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Updated: Serious Head Injuries Lead To LRRS Ban On Certain HJC Helmets

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(Copyright 2006 Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. This original, copyrighted material may not be copied, cut and pasted, published or otherwise reproduced in any way in any medium, which means, don’t post this on another website or BBS. If you want somebody else to see this, send them a link or post a link to this page.) By Brienne Thomson Website Editor Roadracingworld.com Last weekend LRRS (Loudon Road Race Series) officials announced that they have banned certain model HJC helmets from use in competition. The announcement caused quite a stir among many LRRS racers who are HJC helmet users. In an e-mail directed to HJC and copied to Roadracingworld.com, LRRS racer Matthew F. Guilbault wrote, “As a long time HJC consumer I urge you to take corrective action immediately to allow me to continue to buy and use HJC helmets as I have done for my entire road racing career.” LRRS Race Director Don Hutchinson told Roadracingworld.com that he banned the helmets because the last five racers to have sustained serious head injuries during LRRS events were all wearing HJC helmets. But Hutchinson said that only two HJC models have been banned. “The CS and CL, I believe,” Hutchinson said in a phone interview. “All the rest are fine with us, but until we investigate this and find out more about it, we’re not going to allow riders to use those helmets.” Hutchinson said that the ban is temporary, until more information is available on the HJC helmet models in question. He also said that a Massachusetts HJC distributor told him that the models in question were not recommend for competition use. But HJC Product Development Coordinator Steve Blakeney told Roadracingworld.com that the “safety” of the CS and CL models for competition use is not in question. Blakeney said that the Massachusetts distributor was probably referring to the “features” of these lower-priced model helmets that don’t have as many “racing friendly” options as some of the other models. In regards to the LRRS ban on HJC CS and CL models, Blakeney said that the models in question have passed all of the required U.S. safety standards. “The CL passes the SNELL and DOT, the CS passed the DOT only,” Blakeney said. “What testing we can do beyond that? There’s no guidelines for it.” Blakeney also suggested that LRRS ban all non-SNELL helmets instead of just two specific HJC models. Blakeney contended that HJC attracted the unwanted attention because it’s the top-selling helmet brand in the United States. “You get a higher percentage of guys running HJCs at any track for that matter,” said Blakeney. “In turn, people crash and people get hurt and the likelihood is that more of them are going to be wearing HJCs because there are more of them out there, period.” According to LRRS Safety Director Jerry Wood, none of the crashes in question appeared to be very serious and some of them were simple lowsides. In comparing the crashes to the injuries the riders sustained, Wood’s main concern has to do with the material the helmets are made from as opposed to the brand. “Plastic helmets were never SNELL approved before,” said Wood. “I’m not sure how they got SNELL approved. It used to be that all of the helmets that were SNELL-approved for racing were fiberglass or fiberglass composite helmets.” Because all of the helmets involved in the LRRS head injury accidents that led to the ban were plastic, and because, according to HJC, the CL series helmets are SNELL approved, it raises the question of whether or not a polycarbonate plastic-shell helmet is safe for road racing use. According to SNELL Memorial Foundation General Manager Steve Johnson, racing organizations that simply specify a helmet meeting SNELL standards are actually approving a wide range of helmets and not specifically the ones recommended for competition use. “We have two standards actually,” said Johnson. “We have an ‘M’ standard that is basically designed around motorcycling and we also say different kinds of motorsports. And then we have an ‘SA’ standard, which stands for ‘Special Applications,’ and it really is more the racing requirement for helmets. There are no plastic helmets that will meet the ‘SA’ requirements because it has a flammability test, first of all, and plastic helmets will not withstand that,” Johnson said. But most popular motorcycle helmets do not carry a SNELL SA rating, and Johnson said that the SA standard was really designed around automobile racing applications. “Plastic helmets have been around for a long time and they’ve really perfected the methods and they meet our standards,” said Johnson. “We’ve been testing HJC helmets for a long time and they’re a reputable company and remain in our program. We test these helmets again and again.” Complicating matters, SNELL approval is specific to helmet models, and HJC, for example, doesn’t reveal on its website that only two of the four helmets in its CL line actually meet a SNELL standard of any type. However, Roadracingworld.com has seen no evidence that the company applies SNELL stickers to every helmet model in the CL line, nor that it sells production helmets that perform differently than helmets tested by SNELL. The SNELL website, ~http://www.smf.org/~, includes a listing of which helmets meet a SNELL standard. Another controversy regarding helmets revolves around media speculation that “softer” non-SNELL helmets will offer more protection against head injuries than helmets meeting SNELL specifications, even in racing applications. That speculation was based in part on a decades-old study of street crashes, which looked at injuries suffered by riders in those crashes. Roadracingworld.com knows of no studies of racetrack crashes that back up that theory.

