s his home circuit, and second because last year the 25-year-old from Sheffield took his best results of the season; third in Race 1 and a hugely popular victory in Race 2. On a Honda expertly prepared by the Winston Ten Kate Team, Toseland is ready to replicate his podium prowess, prepared to turnaround the misfortune which has dogged him in the last two rounds, and to gain important points in order to stay close to first position in the Championship. Karl Muggeridge is also ready for an extraordinary race at Silverstone. The Australian has recovered from his recent back injury and has trained hard in order to improve on his 2005 season brace of tenth places. Silverstone is also a circuit which suits Karl natural style of riding, buoying him up for the fight ahead. Ronald Ten Kate Team Manager “Monza, and especially Valencia, didn’t give the results we expected after the sensational beginning to the season. We are now happy to race on a track where James will definitely find extra motivation because of his home crowd and also Karl, who has trained a lot, will do everything possible to be fully competitive. Our objective is to score podium finishes and we are convinced that with the technical package at our disposal our riders can reach these goals.” James Toseland Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider “We’ve arrived here after two complicated races and Silverstone comes at the right moment. To race on my home circuit, in front of my fans, is an extra motivating force and most of all this is one of those track where I can do really well. Last year I finished third and then first and I’m more than convinced that with the Honda I can take a step onto the podium in both races. Of course Corser and Bayliss will not give up easily but I am ready and I want another victory.” Karl Muggeridge Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider “Monza was important for me because it confirmed that I almost back to my top form. At the end of Race 2 I was really tired but after two weeks of hard training I feel much better. I like the Silverstone track, even if I didn’t achieve great results: last year I finished both races in tenth position, this year I want to do much better.”

CCS/RRSW Heads For Las Vegas This Weekend

0

RRSW Looks for Cooler Weather in Sin City RRSW/CCS will be racing on the Las Vegas Classic Course this Memorial Day Weekend with a racer-only practice day scheduled for Friday, May 26. The event will be a Twin Sprint Race weekend with the usual suspects expected to show up. Kawasaki and Yamaha haved joined Ducati and Buell, which post contingency for all RRSW dates, this weekend! The racing should be hot as racers assemble from all over the southwest to vie for their share of manufacturer and regional sponsor’s money. The weather outlook is for temperatures in the 80s with fair skies and the zany folks from SRA Sidecars will be racing, too! There is still room to get you on the grid so parade yourself to Vegas for Memorial Day! For more information on contingency, rules, forms, and sponsors- go to the best racing organization website in the business, www.roadracesw.com See you at the races!

Corser Hunting Bayliss In World Superbike At Silverstone This Weekend

0

Reigning World Superbike Champion Troy Corser is aiming to put his Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra GSX-R1000 on the top of podium at this weekend’s fifth round of the series at Silverstone in Britain. Corser, who collected a pair of second places at last year’s event, hopes to go one better at the former RAF airstrip in Northamptonshire to put pressure on fellow countryman and current series leader Troy Bayliss. Corser’s team mate Yukio Kagayama won a brilliant Superpole last year, but a crash in the first race put him out of contention – though he did remount and finished 11th. In the second race, he fared little better – finishing seventh. Team Alstare Engineering Corona Extra rider Fabien Foret didn’t race in the Superbike class last season, but is looking forward to riding his GSX-R1000 this year and will be searching for a pair of solid top ten places. Troy Corser: “I almost won a race at Silverstone last time and it would be good to get a win or two under my belt this year and put pressure on Bayliss. Depending on which circuit layout they use, Silverstone could be a good track for our bike so I am hoping that they chose a good one! It has been a tough season so far – but we all knew it was going to be like that. The racing has been very good for the fans I’m sure, but it’s about time we – or somebody – else got the better of the Ducati. We have been losing out to them, exiting the turns, so we have to find a way round that problem if we are to beat them. We’ll try a few ideas in practice and see if we can solve our problem.” Yukio Kagayama: “I do not have good memories of Silverstone last year – except my Superpole victory. This year has not been so good and I have had too many crashes so far. I have been trying very hard – my usual style – and maybe I have been trying too hard. It is difficult for me to change my style but I have to do something to get back on the podium because I miss it!” Fabien Foret: “Last year I was on a Supersport bike so I will have to start learning the Silverstone track all over again. My understanding of my new bike will carry on at Silverstone and I will be going all-out for a good qualifying position in Superpole and then a couple of good top-10 finishes. I know I improve every time I go out on the bike. My only hope is that the weather is good because I do not like racing so much in the wet. Silverstone has seen mixed weather in the past few years, but I hope we have three good, dry days so that I can learn a lot in the maximum amount of time.” 2004 results: Troy Corser – Race 1: 2nd, Race 2: 2nd. Yukio Kagayama – Race 1: 11th, race 2: 7th. Fabien Foret DNS.

Haga Looks To Move Up The Points Ladder At The World Superbike Race In Silverstone

0

Britain’s Silverstone circuit is the venue for this weekend’s fifth round of the 2006 Superbike World Championship. So far the season has been a case of so near but so far for the Yamaha Motor Italia squad. In the eight races run so far this year, Noriyuki Haga has twice finished on the third step of the podium and never finished lower than fifth place. One DNF (crashing on the final lap while contesting the lead at the first race in Qatar) puts Haga fifth in the championship, although the Japanese star knows he now needs to start winning races if he is to stop the so far dominant Troy Bayliss (Ducati) from running away with the championship. Silverstone has proved a successful track for Haga in the past. He took a first and second position there in 2004 and gave the still-developing Yamaha YZF-R1 its first ever world superbike podium finish at last year’s race. With the R1 now developed into a consistent front runner, the Yamaha Motor Italia squad sees Silverstone as a great opportunity to make their presence felt in the championship. “I have done well at Silverstone in the past so I am looking forward to racing there again this weekend,” says Haga. “The last round at Monza was not so bad. I don’t normally get on the podium there so to finish third in race two was a good result for me and the team. Silverstone is a track that we know suits me and the R1. We got our first podium there last year and we should be able to fight with the fastest riders again this year.” Team-mate Andrew Pitt lies one place behind Haga in the championship standings. The Australian has also been very consistent this season and is looking to forget a nightmare outing at the British track last year. Pitt struggled to come to terms with the shorter International layout used for the first time last year and picked up a nasty leg injury during practice. Despite this, Pitt insists a top three finish is not out of the question this year, commenting: “I was a little disappointed not to be on the podium at Monza, because the improvements we’ve made to the bike means that this is a realistic target for us at every circuit. Silverstone wasn’t the happiest of races for me last year and I’m not a big fan of the shorter circuit we use now. But at the end of the day it’s just another race and you go there with the same target as always, which means getting on the podium.” Yamaha Motor France rider Norick Abe arrives in Silverstone in the championship’s top ten, despite failing to score in Monza. The Japanese star had a tough weekend in Italy, missing Saturday’s practice session and bravely riding but failing to score in the races. Rapidly improving team-mate Shinichi Nakatomi had his best result in Monza with a tenth in race one and will be looking to continue his superbike education at the short and technical British circuit. In the Supersport World Championship Yamaha Motor Germany’s Kevin Curtain will look to get his season back on track after the heartache of retiring through mechanical problems in Monza. The Australian remains second overall in the championship, 31 points behind defending world champion Sebastien Charpentier (Honda).

Martin Aiming To Lift Foggy Petronas Team Spirits At Silverstone

0

Foggy PETRONAS Racing’s Craig Jones is aiming to make the most of home advantage at this weekend’s fifth round of the Superbike World Championship at Silverstone. The rookie star is familiar with the shorter international circuit, having raced there on numerous occasions in the British Supersport championship and in the World Supersport championship last year. And his familiarity of the Northamptonshire track will provide a welcome break from having to learn new circuits during his first year in World Superbikes. Craig said: “I think it will make a big difference for me that I know the circuit so well. The other riders will also know it, but at least at Silverstone I will be on a level playing field going into the weekend. I should be on my pace straight away and I have gone well there in the past. I was on the front row of the grid for last year’s World Supersport race and held the lap record in 2004, so I am looking forward to building on the progress we made with set-up at Valencia and giving the home support something to cheer.” Following a dreadful weekend at Monza in the previous round, the team has been focused on improving the reliability of the engine over the intervening weeks. Craig’s team-mate, Australian Steve Martin said: “Those reliability problems were specific to Monza and we are confident of having a trouble-free weekend and two good races here. I didn’t perform as well as I could have done last year so I am looking forward to the chance of redeeming myself at Silverstone. At the start of last season I was having a lot of problems with chatter, which were really exposed at this circuit. We have solved those problems now so I am confident of knocking a couple of seconds off last year’s times and lifting everyone’s spirits after Monza.”

Doug Chandler To Be Inducted Into Motorcycle Hall Of Fame

PICKERINGTON, OHIO The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum today announced nine new members for induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, with ceremonies scheduled for Saturday evening, October 7, 2006. This year’s inductees include racing champions, land-speed record holders, industry leaders and innovators. Bill Werner, one of motorcycling’s most successful race bike tuning talents and a Motorcycle Hall of Fame member since 2000, will serve as master of ceremonies for the 2006 event. Every Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee played a major role in building America’s rich motorcycling heritage. Induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame ensures that each inductee’s achievements, as well as the colorful stories surrounding them, are preserved for the enjoyment and education of future generations. At the October 7 ceremony, each inductee will be honored with the distinguished gold Motorcycle Hall of Fame medal. In addition, the inductee’s name will be featured on a permanent plaque in the Museum’s Hall of Fame gallery. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2006 includes: Doug Chandler During a career that spanned more than two decades, Doug Chandler earned numerous accolades for his skill as a dirt tracker and roadracer, including AMA Camel Pro Rookie of the Year in 1983 and AMA Superbike titles in 1990, 1996 and 1997. He is also one of only five racers to complete a “Grand Slam” in AMA National Championship racing, with wins in short track, T.T., half mile, mile and roadracing. Ever the competitor, Chandler has returned to the AMA Superbike Series this year as a privateer. Alfred Rich Child As Harley-Davidson’s first export representative to Africa in 1922, Alfred Rich Child was used to breaking new ground. His career at Harley-Davidson also included serving as Managing Director of Sales in pre-WWII Japan, as well as negotiating the contract that would give Sankyo Company exclusive rights to manufacture Harley-Davidson products in that country. Following the war, Child founded the Rich Child Cycle Co., a distributor of BSA and Sunbeam motorcycles. Wally Dallenbach While many know Wally Dallenbach as a champion race car driver, it is his passion for motorcycling and helping others that resulted in the first Colorado 500 Charity Dirt Bike Ride in 1975. These by-invitation-only gatherings of dedicated motorcycle enthusiasts not only advance the cause of environmentally sound land use, but continue to raise significant funds for communities and charitable institutions in the Colorado Rockies. Denis Manning A supremely talented and self-taught designer and fabricator, Denis Manning built the innovative streamliner that allowed Cal Rayborn to shatter Don Vesco’s long-standing motorcycle land-speed record in 1970. Today, Manning, also the founder of aftermarket motorcycle exhaust pipe company B.U.B. Enterprises, continues to build and compete in motorcycle land-speed record runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Heikki Mikkola The “Flyin’ Finn” was one of the most popular and feared motocross racers of the 1970s. During his illustrious career, Mikkola racked up four World Motocross Championship titles and 32 Grand Prix victories, including a win in the 500cc class at the prestigious 1978 U.S. GP at Carlsbad, California. Burt Munro New Zealand native Burt Munro devoted his entire life to pursuing his dream of setting a world land-speed record with his 1920 Indian Scout. A humble do-it-yourselfer, Munro raced independent of corporate sponsorship, preferring to personally modify the Indian every step of the way. His 50-year quest and 1962 success at the Bonneville Salt Flats were immortalized in the 2005 film The World’s Fastest Indian, starring Anthony Hopkins as Munro. Cook Neilson As Editor of Cycle magazine during the 1970s, Cook Neilson set new standards for motorcycle journalism. Under his direction the magazine published the first-ever head-to-head tests of individual bikes, a format used in every category of enthusiast media today. Cycle’s coverage of AMA Superbike racing also helped establish the series as America’s premier roadracing championship. Neilson also walked the talk: he was a leading AMA Superbike racer in the 1970s and gave Ducati its first AMA Superbike victory at Daytona. Roger “Sodie” Soderstrom The affable “Sodie” Soderstrom not only knew how to win races, he knew how to capture the hearts of fans, topping the AMA’s “Most Popular Rider” lists for many years. His racing career spanned 20 years and included five national wins in class C competition at Peoria. As a Harley-Davidson dealer, Sodie was also an active supporter of the sport and helped numerous racers launch their careers. Mike Wilson From his days as an expert dirt tracker, to his role as a dealer and sponsor of notable racers like Leo Payne, Mike Wilson has made motorcycling a major part of his life. Today, Wilson, along with his wife, Margaret (inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004), continue to serve as tireless ambassadors of the sport and active proponents for preserving motorcycling’s history and heritage. Induction Weekend to Feature 5th Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours The Class of 2006 will be inducted the evening of Saturday, October 7, during ceremonies at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio. Supported by families, industry peers, friends, past Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductees and media, the induction is an emotional celebration that brings together some of the most recognizable names in the world of motorcycling. The Hall of Fame Weekend will also feature the Museum’s 5th annual Concours d’Elegance, which drew over 100 juried entries in 2005 including many machines ridden, raced, designed or built by Motorcycle Hall of Fame members. The weekend kicks off with “An Evening of Stars and Legends,” a reception honoring the Class of 2006, set for the evening of Friday, October 6, at the Museum. All activities are open to the public. For more information, call the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum at 1-614-856-2222, or visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Each year, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. Any motorcycling enthusiast may submit a person to be considered for induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. For details on the nomination process, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