Ducati Previews This Weekend’s AMA Superbike Race At Infineon Raceway

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BOSTROM AND HODGSON AIMING FOR SUCCESS AT INFINEON RACEWAY Sonoma (California): The Parts Unlimited Ducati Team returns to action this week at Infineon Raceway, located in the scenic Sonoma Valley just north of San Francisco. Neil Hodgson and Ben Bostrom will race their Ducati 999 Superbikes at the tight and twisty track known for its challenging elevation changes. The Infineon Raceway Superbike doubleheader (with races on Saturday and Sunday) is near the Ducati North America headquarters in Cupertino, California. Both Ducati pilots have been very consistent this season and have finished every race in 2006. They will attempt to improve their finishing positions against the competitive AMA Superbike field in Sonoma. The 2003 World Superbike champion Hodgson is fourth in points after five races and has finished in the top six in each race so far. Neil has fought for podium finishes and looks to earn his first victory of 2006 this weekend. “We’re working hard and making progress,” said Hodgson. “We had a long debrief after the Fontana race and think we’ve found some things that will help us at Infineon. This year, we have enjoyed racing with some of the guys for position but what we really want is to be at the front. We won’t be happy until we’re winning. Sears Point is one of my favorite tracks and I’m looking forward to the races.” Ben Bostrom is feeling positive about his fortunes this weekend. The Californian and former series champion grew up in Petaluma, California just minutes from Infineon Raceway. “The 999 chassis is really responsive to changes and when we find our ideal setup, everyone will know it,” said Bostrom. “We are not quite there yet but everyone on the team is doing their best to get there. I’m confident in my riding and at Fontana I felt like I was riding really well. I’m really pumped to get on the bike again.” Qualifying takes place on Friday and Saturday morning, with the 28-lap races on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. THE CIRCUIT Name: Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, California, 12 turns, 2.22 miles (3.57 kilometers). Permanent road course, Superbike races are 28 laps each. AMA SUPERBIKE POINTS (after 5 races): 1. Ben Spies, Suzuki 182 2. Mat Mladin, Suzuki 163 3. Miguel Duhamel, Honda 140 4. Neil Hodgson, Parts Unlimited Ducati 130 5. Aaron Yates, Suzuki 126 6. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki 124 7. Ben Bostrom, Parts Unlimited Ducati 119 8. Jake Zemke, Honda 110 9. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki 108 10. Larry Pegram, Honda 93

Can-Am Challenge 125cc And 250cc GP Series Opens At Shannonville This Weekend

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CAN-AM CHALLENGE SERIES OPENER Another racing season begins, and the Can-Am Challenge Series returns to Shannonville Motorsport Park this weekend to kick off the 2006 schedule! Along with the Canadian National Superbike series, the Can-Am Challenge Series will take to the Long Track circuit of S.M.P. this long weekend; the series also looks forward to welcoming the United States Grand Prix Riders Union (USGPRU) north of the border, as the American series makes Shannonville its second stop on their North Eastern schedule. The Can-Am Challenge Series 125cc champion of 2005, John Dempsey, has left his championship up for grabs as he’s made the move to 250s; however, he’ll be watching from the sidelines, as he is taking an involuntary hiatus from racing to recuperate from an April 30th crash, resulting in a broken sternum. John Crook, last year’s 250cc champ, is returning to defend his honor, and should expect to be hassled this weekend by the usual suspects such as Alain Brault, Andre Kipen and Nick Colley. Rumor has it that Matt Cooper, another 125cc graduate, will also be in the freight train of 250cc riders sure to be battling for podium finishes this weekend. Local Shannonville boys Tim Harrington, Dean Hoelscher and Rick Bulmann should be among the top group in the 125cc class, but the USGPRU riders making the trip up to Canada should certainly not be underestimated, for both the 125cc and 250cc classes. Friday is Practice with Qualifying set for Saturday with the racing action to begin at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. For Updates and Results please check www.canamchallengeseries.com or www.USGPRU.net

Torco Oils Sues Torco Fuels Over Trademark Infringement

Torco International Corporation has filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District Of California against General Sales and Service, Inc., alleging that the company is engaging in trademark infringement and unfair competition by doing business as Torco Racing Fuels. California-based Torco International Corporation manufactures engine oil for automotive and powersports racing, including motorcycles, motocross and V-Twin engines, and has been doing business in the United States since 1950. The company’s website can be found at ~http://www.torcoracingoils.com/~ Torco Racing Fuels, claiming to be “The Performance Manufacturer” is based in Michigan and manufactures high-performance race fuels and other power products. The company’s website can be found at ~http://www.torcoracefuels.com/~.