Palazzo Won Last Weekend’s WSMC Formula One Race At Willow Springs

0

WSMC Official Results In Chronological Order SATURDAY SOLO GT-LIGHTS: 1. Tim Martinez (Suz SV650) 2. Rich Gann (Suz SV650) 3. Ryan Sturz (Yam FZR400) 4. Cory Mann (Suz) 5. Tom Shao (Suz SV650) 6. Charles Abdi (Suz) SOLO GT-GP: 1. Roger Baker (Yam) 2. Jesus Amezcua (Hon RS250R) 3. Derek Dutt (Yam TZ250) 4. Steve Lambrick (Yam) 5. Peter Esquivel (Yam TZ250) 6. Jamie Lenore (Apr) SOLO GTO: 1. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1) 2. Robbie Dowie (Kaw ZX-10R) 3. Jason Caldwell (Suz GSX-R1000) 4. Cesar Meza (Suz GSX-R1000) 5. Mitchell Wissner (Suz GSX-R1000) 6. Clint Diaz (Hon CBR1000RR) SOLO GTU: 1. Blair Sullenger (Yam YZF-R6) 2. Tim Knutson (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Stan Bates (Yam YZF-R6) 4. Lloyd Magruder (Yam YZF-R6) 5. Bryan Davenport (Hon) 6. John Sender (Kaw) SUNDAY RACE TECH 750cc SUPERBIKE: 1. Karl Lowry (Suz GSX-R750) 2. Dale Kieffer (Suz GSX-R750) 3. Kenny Kopecky (Duc) 4. Norman Roy (Duc) 5. Ryan Gagliano (Yam) 6. Don Erickson (Duc) TIGERSHARK RACING OPEN MODIFIED PRODUCTION: 1. Robbie Dowie (Kaw ZX-10R) 2. Jason Caldwell (Suz GSX-R1000) 3. Cesar Meza (Suz GSX-R1000) 4. Chris Duran (Yam YZF-R1) 5. Armen Manouglan (Suz GSX-R1000) 6. Terry Heard (Kaw ZX-10R) TIRE PROS FORMULA TWINS: 1. Claudio Szyszkowski (Duc 999R) 2. Kenny Kopecky (Duc 999R) 3. Marlon Ibarra (Duc) 4. David Conger (Suz) 5. Don Erickson (Apr RSV1000) 6. Joe Pugllese (Duc) FORMULA SINGLES: 1. Jeff Rheaume (Suz) 2. Larry Cochran (Hon) 3. Steve Brefka (Apr) 4. Patrick McGinley (Buell Blast) 5. Cody Burton (Hon) 6. James Provencer (Buell Blast) DUKE 22 PHOTOGRAPHY/ADVANCED KAWASAKI OPEN SUPERSTOCK: 1. Jeremy Toye (Suz GSX-R1000) 2. Marc Palazzo (Suz GSX-R1000) 3. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1) 4. Jack Pfeifer (Kaw ZX-10R) 5. Robbie Dowie (Kaw ZX-10R) 6. Jason Caldwell (Suz GSX-R1000) 750cc MODIFIED PRODUCTION: 1. Karl Lowry (Suz GSX-R750) 2. Jeff Stern (Suz GSX-R750) 3. Ken Kramer (Suz GSX-R750) 4. Dustin Coyner (Kaw 636cc ZX-6R) 5. Andy Palmer (Suz) 6. Rocky Caceres (Suz) 500cc SINGLES: 1. Larry Cochran (Hon) 2. Eric Compton (Hon) 3. Cody Burton (Hon) 4. Mario Vindeni (Buell Blast) 5. James Provencher (Buell Blast) 500cc SUPERSTOCK: 1. Ryan Sturz (Yam FZR400) 2. Eric Angel (Yam FZR400) 3. Jonathan Cordero (Yam FZR400) 4. Clinton Whitehouse III (Yam FZR400) 5. Dave Finnerty (Buell) 6. Amy Hronek (Yam FZR400) 660cc SINGLES 1. Steven Brefka (MZ) 500cc MODIFIED PRODUCTION: 1. Ryan Sturz (Yam FZR400) 2. Jonathan Cordero (Yam FZR400) 3. Eric Angel (Yam FZR400) 4. Amy Hronek (Yam FZR400) 5. Chris Speights (Kaw) 6. Michael Quinn (Yam) FORMULA TWINS LIGHTWEIGHT: 1. Kurt Spencer (Suz SV650) 2. Zoran Vujasinovic (Suz SV650) 3. Kevin Jump (Kaw Ninja 650R) 4. Jay Avansino (Suz SV650) 5. Kurt Whittington (Suz SV650) 6. Edward Johnson (Suz SV650) TRACK RIDERS TAX SERVICE FORMULA 50: 1. Gary Dimartino (Suz) 2. Mitchell Wissner (Suz GSX-R1000) 3. David Molitor (Suz GSX-R1000) 4. Danny Birdsall (Duc) 5. Travis Westmeyer (Suz) 6. David McLarty (Suz) GOLDEN CANTINA FORMULA 40 HEAVYWEIGHT: 1. Claudio Szyszkowski (Duc 999R) 2. Ken Kramer (Suz GSX-R1000) 3. John Ashker (Yam YZ-R1) 4. David Conger (Suz GSX-R1000) 5. Jeff Stern (Suz GSX-R1000) 6. Stephen Leigh (Yam YZ-R1) FORMULA 40 LIGHTWEIGHT: 1. Mark Watts (Yam TZ250) 2. Stan Bates (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Clint Diaz (Hon CB600RR) 4. Joel Manes (Hon RS250R) 5. Alex White (Yam TZ250) 6. Andy Edwards (Apr RSV250) RACERLOANS.COM 2-STROKE PRODUCTION: 1. Jamie Lenore (Apr RS250) 2. Richard Barnett III (Apr RS250) 3. Warren Spradlin Jr. (Yam) 4. Anthony Digati (Apr RS250) VINTAGE HEAVYWEIGHT DINOSAURS: 1. Denny Fryer (Suz GS1000) 2. Lloyd Johnson (Duc) 3. James Dobson (Yam) 4. George Beavers IV (Suz) LIGHTWEIGHT TWINS: 1. Chris Speights (Kaw EX500) 2. Larry Cochran (Hon) 3. Steven Brefka (MZ) 4. Eric Compton (Hon) 5. Cody Burton (Hon) 6. Micheal Gougis (Kaw EX500) TRACK DAZ 650cc SUPERBIKE: 1. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R6) 2. Brant Wiwi (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Blair Sullenger (Yam YZF-R6) 4. Marlon Ibarra (Duc) 5. Sam Carnibucci (Yam YZF-R6) 6. Shaun Summers (Suz GSX-R600) ROADRACINGWORLD.COM 250cc GRAND PRIX: 1. Mark Watts (Yam TZ250) 2. Jesus Amezcua (Hon RS250R) 3. Alex White (Yam TZ250) 4. Derek Dutt (Yam TZ250) 5. Jay Pilster (Hon RS125) 6. Joji Tokumoto (Yam TZ250) 7. Clinton Whitehouse III (Yam TZ250) 8. Andy Edwards (Apr RSV250) 9. Joel Manes (Hon RS250R) 10. Kevin Murray (Yam TZ125) 11. James Wilberger (Hon RS250R) 12. Jorge Artola (Hon RS250R) 13. John Dalton (Hon RS250R) 14. Theis Cornellussen (Hon) 15. Marlena Conger (Apr RS250) 16. Marty Lindley (Yam TZ250) 17. Neil Barry (Hon) 18. Earl Serrato (Yam TZ250) 19. Anthony Digati (Apr RS250) 20. Peter Esquivel (Yam TZ250) VINTAGE LIGHTWEIGHT DINOSAURS: 1. Warren Spradlin Jr. (Yam) 2. Pierre Pfeffer (Apr) 3. Seth Clark (Suz) 4. Cody Burton (Hon) 5. Eric Compton (Hon) 6. Ed Milich (Duc) H-D BUELL OF GLENDALE BOTT MIDDLEWEIGHT: 1. Marlon Ibarra (Duc) 2. Jeff Dixon (H-D) 3. Tim Martinez (Suz SV650) 4. Jim Chanconas (Buell) 5. Michael Biard (Duc) 6. Patrick McGinley (Buell) TOYOTA CUP UNLIMITED FORMULA 1: 1. Mark Palazzo (Suz GSX-R1000) 2. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1) 3. Jeremy Toye (Suz GSX-R1000) 4. Robbie Dowie (Kaw ZX-10R) 5. Jack Pfeifer (Kaw ZX-10R) 6. Jeff Stern (Suz GSX-R1000) 7. Matthew Lapaglia (Suz GSX-R1000) 8. Jason Caldwell (Suz GSX-R1000) 9. Jerry Mendzer (Yam YZF-R1), DNF 10. Chris Duran (Yam YZF-R1), DNF 11. Anthony Lanzara (Suz GSX-R1000), DNS 12. Curtis Adams (Suz), DNS SPORT TIRE SERVICE 600cc SUPERSTOCK: 1. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R6) 2. Brant Wiwi (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Jack Pfeifer (Kaw ZX-6RR) 4. Sam Carnibucci (Yam YZF-R6) 5. Stan Bates (Yam YZF-R6) 6. Blair Sullenger (Yam YZF-R6) 500cc LIGHTWEIGHT NOVICE: 1. Christian Rice (Kaw) 2. Sean Fader (MG) 3. Debra Westermeyer (Yam) 125cc GRAND PRIX: 1. Jay Pilster (Hon RS125) 2. Kevin Murray (Yam TZ125) 3. Barrett Meeker (Hon RS125) 4. Brian Heess (Hon RS125) 5. Neil Barry (Hon RS125) GOLDEN WEST TRAILERS FORMULA 2: 1. Mark Watts (Yam TZ250) 2. Blair Sullenger (Yam YZF-R6) 3. William Clarke (Yam YZF-R6) 4. Daniel Shaffner (Kaw) 5. Lenny Hale (Yam YZF-R6) 6. John Dang (Suz GSX-R600) FASTRACK RIDERS OPEN SUPERBIKE: 1. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1) 2. Jack Pfeifer (Kaw ZX-10R) 3. Robbie Dowie (Kaw ZX-10R) 4. Jason Caldwell (Suz GSX-R1000) 5. Matthew Lapaglla (Suz GSX-R1000) 6. Armen Manouglan (Suz GSX-R1000) RACERS EDGE 750cc SUPERSTOCK: 1. Karl Lowry (Suz GSX-R750) 2. Dale Kieffer (Suz GSX-R750) 3. Jeff Stern (Suz GSX-R750) 4. Ken Kramer (Suz GSX-R750) 5. Dustin Coyner (Kaw 636cc ZX-6R) 6. Travis Westermeyer (Suz GSX-R750) HEAVYWEIGHT TWINS: 1. Kenny Kopecky (Duc 999R) 2. Claudio Szyszkowski (Duc 999R) 3. Marlon Ibarra (Duc) 4. David Conger (Suz) 5. Jeff Dixon (H-D) 6. Don Erickson (Apr RSV1000) LITTLE BIG SERVICES 550cc SUPERBIKE: 1. Kurt Spencer (Suz SV650) 2. Zoran Vujasinovic (Suz SV650) 3. Jay Avansino (Suz SV650) 4. Kurt Whittington (Suz SV650) 5. Tim Martinez (Suz SV650) 6. Ryan Sturz (Kaw) L&L MOTORSPORTS/GP SUSPENSION 600cc MODIFIED PRODUCTION: 1. Brant Wiwi (Yam YZF-R6) 2. Sam Carnibucci (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Stan Bates (Yam YZF-R6) 4. Shaun Summers (Yam YZF-R6) 5. William Clarke (Yam YZF-R6) 6. Terry Heard (Kaw) 501-650CC MIDDLEWEIGHT NOVICE: 1. Paul Economou (Yam) 2. Rocha Javier (Yam) 3. John-Thomas Wood (Suz) 4. Matthew Brady (Hon) 5. Jason Turner (Hon) 6. Sheldon Holland (Yam) 651cc-OPEN HEAVYWEIGHT NOVICE: 1. Jonathan Bluker (Kaw) 2. John Reeves (Yam) 3. Shaun Sauer (Suz) 4. Russel Chal (Yam) 5. Chris Castillon (Duc) 6. Steve Barbusca (Hon)

Motorcycling Australia Is Accepting Wildcard Applications For 125cc And 250cc Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix Races

0

Motorcycling Australia (MA) is now calling for wildcard applications from Australian riders who wish to compete in the 125cc and 250cc races at the 2006 GMC Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix from September 14-16. Three wildcard positions have been allocated to MA in each class, with an added stipulation that all 125cc applicants must be under 25 years old in 2006. Final approval of wildcards is made by the FIM, not MA. Applications close on Monday, July 10. For more information, contact Daniel Hutchinson at MA, tel (03) 9684 0500 or email [email protected]

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.”

Ducati MotoGP Team Heads Home To Mugello With Strength, Confidence

The Ducati Marlboro Team travels to Mugello for its home Grand Prix full of confidence. Indeed the Bologna-based squad has never been in such a position of strength going into the Italian GP, with Loris Capirossi second equal on points after five races. Meanwhile Ducati currently holds second place in the constructors’ World Championship and the team itself lies third in the team’s contest. At the first five races of 2006 Ducati Marlboro Team riders Capirossi and Sete Gibernau scored a total of four front-row starts, one race victory and four top-four finishes. Such performances are a testimony to the great work done by the riders, the team, Ducati Corse and Bridgestone tyres. Both Capirossi and Gibernau go well at Mugello, one of the most challenging tracks in MotoGP, where they can count on massive support from Italian fans and in particular from the 3000 Ducatisti packed into the special Ducati grandstand, which is organized every year at the Correntaio curve. Capirossi and his Desmosedici have scored podium finishes in two of their last three visits to Mugello, while Gibernau was just a fraction of a second away from winning the 2004 Italian GP and qualified second fastest for last year’s race. The 2006 Italian GP is full of significance for Ducati because it marks the launch of the Desmosedici road bike, the first production machine to come out of the factory’s MotoGP project, which will be presented on Thursday 1 June at 11.30. This year is also the 80th anniversary of the foundation of Ducati, the 60th anniversary of the start of Ducati motorcycle production and the 50th anniversary of the ‘invention’ of the desmodromic distribution system. LORIS CAPIROSSI, Ducati Marlboro Team rider, 3rd overall, 79 points “For me, Mugello is so good, such a great event. Every year we go there it’s a special moment for the Italian riders. In fact, pretty much since 2000 – when I won after a big battle with Valentino (Rossi) and (Max) Biaggi – the race has been an Italian affair. And Mugello is extra special for me because the Ducati factory is only 60km down the road, which is great for all the staff who come to watch us race. It is an excellent track, very unusual, with an interesting mix of corners – fast, slow, up and down – so you have a little bit of everything. I always enjoy it a lot. “Getting second at the last race in France was fantastic, it was very good for me and for our championship hopes. I have to say thanks again to Ducati and to Bridgestone, everyone is working so hard for this project. Bridgestone brought new tyres to Le Mans which helped me get another podium.” SETE GIBERNAU, Ducati Marlboro Team rider, 9th overall, 33 points “I am looking forward to Mugello because we definitely took a step forward on bike set-up at the last race. We worked some more on settings and improved things, so I felt much more comfortable. “Mugello is a challenging track for me but I’ve done well there a few times. And this year it will be a special race for me because it’s Italy and I am now riding an Italian bike. I’ve always had some great fans in Italy and I guess I’ll be getting some more support this year, now I’m riding with Ducati. The track is one of the most technical in MotoGP, so your bike has to work real good if you want a good result. One of its most crucial points is the last corner, because if you get a good drive out of there you can use that extra speed to overtake other riders down the long straightaway. The other big challenge is the downhill corner entries that have a little grip.” LIVIO SUPPO, Ducati MotoGP project manager “Mugello is always a special event for Ducati – it’s our home race, plus Loris is Italian and maybe we can say that Sete is now half Italian! So, yes, it is an important event for us but at the end of the day it’s another race, just like the other 16. The main thing is that we go to Mugello in confident mood. We have scored some good results there over the past few years and we are in excellent shape at the moment, with both our riders able to race up front when everything goes according to plan.” THE CIRCUIT Mugello is one of the greatest events of the MotoGP season – a challenging, high-speed circuit situated in a beautiful Tuscan valley packed with thousands of enthusiastic fans. The track features one of the world’s longest straights, where the fastest bikes exceed 340kmh/211mph, giving the Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP6 a chance to really stretch its legs. The fast and flowing circuit is also one of the most demanding, with a thrilling blend of high-speed turns, rapid direction changes and plentiful off-camber corners. Mugello’s complexities are further heightened by a bumpy surface, which, combined with numerous adverse-camber corners, makes front-tyre choice particularly crucial. Mugello hosted its first bike GP in 1976 but only became a regular venue after total refurbishment in the early 1990s. Lap record: Max Biaggi (Honda), 1m 50.117s (171.472km/h/106.548mph) Pole position 2005: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha), 1m 49.223s DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM RIDER DATA LOGS LORIS CAPIROSSI Age: 33 (born April 4, 1973) Lives: Monaco Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP6 GP starts: 236 (65xMotoGP, 59×500, 84×250, 27×125) GP victories: 26 (4xMotoGP, 2×500, 12×250, 8×125) First GP victory: Britain, 1990 (125) First GP: Japan, 1990 (125) Pole positions: 40 (7xMotoGP, 5×500, 23×250, 5×125) First pole: Australia, 1991 (125) World Championships: 3 (125: 1990, 1991, 250: 1998) Mugello 2005 results: Grid: 6th. Race: 3rd SETE GIBERNAU Age: 33 (born December 15, 1972) Lives: Switzerland Bike: Ducati Marlboro Team Desmosedici GP6 GP starts: 165 (70xMotoGP, 76×500, 19×250) GP victories: 9 (8xMotoGP, 1×500) First GP victory: Valencia, 2001 (500) First GP: Spain, 1993 (250) Pole positions: 12 (11xMotoGP, 1×500) First pole: South Africa, 2000 (500) Mugello 2005 results: Grid: 2nd. Race: DNF