Sentry Insurance Selected As Preferred Insurance Provider For Buell Owners

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EAST TROY, Wis. Buell Motorcycle Company has selected Sentry Insurance as the preferred insurance provider for Buell owners in the United States. Buell worked closely with Sentry over the last two years to find the best way to lower insurance rates on Buell motorcycles. As a result, many Buell owners will pay significantly lower premiums on their motorcycles insured through Sentry. “We’re excited to work with Sentry Insurance to provide Buell owners lower insurance rates. This is the most comprehensive alliance we are aware of between a manufacturer and an insurance company with the common objective of reducing the costs of ownership and insurance,” says Jon Flickinger, President and COO of Buell Motorcycle Company. Sentry has developed a special process for calculating insurance quotes for Buell motorcycles which does not use other sportbike insurance losses as part of the formula. Now Buell owners who receive a quote from Sentry should get a more competitive quote based on the lower claims costs for Buell motorcycles. “Insurance premiums can represent one of the highest costs of owning a motorcycle,” says Nick Fiore, Motorcycle Product Manager, Sentry Insurance. “With Sentry Insurance, the costs of owning a Buell motorcycle can be considerably less than owning any other sportbike on the market.” Sentry Insurance will provide quotes on older Buell models as well as new models. Additional coverage can be purchased for Buell optional equipment. Sentry motorcycle insurance is available through Harley-Davidson Insurance and is offered in 42 states. To receive a competitive quote, Buell owners and customers can call Harley-Davidson Insurance at 866-816-5816. Sentry is one of the top 10 insurers of motorcycles in the United States. Sentry and its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, the country’s most authoritative insurance rating and information service. With 70 percent of Buell owners currently choosing Sentry as their preferred provider, Sentry is the fastest growing insurance carrier for Buell motorcycle owners. Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure street fighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. Pull into www.buell.com for the Buell dealer nearest you.

After Top Ten Finishes, Hopkins And Vermeulen Look To Make More Good Results In Le Mans GP

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Rizla Suzuki MotoGP has traveled back to Europe for the fifth round of the MotoGP World Championship planning to carry on the impressive form from recent weeks. John Hopkins qualified second and finished fourth his best career result so far at Shanghai last weekend and team-mate Chris Vermeulen took pole-position and a very creditable seventh in Turkey two weeks before that. Now Rizla Suzuki MotoGP moves onto the Alice Grand Prix de France eager to follow up on its strong performances. The Le Mans circuit is one of the most famous motorsport venues in the world. The riders will race on the 4.1km long Bugatti Circuit, which shares a part of the front straight with the historic 24-hour track. The layout is of a stop-start nature with tight corners joined by straights and sporadic chicanes. It also includes the fastest first corner in the world, where riders will go through at speeds in excess of 290km/h. Rizla Suzuki MotoGP will begin practice for the fifth round of the MotoGP World Championship on Friday morning followed by further practice sessions in the afternoon and on Saturday morning. The qualifying practice will be held on Saturday afternoon as both riders will attempt to get the best starting positions for the race on Sunday 21st May at 14.00hrs local time (12.00hrs GMT). Paul Denning Team Manager: “It was really exciting to see John racing the Rizla Suzuki GSV-R at the front of last week’s race. It shows how far we have come in a short space of time and added to Chris’ performance in Turkey it has been a real bonus for all the team. “We will be trying as hard as we can to make sure both the guys can be competitive this weekend. Chris is coming to Le Mans for the first time and will need to learn the track as quickly as possible to be on the pace. John had a good qualifying here last year and the Bridgestone tyres worked very well so that all points in our favour for this weekend. “Shanghai showed that the bike has improved dramatically both in wet and dry conditions John’s second place during qualifying in the dry and his third in the wet practice, added to his race performance proved that – but Le Mans is a track that requires high acceleration and we are under no illusions that we will have to work hard to find the best set-up for race day.”

Teammates Wallrav and Pawelec Finish First And Second In Polish Superbike Season Opener