Toseland Motivated For Home Round Of Superbike World Championship At Silverstone

The fifth Superbike World Championship round of the 2006 season takes place this weekend at Silverstone, in the Northamptonshire area of England. The race will, for the second year in a row, be held on the “short” track, 3,619 meters long, with eight rights turns and seven lefts. James Toseland has only positive recollections of this track layout: first of all because it’s his home circuit, and second because last year the 25-year-old from Sheffield took his best results of the season; third in Race 1 and a hugely popular victory in Race 2. On a Honda expertly prepared by the Winston Ten Kate Team, Toseland is ready to replicate his podium prowess, prepared to turnaround the misfortune which has dogged him in the last two rounds, and to gain important points in order to stay close to first position in the Championship. Karl Muggeridge is also ready for an extraordinary race at Silverstone. The Australian has recovered from his recent back injury and has trained hard in order to improve on his 2005 season brace of tenth places. Silverstone is also a circuit which suits Karl natural style of riding, buoying him up for the fight ahead. Ronald Ten Kate Team Manager “Monza, and especially Valencia, didn’t give the results we expected after the sensational beginning to the season. We are now happy to race on a track where James will definitely find extra motivation because of his home crowd and also Karl, who has trained a lot, will do everything possible to be fully competitive. Our objective is to score podium finishes and we are convinced that with the technical package at our disposal our riders can reach these goals.” James Toseland Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider “We’ve arrived here after two complicated races and Silverstone comes at the right moment. To race on my home circuit, in front of my fans, is an extra motivating force and most of all this is one of those track where I can do really well. Last year I finished third and then first and I’m more than convinced that with the Honda I can take a step onto the podium in both races. Of course Corser and Bayliss will not give up easily but I am ready and I want another victory.” Karl Muggeridge Winston Ten Kate Honda Rider “Monza was important for me because it confirmed that I almost back to my top form. At the end of Race 2 I was really tired but after two weeks of hard training I feel much better. I like the Silverstone track, even if I didn’t achieve great results: last year I finished both races in tenth position, this year I want to do much better.”

CCS/RRSW Heads For Las Vegas This Weekend

RRSW Looks for Cooler Weather in Sin City RRSW/CCS will be racing on the Las Vegas Classic Course this Memorial Day Weekend with a racer-only practice day scheduled for Friday, May 26. The event will be a Twin Sprint Race weekend with the usual suspects expected to show up. Kawasaki and Yamaha haved joined Ducati and Buell, which post contingency for all RRSW dates, this weekend! The racing should be hot as racers assemble from all over the southwest to vie for their share of manufacturer and regional sponsor’s money. The weather outlook is for temperatures in the 80s with fair skies and the zany folks from SRA Sidecars will be racing, too! There is still room to get you on the grid so parade yourself to Vegas for Memorial Day! For more information on contingency, rules, forms, and sponsors- go to the best racing organization website in the business, www.roadracesw.com See you at the races!

Corser Hunting Bayliss In World Superbike At Silverstone This Weekend

Reigning World Superbike Champion Troy Corser is aiming to put his Alstare Suzuki Corona Extra GSX-R1000 on the top of podium at this weekend’s fifth round of the series at Silverstone in Britain. Corser, who collected a pair of second places at last year’s event, hopes to go one better at the former RAF airstrip in Northamptonshire to put pressure on fellow countryman and current series leader Troy Bayliss. Corser’s team mate Yukio Kagayama won a brilliant Superpole last year, but a crash in the first race put him out of contention – though he did remount and finished 11th. In the second race, he fared little better – finishing seventh. Team Alstare Engineering Corona Extra rider Fabien Foret didn’t race in the Superbike class last season, but is looking forward to riding his GSX-R1000 this year and will be searching for a pair of solid top ten places. Troy Corser: “I almost won a race at Silverstone last time and it would be good to get a win or two under my belt this year and put pressure on Bayliss. Depending on which circuit layout they use, Silverstone could be a good track for our bike so I am hoping that they chose a good one! It has been a tough season so far – but we all knew it was going to be like that. The racing has been very good for the fans I’m sure, but it’s about time we – or somebody – else got the better of the Ducati. We have been losing out to them, exiting the turns, so we have to find a way round that problem if we are to beat them. We’ll try a few ideas in practice and see if we can solve our problem.” Yukio Kagayama: “I do not have good memories of Silverstone last year – except my Superpole victory. This year has not been so good and I have had too many crashes so far. I have been trying very hard – my usual style – and maybe I have been trying too hard. It is difficult for me to change my style but I have to do something to get back on the podium because I miss it!” Fabien Foret: “Last year I was on a Supersport bike so I will have to start learning the Silverstone track all over again. My understanding of my new bike will carry on at Silverstone and I will be going all-out for a good qualifying position in Superpole and then a couple of good top-10 finishes. I know I improve every time I go out on the bike. My only hope is that the weather is good because I do not like racing so much in the wet. Silverstone has seen mixed weather in the past few years, but I hope we have three good, dry days so that I can learn a lot in the maximum amount of time.” 2004 results: Troy Corser – Race 1: 2nd, Race 2: 2nd. Yukio Kagayama – Race 1: 11th, race 2: 7th. Fabien Foret DNS.