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Polish Road Racing Motorcycle Championship Round One Final Report Poznan circuit Superbike and Superstock 1000 Total dominance! Team’s Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav Racing System riders finished one and two in Sunday’s Polish Superbike season opener in Poznan, 4083meter racetrack hosting round one of the eight race championship. Just as predicted, Saturday’s pole-setter 27-year-old Andrzej Pawelec was out of reach right from the word go, finishing the 16’lap race in 26 minutes, five seconds and 443 tents, almost 23 seconds ahead of the rest of 24 men field. Starting from the second place on the grid, Slawek Grausam took the lead coming in to the first corner but his superb launch off the line left the 29-year-old with a slipping clutch which made it impossible for the rider from Lodz to keep in touch with Pawelec after being passed already on turn two. In the end, Grausam crossed the finish line in second, 27 seconds ahead of Piotr Stachowiak who completed the all-Yamaha Superbike class podium. It was the first race held at the “Poznan” circuit after its recent repavement with Pawelec, a Nowy Tomysl resident, setting a new track record already on lap three with a fantastic 1:36.104. Unfortunately it wasn’t such a good day for the Wallrav boys in the Superstock 1000 category. Starting from the third place on the grid as the first Superstock 1000 rider in the combined race of the two 1000cc classes, last years vice champion Ireneusz Sikora lowsided his Yamaha YZF-R1 already on the second lap of the race after comfortably following the reigning champion, 23-year-old Bartek Wiczynski. The 35-year-old from Mikolow, who spend last season gaining experience in the MotoGP’s support class series – the BMW Power Cup, was left without any points but Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav’s RS second Superstock 1000 rider wasn’t even allowed on the grid after qualifying on 9’th place on Saturday. Jaroslaw Rejmann bravely battled with pain during the whole weekend after injuring his hand two weeks ago during testing and was unable to take part in the race after a post warm-up decision of the team. Fortunately the 38-year-old from Zielona Gora is likely to be fully fit before round two of the Polish Championship which takes place in Poznan between 10 and 11 of June. The Superstock 1000 race was won by Pawel Szkopek (Kawasaki), last year’s World Supersport permanent rider who finished nine seconds ahead of Wiczynski (Suzuki) and younger brother Marek Szkopek (Yamaha). Andrzej Pawelec, grid: 1, race: 1’st, 1’st overall “It was a good and a rather uneventful race for me after running away from the rest of the field and comfortably leading until the checkered flag. I would like to thank all the people involved in creating such a professional team for this season. Everbody in the Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS squad hope that we’ll be able to keep this pace going until the end of the season and take the Superbike championship that I could add to my four national Supersport crowns and one Superstock 1000 title.” Slawek Grausam, grid: 2, race: 2’nd, 2’nd overall “I’ve had a good start but Andrzej soon got by me and I simply couldn’t keep up with him after damaging my clutch on the grid. It was a shame but anyway he was very fast and I’m happy with my result. Lets wait for round two.” Ireneusz Sikora, grid 1’st (3’rd overall), race: DNF “After the start I took it easy and was following Bartek Wiczynski on the opening laps when all of a sudden I’ve ended up lowsiding in the gravel after absolutely no warning at all from the front of my Yamaha. It was very strange but I really want to put this disappointment behind me and concentrate on round two.” Jaroslaw Rejmann, grid: 9’th (13’th overall), race: DNS “Unfortunately I couldn’t start the race at all which is very disappointing but with my recent injury still being an issue it was not safe for me to go out on the track today. Hopefully I should be fully fit for the next race. I would like to thank all the fans who cheered our team during the whole weekend.” Superstock 600 Double podium for Kaczor Round one of the Superstock 600 Polish Road Racing Championship saw Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS team’s rider Piotr Kaczor qualifying on the front row and finishing both races of the double header in the second place. The 34-year-old from Poznan started both races from the second position and finished them in the same fashion following Yamaha’s reigning champion Marcin Kaldowski to the flag (the Superstock 600 class was introduced this year replacing the Supersport category). Piotr Dobrowolski on a Kawasaki and Maciej Kubacki on a Triumph provided a breathtaking duels for the final spot on the podium in both races eventually sharing the two third place trophies. With Dobrowolski getting the upper hand on Saturday before Kubacki’s revenge the following day. Both are now 11 points behind Kaczor in the overall standings of the Superstock 600 class after two races. Piotr Kaczor, grid: 2’nd, race 1: 2’nd, race 2: 2’nd, 2’nd overall “My Yamaha YZF-R6 still isn’t fully prepared as it’s a new model on the market and not everything is ready for it but we plan to get the bike fully tuned and set-up before the second round of the season. I couldn’t keep up with Marcin this weekend but once we get the bike sorted I belive we’ll give a good show. Anyway this weekend I was in a comfortable second in both races and after almost outbraking myself a few times trying to chase Marcin down I’ve decided to take the bike home in once piece and earn some very important championship points. Good weekend overall.” Yamaha YZF-R1 Cup Mixed fortunes for Walilko Rafa Walilko, Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS sixth rider had mixed fortunes in two of this weekends “Yamaha YZF-R Cup” inaugural races, finishing fourth on Saturday and seventh on Sunday after a post jump start drive-thru penalty. Happy with his performance in the opening race, the 32-year-old from Zielona Gora, who qualified in third on the grid, was eager on get on the podium on Sunday but the jump start penalty made it impossible. Walilko now fourth in the general standings with 22 points, the Chairman of the team’s main sponsor Wallrav, a sole producer of motorcycle accessories including rear sets, crashpads, stands etc., anyway declared himself happy with the performance of the whole squad during the weekend. Both Yamaha YZF-R1 Cup races were won by Robert Kowalski, now a series leader, twice finishing 12 seconds ahead of Przemyslaw Janik with Michal Klejnot and Szymon Dziwer lining up the top three in the first and second race respectively. Rafal Walilko, grid: 3’rd, race 1: 4’th, race 2: 7’th, 4’th overall “Of course I’m not happy at all with the final result of the second race, especially after my Saturday’s top four finish but that’s racing. I’ve made a jump start and had to take penalty. Another rider who made the same mistake decided not to do a drive-thru and was disqualified after finishing in fourth and after having a good dice for the podium with him on Saturday I know I could have been right with him in the second race as well looking for a top three finishing. I’ve learned my lesson and looking forward to do so in the next round. As a chairman of Wallrav I’m really happy with our performance on the race track this past weekend. I really hope that our products will grow together with the Yamaha Pawelec team which will make both our fans and customers, satisfied.” Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav Racing Systems Team”¦ “¦is new to the Polish Motorcycle Championship but its line-up consists of the most talented and succesful names in the history of polish road racing. Andrzej Pawelec, being just 27-year-old has already five consecutive national titles to his credit with four Supersport and one Superstock 1000 crown to his name and World Superbike/IDM Superbike/World Endurance experience under his belt. The Yamaha rider for his whole career this year is also responsible for the highly entertaining “Yamaha YZF-R1 Cup” a Championship support class where another member of the team Rafal Walilko, races. Pawelec is also well known for posting the record pace laps on Poland’s sole circuit in Poznan riding a 600cc Yamaha R6 was faster than any of the Superbike rider and usually finishing the races with a 20 seconds+ advantage. Slawek Grausam has always been one of the most impressive Superbike rider in Poland, taking multiple top 3 finishes in the class final standings on an underpowered and privately run hand-me-down bikes. This year the 29-year-old races with a professional team on a full spec. Superbike Yamaha YZF-R1 machinery, on a Dunlop tyres, and is looking forward to pressure his team-mate in a battle for the Superbike national crown that’s almost certain to be won by one of the Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS Team’s riders. Ireneusz Sikora is another established rider in Poland with international World Endurance experience. Just as Grausam, Sikora, now 35-years-old, was usually a top rider in his class the Superstock 1000, riding an underpowered bikes. This year, after taking second place in the title hunt last year, he looks forward to secure the national title and helping his teammate Jaroslaw Rejmann in his rookie season the Superstock 1000 category. Piotr Kaczor being 34-years-old has already ten years of national racing experience, most with Yamaha and multiple victories in the 600cc classes to his credit. The rider from Poznan is looking forward to winning even more of them in his bid to take the Superstock 600 title away from last year’s champion Marcin Kaldowski. Team’s main sponsor, Wallrav is a sole polish company that produces motorcycle racing and road accessories including rear sets, crashpads, bike stands etc. For more informations check out the company’s website at www.wallrav.com. Yamaha Pawelec other sponsors include: PPG, Dunlop, AC-Schnitzer, Castrol, Dabex and Intermotors. 2006 Calendar National level of racing in Poland consists of six round, eight race championship for each of the three classes taking place across three race tracks. Amongst those circuit there’s only one situated inside Poland, this being the “Poznan circuit”. The home of fours rounds is situated just outside Poznan, one of Poland’s most picture-square cities, just a couple of hours away from Berlin. 4083’meter long circuit consists of seven right and five left hand corners with no elevation changes but all sort of corner types from the ultrafast right-hander at the end of the start/finish straight to the superbly tight and slow turn two one of the best passing place on the track. With the recent repavement of the track, the Poznan circuit looks set to become the most favorite destination of the racers from the middle Europe. Two remaining rounds take place in the Czech Republic on a world class, MotoGP standard race track in Brno and Most. Round 1 13-14.05 Poznan Round 2 10-11.06 Poznan Round 3 15-16.07 Brno (Czech Republic) Round 4 29-30.07 Most (Czech Republic) Round 5 5-6.08 Poznan Round 6 2-3.09 Poznan Polish Motorcycle Road Racing Championship – Round One Races Results: Superbike 1. Andrzej Pawelec Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS, Yamaha YZF-R1 26:05.433 2. Slawek Grausam Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS, Yamaha YZF-R +22.658 3. Piotr Stachowiak, Yamaha +49.541 4. Piotr Kaminski, Suzuki +1:18.845 5. Adam Kropiwnicki, Suzuki +1.21.238 6. Mariusz Grandys, Suzuki +1:38.157 7. Igor Nowacki, Yamaha +1 lap 8. Uve Kantimm, Suzuki +1 lap 9. Hubert Tomaszewski, Suzuki +1 lap 10. Marek Szwarc, Kawasaki +1 lap 11. Maciej Serafin, Yamaha + lap Superstock 1000 1. Pawel Szkopek, Kawasaki 26:27.061 2. Bartek Wiczynski, Suzuki +9.097 3. Marek Szkopek, Yamaha +9.186 4. Janusz Oskaldowicz, Yamaha +23.206 5. Alek Dubelski, Kawasaki +27.556 6. Adam Badziak, Suzuki +47.723 7. Filip Andrzejewski, Yamaha +57.240 Superstock 600 Race one (Saturday) 1. Marcin Kaldowski, Yamaha, 25.21.024 2. Piotr Kaczor, Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS, Yamaha YZF-R6, +10.513 3. Piotr Dobrowolski, Kawasaki +19.483 4. Maciej Kubacki, Triumph +19.615 5. Monika Jaworska, Suzuki +56.940 6. Jakub Glaser (Cz), Yamaha +1:00.000 7. Dariusz Malkiewicz, Yamaha +1:09.747 8. Krzysztof Troszczy ski, Yamaha +1 lap 9. Wojciech Swierczynski, Yamaha +1 lap 10. Tomasz Pukmiel, Kawasaki +1 lap 11. Krzysztof Howil, Honda +1 lap 12. Miroslaw Beznoska (Cz), Suzuki +1 lap Race 2 (Sunday) 1. Marcin Kaldowski, Yamaha 25:15.984 2. Piotr Kaczor, Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS, Yamaha YZF-R6 3. Maciej Kubacki, Triumph +13.858 4. Piotr Dobrowolski, Kawasaki +14.175 5. Monika Jaworska, Suzuki +49.601 6. Jakub Glaser (Cz), Yamaha +50.550 7. Michal Pernach, Suzuki +51.782 8. Dariusz Malkiewicz, Yamaha +1:25.977 9. Tomasz Pukmiel, Kawasaki +1 lap 10. Krzysztof Howil, Honda +1 lap 11. Miroslaw Beznoska (Cz), Suzuki +1 lap Yamaha YZF-R1 Cup Race 1 (Saturday) 1. Robert Kowalski 8:51.640 2. Przemyslaw Janik +12.332 3. Michal Klejnot +18.465 4. Rafa Walilko, Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS +21.302 5. Szymon Dziawer +21.325 6. Pawel Stachurski +31.275 7. Pawel Kusyk +33.003 8. Henryk Kwasniewski +44.293 9. Marek Drgas +1 lap 10. Michal Piatek, +1 lap 10. Artur Ptaszkiewicz +1 lap Race 2 (Sunday) 1. Robert Kowalski 12:22.156 2. Przemyslaw Janik +12.804 3. Szymon Dziawer +14.146 4. Pawel Kusyk +18.774 5. Pawel Stachurski +21.707 6. Henryk Kwasniewski +25.929 7. Rafa Walilko, Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS +33.031 8. Marek Drgas +1:28.164 9. Artur Ptaszkiewicz +1 lap 10. Micha Piatek +1 lap