Haga Looks To Move Up The Points Ladder At The World Superbike Race In Silverstone

Britain’s Silverstone circuit is the venue for this weekend’s fifth round of the 2006 Superbike World Championship. So far the season has been a case of so near but so far for the Yamaha Motor Italia squad. In the eight races run so far this year, Noriyuki Haga has twice finished on the third step of the podium and never finished lower than fifth place. One DNF (crashing on the final lap while contesting the lead at the first race in Qatar) puts Haga fifth in the championship, although the Japanese star knows he now needs to start winning races if he is to stop the so far dominant Troy Bayliss (Ducati) from running away with the championship. Silverstone has proved a successful track for Haga in the past. He took a first and second position there in 2004 and gave the still-developing Yamaha YZF-R1 its first ever world superbike podium finish at last year’s race. With the R1 now developed into a consistent front runner, the Yamaha Motor Italia squad sees Silverstone as a great opportunity to make their presence felt in the championship. “I have done well at Silverstone in the past so I am looking forward to racing there again this weekend,” says Haga. “The last round at Monza was not so bad. I don’t normally get on the podium there so to finish third in race two was a good result for me and the team. Silverstone is a track that we know suits me and the R1. We got our first podium there last year and we should be able to fight with the fastest riders again this year.” Team-mate Andrew Pitt lies one place behind Haga in the championship standings. The Australian has also been very consistent this season and is looking to forget a nightmare outing at the British track last year. Pitt struggled to come to terms with the shorter International layout used for the first time last year and picked up a nasty leg injury during practice. Despite this, Pitt insists a top three finish is not out of the question this year, commenting: “I was a little disappointed not to be on the podium at Monza, because the improvements we’ve made to the bike means that this is a realistic target for us at every circuit. Silverstone wasn’t the happiest of races for me last year and I’m not a big fan of the shorter circuit we use now. But at the end of the day it’s just another race and you go there with the same target as always, which means getting on the podium.” Yamaha Motor France rider Norick Abe arrives in Silverstone in the championship’s top ten, despite failing to score in Monza. The Japanese star had a tough weekend in Italy, missing Saturday’s practice session and bravely riding but failing to score in the races. Rapidly improving team-mate Shinichi Nakatomi had his best result in Monza with a tenth in race one and will be looking to continue his superbike education at the short and technical British circuit. In the Supersport World Championship Yamaha Motor Germany’s Kevin Curtain will look to get his season back on track after the heartache of retiring through mechanical problems in Monza. The Australian remains second overall in the championship, 31 points behind defending world champion Sebastien Charpentier (Honda).

Martin Aiming To Lift Foggy Petronas Team Spirits At Silverstone

Foggy PETRONAS Racing’s Craig Jones is aiming to make the most of home advantage at this weekend’s fifth round of the Superbike World Championship at Silverstone. The rookie star is familiar with the shorter international circuit, having raced there on numerous occasions in the British Supersport championship and in the World Supersport championship last year. And his familiarity of the Northamptonshire track will provide a welcome break from having to learn new circuits during his first year in World Superbikes. Craig said: “I think it will make a big difference for me that I know the circuit so well. The other riders will also know it, but at least at Silverstone I will be on a level playing field going into the weekend. I should be on my pace straight away and I have gone well there in the past. I was on the front row of the grid for last year’s World Supersport race and held the lap record in 2004, so I am looking forward to building on the progress we made with set-up at Valencia and giving the home support something to cheer.” Following a dreadful weekend at Monza in the previous round, the team has been focused on improving the reliability of the engine over the intervening weeks. Craig’s team-mate, Australian Steve Martin said: “Those reliability problems were specific to Monza and we are confident of having a trouble-free weekend and two good races here. I didn’t perform as well as I could have done last year so I am looking forward to the chance of redeeming myself at Silverstone. At the start of last season I was having a lot of problems with chatter, which were really exposed at this circuit. We have solved those problems now so I am confident of knocking a couple of seconds off last year’s times and lifting everyone’s spirits after Monza.”

Doug Chandler To Be Inducted Into Motorcycle Hall Of Fame

PICKERINGTON, OHIO The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum today announced nine new members for induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, with ceremonies scheduled for Saturday evening, October 7, 2006. This year’s inductees include racing champions, land-speed record holders, industry leaders and innovators. Bill Werner, one of motorcycling’s most successful race bike tuning talents and a Motorcycle Hall of Fame member since 2000, will serve as master of ceremonies for the 2006 event. Every Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee played a major role in building America’s rich motorcycling heritage. Induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame ensures that each inductee’s achievements, as well as the colorful stories surrounding them, are preserved for the enjoyment and education of future generations. At the October 7 ceremony, each inductee will be honored with the distinguished gold Motorcycle Hall of Fame medal. In addition, the inductee’s name will be featured on a permanent plaque in the Museum’s Hall of Fame gallery. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2006 includes: Doug Chandler During a career that spanned more than two decades, Doug Chandler earned numerous accolades for his skill as a dirt tracker and roadracer, including AMA Camel Pro Rookie of the Year in 1983 and AMA Superbike titles in 1990, 1996 and 1997. He is also one of only five racers to complete a “Grand Slam” in AMA National Championship racing, with wins in short track, T.T., half mile, mile and roadracing. Ever the competitor, Chandler has returned to the AMA Superbike Series this year as a privateer. Alfred Rich Child As Harley-Davidson’s first export representative to Africa in 1922, Alfred Rich Child was used to breaking new ground. His career at Harley-Davidson also included serving as Managing Director of Sales in pre-WWII Japan, as well as negotiating the contract that would give Sankyo Company exclusive rights to manufacture Harley-Davidson products in that country. Following the war, Child founded the Rich Child Cycle Co., a distributor of BSA and Sunbeam motorcycles. Wally Dallenbach While many know Wally Dallenbach as a champion race car driver, it is his passion for motorcycling and helping others that resulted in the first Colorado 500 Charity Dirt Bike Ride in 1975. These by-invitation-only gatherings of dedicated motorcycle enthusiasts not only advance the cause of environmentally sound land use, but continue to raise significant funds for communities and charitable institutions in the Colorado Rockies. Denis Manning A supremely talented and self-taught designer and fabricator, Denis Manning built the innovative streamliner that allowed Cal Rayborn to shatter Don Vesco’s long-standing motorcycle land-speed record in 1970. Today, Manning, also the founder of aftermarket motorcycle exhaust pipe company B.U.B. Enterprises, continues to build and compete in motorcycle land-speed record runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Heikki Mikkola The “Flyin’ Finn” was one of the most popular and feared motocross racers of the 1970s. During his illustrious career, Mikkola racked up four World Motocross Championship titles and 32 Grand Prix victories, including a win in the 500cc class at the prestigious 1978 U.S. GP at Carlsbad, California. Burt Munro New Zealand native Burt Munro devoted his entire life to pursuing his dream of setting a world land-speed record with his 1920 Indian Scout. A humble do-it-yourselfer, Munro raced independent of corporate sponsorship, preferring to personally modify the Indian every step of the way. His 50-year quest and 1962 success at the Bonneville Salt Flats were immortalized in the 2005 film The World’s Fastest Indian, starring Anthony Hopkins as Munro. Cook Neilson As Editor of Cycle magazine during the 1970s, Cook Neilson set new standards for motorcycle journalism. Under his direction the magazine published the first-ever head-to-head tests of individual bikes, a format used in every category of enthusiast media today. Cycle’s coverage of AMA Superbike racing also helped establish the series as America’s premier roadracing championship. Neilson also walked the talk: he was a leading AMA Superbike racer in the 1970s and gave Ducati its first AMA Superbike victory at Daytona. Roger “Sodie” Soderstrom The affable “Sodie” Soderstrom not only knew how to win races, he knew how to capture the hearts of fans, topping the AMA’s “Most Popular Rider” lists for many years. His racing career spanned 20 years and included five national wins in class C competition at Peoria. As a Harley-Davidson dealer, Sodie was also an active supporter of the sport and helped numerous racers launch their careers. Mike Wilson From his days as an expert dirt tracker, to his role as a dealer and sponsor of notable racers like Leo Payne, Mike Wilson has made motorcycling a major part of his life. Today, Wilson, along with his wife, Margaret (inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004), continue to serve as tireless ambassadors of the sport and active proponents for preserving motorcycling’s history and heritage. Induction Weekend to Feature 5th Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours The Class of 2006 will be inducted the evening of Saturday, October 7, during ceremonies at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio. Supported by families, industry peers, friends, past Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductees and media, the induction is an emotional celebration that brings together some of the most recognizable names in the world of motorcycling. The Hall of Fame Weekend will also feature the Museum’s 5th annual Concours d’Elegance, which drew over 100 juried entries in 2005 including many machines ridden, raced, designed or built by Motorcycle Hall of Fame members. The weekend kicks off with “An Evening of Stars and Legends,” a reception honoring the Class of 2006, set for the evening of Friday, October 6, at the Museum. All activities are open to the public. For more information, call the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum at 1-614-856-2222, or visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Each year, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. Any motorcycling enthusiast may submit a person to be considered for induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. For details on the nomination process, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