Vintage “On Any Sunday” Posters Released By Artehouse

With the blessing of motorcycling’s favorite movie director, Bruce Brown, Artehouse is pleased to introduce www.onanysundayart.com. The site is filled with Vintage Posters featuring stills from the film, outtakes and original movie posters from the best motorcycle movie ever made.

“I am so pleased to have this opportunity to share these images with the millions of On Any Sunday fans. The making of this movie, and the era of motorcycling that it represents, was a special time in my life. As it was for so many other motorcycle riders.”

Motorcyclists all over the world owe their addiction to riding to this seminal movie. Remember the fun, the adventure, the racing and the racers, that created this important movie with hand numbered, limited edition, prints.

Images include incredible scenes from On Any Sunday, race images from archives such as Dan Mahony’s famous collection of AMA Flat Track races, and early Motocross images from photographer Charlie Morey. Racers from the era, like Mert Lawwill, are also featured with Limited Edition, Signed and Framed prints.

“I think Bruce Brown’s Motorcycle film, “On Any Sunday” is the best thing that has ever happened to motorcycling. Steve McQueen

Woodcraft Is Now The Exclusive Manufacturer Of Tire Bakers Tire Warmers

Woodcraft and Baker Race Gear have collaborated for the past several years to make Tire Bakers brand tire warmers. This partnership has resulted in the production of two lines of warmers that utilize some of the most advanced features on the market today, including the piggyback digital controls that are exclusive to Tire Bakers. Brian Baker of Baker Race Gear (BRG) has decided to reduce his involvement in motorcycle racing due to some business opportunities outside the racing community. As a result, Woodcraft has acquired BRG’s interest in the Tire Bakers brand and is now the sole source for Tire Bakers. Eric Wood, President of Woodcraft Technologies Inc. was quoted, “I have enjoyed working with Brian over the past few years and wish him success in his future endeavors. Woodcraft is excited to take Tire Bakers to the next level and will be working to implement several new features in the coming months.” Woodcraft is presently selling only the Digital Piggyback Tire Bakers and plans to reintroduce a new non-digital design by Fall 2006.

Another Bike Night Scheduled In Southern California

Summer Night Out “hosted by Sportbikechat.com” Location: Frisco’s Car Hop 18065 E. Gale Avenue City of Industry, CA 91792 http://www.friscos.com Date of Event: Thursday, June 8, 2006 Time: 5:30pm to 10:30pm Want to get out on a Thursday evening? Come and join Sportbikechat.com at the famous Frisco’s Car Hop for an exciting night of vendors displays, live music, custom show off contest, dyno tuning, raffles, bikini contests and more. We will have some of the hottest manufactures of gear and accessories like Dainese, Part Unlimited, Lockhart Phillips Group, RIS Designs, LED-PROS, Kawasaki/Suzuki/Honda Local Dealers, and more. We will have a few special guests at this event; the LASD Sheriff Racing Team, Team Attack Racing, Team Suzuki, and more of your favorite AMA racers. Save all you dollars for our raffle we will be giving away over $5000 in prizes. Make sure to buy your raffle tickets from the Spearmint Rhino girls! This event is for all ages. Everyone is welcome to attend the event. See you on Thursday June 8, 2006. We hold this bike night weekly on every Thursday of the year! If you’re unable to make it out this time you’re invited any other week of the year!

Updated: Serious Head Injuries Lead To LRRS Ban On Certain HJC Helmets

(Copyright 2006 Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. This original, copyrighted material may not be copied, cut and pasted, published or otherwise reproduced in any way in any medium, which means, don’t post this on another website or BBS. If you want somebody else to see this, send them a link or post a link to this page.) By Brienne Thomson Website Editor Roadracingworld.com Last weekend LRRS (Loudon Road Race Series) officials announced that they have banned certain model HJC helmets from use in competition. The announcement caused quite a stir among many LRRS racers who are HJC helmet users. In an e-mail directed to HJC and copied to Roadracingworld.com, LRRS racer Matthew F. Guilbault wrote, “As a long time HJC consumer I urge you to take corrective action immediately to allow me to continue to buy and use HJC helmets as I have done for my entire road racing career.” LRRS Race Director Don Hutchinson told Roadracingworld.com that he banned the helmets because the last five racers to have sustained serious head injuries during LRRS events were all wearing HJC helmets. But Hutchinson said that only two HJC models have been banned. “The CS and CL, I believe,” Hutchinson said in a phone interview. “All the rest are fine with us, but until we investigate this and find out more about it, we’re not going to allow riders to use those helmets.” Hutchinson said that the ban is temporary, until more information is available on the HJC helmet models in question. He also said that a Massachusetts HJC distributor told him that the models in question were not recommend for competition use. But HJC Product Development Coordinator Steve Blakeney told Roadracingworld.com that the “safety” of the CS and CL models for competition use is not in question. Blakeney said that the Massachusetts distributor was probably referring to the “features” of these lower-priced model helmets that don’t have as many “racing friendly” options as some of the other models. In regards to the LRRS ban on HJC CS and CL models, Blakeney said that the models in question have passed all of the required U.S. safety standards. “The CL passes the SNELL and DOT, the CS passed the DOT only,” Blakeney said. “What testing we can do beyond that? There’s no guidelines for it.” Blakeney also suggested that LRRS ban all non-SNELL helmets instead of just two specific HJC models. Blakeney contended that HJC attracted the unwanted attention because it’s the top-selling helmet brand in the United States. “You get a higher percentage of guys running HJCs at any track for that matter,” said Blakeney. “In turn, people crash and people get hurt and the likelihood is that more of them are going to be wearing HJCs because there are more of them out there, period.” According to LRRS Safety Director Jerry Wood, none of the crashes in question appeared to be very serious and some of them were simple lowsides. In comparing the crashes to the injuries the riders sustained, Wood’s main concern has to do with the material the helmets are made from as opposed to the brand. “Plastic helmets were never SNELL approved before,” said Wood. “I’m not sure how they got SNELL approved. It used to be that all of the helmets that were SNELL-approved for racing were fiberglass or fiberglass composite helmets.” Because all of the helmets involved in the LRRS head injury accidents that led to the ban were plastic, and because, according to HJC, the CL series helmets are SNELL approved, it raises the question of whether or not a polycarbonate plastic-shell helmet is safe for road racing use. According to SNELL Memorial Foundation General Manager Steve Johnson, racing organizations that simply specify a helmet meeting SNELL standards are actually approving a wide range of helmets and not specifically the ones recommended for competition use. “We have two standards actually,” said Johnson. “We have an ‘M’ standard that is basically designed around motorcycling and we also say different kinds of motorsports. And then we have an ‘SA’ standard, which stands for ‘Special Applications,’ and it really is more the racing requirement for helmets. There are no plastic helmets that will meet the ‘SA’ requirements because it has a flammability test, first of all, and plastic helmets will not withstand that,” Johnson said. But most popular motorcycle helmets do not carry a SNELL SA rating, and Johnson said that the SA standard was really designed around automobile racing applications. “Plastic helmets have been around for a long time and they’ve really perfected the methods and they meet our standards,” said Johnson. “We’ve been testing HJC helmets for a long time and they’re a reputable company and remain in our program. We test these helmets again and again.” Complicating matters, SNELL approval is specific to helmet models, and HJC, for example, doesn’t reveal on its website that only two of the four helmets in its CL line actually meet a SNELL standard of any type. However, Roadracingworld.com has seen no evidence that the company applies SNELL stickers to every helmet model in the CL line, nor that it sells production helmets that perform differently than helmets tested by SNELL. The SNELL website, ~http://www.smf.org/~, includes a listing of which helmets meet a SNELL standard. Another controversy regarding helmets revolves around media speculation that “softer” non-SNELL helmets will offer more protection against head injuries than helmets meeting SNELL specifications, even in racing applications. That speculation was based in part on a decades-old study of street crashes, which looked at injuries suffered by riders in those crashes. Roadracingworld.com knows of no studies of racetrack crashes that back up that theory.