Palazzo Won Last Weekend’s WSMC Formula One Race At Willow Springs

WSMC Official Results In Chronological Order SATURDAY SOLO GT-LIGHTS: 1. Tim Martinez (Suz SV650) 2. Rich Gann (Suz SV650) 3. Ryan Sturz (Yam FZR400) 4. Cory Mann (Suz) 5. Tom Shao (Suz SV650) 6. Charles Abdi (Suz) SOLO GT-GP: 1. Roger Baker (Yam) 2. Jesus Amezcua (Hon RS250R) 3. Derek Dutt (Yam TZ250) 4. Steve Lambrick (Yam) 5. Peter Esquivel (Yam TZ250) 6. Jamie Lenore (Apr) SOLO GTO: 1. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1) 2. Robbie Dowie (Kaw ZX-10R) 3. Jason Caldwell (Suz GSX-R1000) 4. Cesar Meza (Suz GSX-R1000) 5. Mitchell Wissner (Suz GSX-R1000) 6. Clint Diaz (Hon CBR1000RR) SOLO GTU: 1. Blair Sullenger (Yam YZF-R6) 2. Tim Knutson (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Stan Bates (Yam YZF-R6) 4. Lloyd Magruder (Yam YZF-R6) 5. Bryan Davenport (Hon) 6. John Sender (Kaw) SUNDAY RACE TECH 750cc SUPERBIKE: 1. Karl Lowry (Suz GSX-R750) 2. Dale Kieffer (Suz GSX-R750) 3. Kenny Kopecky (Duc) 4. Norman Roy (Duc) 5. Ryan Gagliano (Yam) 6. Don Erickson (Duc) TIGERSHARK RACING OPEN MODIFIED PRODUCTION: 1. Robbie Dowie (Kaw ZX-10R) 2. Jason Caldwell (Suz GSX-R1000) 3. Cesar Meza (Suz GSX-R1000) 4. Chris Duran (Yam YZF-R1) 5. Armen Manouglan (Suz GSX-R1000) 6. Terry Heard (Kaw ZX-10R) TIRE PROS FORMULA TWINS: 1. Claudio Szyszkowski (Duc 999R) 2. Kenny Kopecky (Duc 999R) 3. Marlon Ibarra (Duc) 4. David Conger (Suz) 5. Don Erickson (Apr RSV1000) 6. Joe Pugllese (Duc) FORMULA SINGLES: 1. Jeff Rheaume (Suz) 2. Larry Cochran (Hon) 3. Steve Brefka (Apr) 4. Patrick McGinley (Buell Blast) 5. Cody Burton (Hon) 6. James Provencer (Buell Blast) DUKE 22 PHOTOGRAPHY/ADVANCED KAWASAKI OPEN SUPERSTOCK: 1. Jeremy Toye (Suz GSX-R1000) 2. Marc Palazzo (Suz GSX-R1000) 3. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1) 4. Jack Pfeifer (Kaw ZX-10R) 5. Robbie Dowie (Kaw ZX-10R) 6. Jason Caldwell (Suz GSX-R1000) 750cc MODIFIED PRODUCTION: 1. Karl Lowry (Suz GSX-R750) 2. Jeff Stern (Suz GSX-R750) 3. Ken Kramer (Suz GSX-R750) 4. Dustin Coyner (Kaw 636cc ZX-6R) 5. Andy Palmer (Suz) 6. Rocky Caceres (Suz) 500cc SINGLES: 1. Larry Cochran (Hon) 2. Eric Compton (Hon) 3. Cody Burton (Hon) 4. Mario Vindeni (Buell Blast) 5. James Provencher (Buell Blast) 500cc SUPERSTOCK: 1. Ryan Sturz (Yam FZR400) 2. Eric Angel (Yam FZR400) 3. Jonathan Cordero (Yam FZR400) 4. Clinton Whitehouse III (Yam FZR400) 5. Dave Finnerty (Buell) 6. Amy Hronek (Yam FZR400) 660cc SINGLES 1. Steven Brefka (MZ) 500cc MODIFIED PRODUCTION: 1. Ryan Sturz (Yam FZR400) 2. Jonathan Cordero (Yam FZR400) 3. Eric Angel (Yam FZR400) 4. Amy Hronek (Yam FZR400) 5. Chris Speights (Kaw) 6. Michael Quinn (Yam) FORMULA TWINS LIGHTWEIGHT: 1. Kurt Spencer (Suz SV650) 2. Zoran Vujasinovic (Suz SV650) 3. Kevin Jump (Kaw Ninja 650R) 4. Jay Avansino (Suz SV650) 5. Kurt Whittington (Suz SV650) 6. Edward Johnson (Suz SV650) TRACK RIDERS TAX SERVICE FORMULA 50: 1. Gary Dimartino (Suz) 2. Mitchell Wissner (Suz GSX-R1000) 3. David Molitor (Suz GSX-R1000) 4. Danny Birdsall (Duc) 5. Travis Westmeyer (Suz) 6. David McLarty (Suz) GOLDEN CANTINA FORMULA 40 HEAVYWEIGHT: 1. Claudio Szyszkowski (Duc 999R) 2. Ken Kramer (Suz GSX-R1000) 3. John Ashker (Yam YZ-R1) 4. David Conger (Suz GSX-R1000) 5. Jeff Stern (Suz GSX-R1000) 6. Stephen Leigh (Yam YZ-R1) FORMULA 40 LIGHTWEIGHT: 1. Mark Watts (Yam TZ250) 2. Stan Bates (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Clint Diaz (Hon CB600RR) 4. Joel Manes (Hon RS250R) 5. Alex White (Yam TZ250) 6. Andy Edwards (Apr RSV250) RACERLOANS.COM 2-STROKE PRODUCTION: 1. Jamie Lenore (Apr RS250) 2. Richard Barnett III (Apr RS250) 3. Warren Spradlin Jr. (Yam) 4. Anthony Digati (Apr RS250) VINTAGE HEAVYWEIGHT DINOSAURS: 1. Denny Fryer (Suz GS1000) 2. Lloyd Johnson (Duc) 3. James Dobson (Yam) 4. George Beavers IV (Suz) LIGHTWEIGHT TWINS: 1. Chris Speights (Kaw EX500) 2. Larry Cochran (Hon) 3. Steven Brefka (MZ) 4. Eric Compton (Hon) 5. Cody Burton (Hon) 6. Micheal Gougis (Kaw EX500) TRACK DAZ 650cc SUPERBIKE: 1. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R6) 2. Brant Wiwi (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Blair Sullenger (Yam YZF-R6) 4. Marlon Ibarra (Duc) 5. Sam Carnibucci (Yam YZF-R6) 6. Shaun Summers (Suz GSX-R600) ROADRACINGWORLD.COM 250cc GRAND PRIX: 1. Mark Watts (Yam TZ250) 2. Jesus Amezcua (Hon RS250R) 3. Alex White (Yam TZ250) 4. Derek Dutt (Yam TZ250) 5. Jay Pilster (Hon RS125) 6. Joji Tokumoto (Yam TZ250) 7. Clinton Whitehouse III (Yam TZ250) 8. Andy Edwards (Apr RSV250) 9. Joel Manes (Hon RS250R) 10. Kevin Murray (Yam TZ125) 11. James Wilberger (Hon RS250R) 12. Jorge Artola (Hon RS250R) 13. John Dalton (Hon RS250R) 14. Theis Cornellussen (Hon) 15. Marlena Conger (Apr RS250) 16. Marty Lindley (Yam TZ250) 17. Neil Barry (Hon) 18. Earl Serrato (Yam TZ250) 19. Anthony Digati (Apr RS250) 20. Peter Esquivel (Yam TZ250) VINTAGE LIGHTWEIGHT DINOSAURS: 1. Warren Spradlin Jr. (Yam) 2. Pierre Pfeffer (Apr) 3. Seth Clark (Suz) 4. Cody Burton (Hon) 5. Eric Compton (Hon) 6. Ed Milich (Duc) H-D BUELL OF GLENDALE BOTT MIDDLEWEIGHT: 1. Marlon Ibarra (Duc) 2. Jeff Dixon (H-D) 3. Tim Martinez (Suz SV650) 4. Jim Chanconas (Buell) 5. Michael Biard (Duc) 6. Patrick McGinley (Buell) TOYOTA CUP UNLIMITED FORMULA 1: 1. Mark Palazzo (Suz GSX-R1000) 2. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1) 3. Jeremy Toye (Suz GSX-R1000) 4. Robbie Dowie (Kaw ZX-10R) 5. Jack Pfeifer (Kaw ZX-10R) 6. Jeff Stern (Suz GSX-R1000) 7. Matthew Lapaglia (Suz GSX-R1000) 8. Jason Caldwell (Suz GSX-R1000) 9. Jerry Mendzer (Yam YZF-R1), DNF 10. Chris Duran (Yam YZF-R1), DNF 11. Anthony Lanzara (Suz GSX-R1000), DNS 12. Curtis Adams (Suz), DNS SPORT TIRE SERVICE 600cc SUPERSTOCK: 1. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R6) 2. Brant Wiwi (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Jack Pfeifer (Kaw ZX-6RR) 4. Sam Carnibucci (Yam YZF-R6) 5. Stan Bates (Yam YZF-R6) 6. Blair Sullenger (Yam YZF-R6) 500cc LIGHTWEIGHT NOVICE: 1. Christian Rice (Kaw) 2. Sean Fader (MG) 3. Debra Westermeyer (Yam) 125cc GRAND PRIX: 1. Jay Pilster (Hon RS125) 2. Kevin Murray (Yam TZ125) 3. Barrett Meeker (Hon RS125) 4. Brian Heess (Hon RS125) 5. Neil Barry (Hon RS125) GOLDEN WEST TRAILERS FORMULA 2: 1. Mark Watts (Yam TZ250) 2. Blair Sullenger (Yam YZF-R6) 3. William Clarke (Yam YZF-R6) 4. Daniel Shaffner (Kaw) 5. Lenny Hale (Yam YZF-R6) 6. John Dang (Suz GSX-R600) FASTRACK RIDERS OPEN SUPERBIKE: 1. Jason Perez (Yam YZF-R1) 2. Jack Pfeifer (Kaw ZX-10R) 3. Robbie Dowie (Kaw ZX-10R) 4. Jason Caldwell (Suz GSX-R1000) 5. Matthew Lapaglla (Suz GSX-R1000) 6. Armen Manouglan (Suz GSX-R1000) RACERS EDGE 750cc SUPERSTOCK: 1. Karl Lowry (Suz GSX-R750) 2. Dale Kieffer (Suz GSX-R750) 3. Jeff Stern (Suz GSX-R750) 4. Ken Kramer (Suz GSX-R750) 5. Dustin Coyner (Kaw 636cc ZX-6R) 6. Travis Westermeyer (Suz GSX-R750) HEAVYWEIGHT TWINS: 1. Kenny Kopecky (Duc 999R) 2. Claudio Szyszkowski (Duc 999R) 3. Marlon Ibarra (Duc) 4. David Conger (Suz) 5. Jeff Dixon (H-D) 6. Don Erickson (Apr RSV1000) LITTLE BIG SERVICES 550cc SUPERBIKE: 1. Kurt Spencer (Suz SV650) 2. Zoran Vujasinovic (Suz SV650) 3. Jay Avansino (Suz SV650) 4. Kurt Whittington (Suz SV650) 5. Tim Martinez (Suz SV650) 6. Ryan Sturz (Kaw) L&L MOTORSPORTS/GP SUSPENSION 600cc MODIFIED PRODUCTION: 1. Brant Wiwi (Yam YZF-R6) 2. Sam Carnibucci (Yam YZF-R6) 3. Stan Bates (Yam YZF-R6) 4. Shaun Summers (Yam YZF-R6) 5. William Clarke (Yam YZF-R6) 6. Terry Heard (Kaw) 501-650CC MIDDLEWEIGHT NOVICE: 1. Paul Economou (Yam) 2. Rocha Javier (Yam) 3. John-Thomas Wood (Suz) 4. Matthew Brady (Hon) 5. Jason Turner (Hon) 6. Sheldon Holland (Yam) 651cc-OPEN HEAVYWEIGHT NOVICE: 1. Jonathan Bluker (Kaw) 2. John Reeves (Yam) 3. Shaun Sauer (Suz) 4. Russel Chal (Yam) 5. Chris Castillon (Duc) 6. Steve Barbusca (Hon)

Motorcycling Australia Is Accepting Wildcard Applications For 125cc And 250cc Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix Races

Motorcycling Australia (MA) is now calling for wildcard applications from Australian riders who wish to compete in the 125cc and 250cc races at the 2006 GMC Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix from September 14-16. Three wildcard positions have been allocated to MA in each class, with an added stipulation that all 125cc applicants must be under 25 years old in 2006. Final approval of wildcards is made by the FIM, not MA. Applications close on Monday, July 10. For more information, contact Daniel Hutchinson at MA, tel (03) 9684 0500 or email [email protected]