Ducati Previews This Weekend’s AMA Superbike Race At Infineon Raceway

BOSTROM AND HODGSON AIMING FOR SUCCESS AT INFINEON RACEWAY Sonoma (California): The Parts Unlimited Ducati Team returns to action this week at Infineon Raceway, located in the scenic Sonoma Valley just north of San Francisco. Neil Hodgson and Ben Bostrom will race their Ducati 999 Superbikes at the tight and twisty track known for its challenging elevation changes. The Infineon Raceway Superbike doubleheader (with races on Saturday and Sunday) is near the Ducati North America headquarters in Cupertino, California. Both Ducati pilots have been very consistent this season and have finished every race in 2006. They will attempt to improve their finishing positions against the competitive AMA Superbike field in Sonoma. The 2003 World Superbike champion Hodgson is fourth in points after five races and has finished in the top six in each race so far. Neil has fought for podium finishes and looks to earn his first victory of 2006 this weekend. “We’re working hard and making progress,” said Hodgson. “We had a long debrief after the Fontana race and think we’ve found some things that will help us at Infineon. This year, we have enjoyed racing with some of the guys for position but what we really want is to be at the front. We won’t be happy until we’re winning. Sears Point is one of my favorite tracks and I’m looking forward to the races.” Ben Bostrom is feeling positive about his fortunes this weekend. The Californian and former series champion grew up in Petaluma, California just minutes from Infineon Raceway. “The 999 chassis is really responsive to changes and when we find our ideal setup, everyone will know it,” said Bostrom. “We are not quite there yet but everyone on the team is doing their best to get there. I’m confident in my riding and at Fontana I felt like I was riding really well. I’m really pumped to get on the bike again.” Qualifying takes place on Friday and Saturday morning, with the 28-lap races on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. THE CIRCUIT Name: Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, California, 12 turns, 2.22 miles (3.57 kilometers). Permanent road course, Superbike races are 28 laps each. AMA SUPERBIKE POINTS (after 5 races): 1. Ben Spies, Suzuki 182 2. Mat Mladin, Suzuki 163 3. Miguel Duhamel, Honda 140 4. Neil Hodgson, Parts Unlimited Ducati 130 5. Aaron Yates, Suzuki 126 6. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki 124 7. Ben Bostrom, Parts Unlimited Ducati 119 8. Jake Zemke, Honda 110 9. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki 108 10. Larry Pegram, Honda 93

Can-Am Challenge 125cc And 250cc GP Series Opens At Shannonville This Weekend

CAN-AM CHALLENGE SERIES OPENER Another racing season begins, and the Can-Am Challenge Series returns to Shannonville Motorsport Park this weekend to kick off the 2006 schedule! Along with the Canadian National Superbike series, the Can-Am Challenge Series will take to the Long Track circuit of S.M.P. this long weekend; the series also looks forward to welcoming the United States Grand Prix Riders Union (USGPRU) north of the border, as the American series makes Shannonville its second stop on their North Eastern schedule. The Can-Am Challenge Series 125cc champion of 2005, John Dempsey, has left his championship up for grabs as he’s made the move to 250s; however, he’ll be watching from the sidelines, as he is taking an involuntary hiatus from racing to recuperate from an April 30th crash, resulting in a broken sternum. John Crook, last year’s 250cc champ, is returning to defend his honor, and should expect to be hassled this weekend by the usual suspects such as Alain Brault, Andre Kipen and Nick Colley. Rumor has it that Matt Cooper, another 125cc graduate, will also be in the freight train of 250cc riders sure to be battling for podium finishes this weekend. Local Shannonville boys Tim Harrington, Dean Hoelscher and Rick Bulmann should be among the top group in the 125cc class, but the USGPRU riders making the trip up to Canada should certainly not be underestimated, for both the 125cc and 250cc classes. Friday is Practice with Qualifying set for Saturday with the racing action to begin at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. For Updates and Results please check www.canamchallengeseries.com or www.USGPRU.net

Torco Oils Sues Torco Fuels Over Trademark Infringement

Torco International Corporation has filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District Of California against General Sales and Service, Inc., alleging that the company is engaging in trademark infringement and unfair competition by doing business as Torco Racing Fuels. California-based Torco International Corporation manufactures engine oil for automotive and powersports racing, including motorcycles, motocross and V-Twin engines, and has been doing business in the United States since 1950. The company’s website can be found at ~http://www.torcoracingoils.com/~ Torco Racing Fuels, claiming to be “The Performance Manufacturer” is based in Michigan and manufactures high-performance race fuels and other power products. The company’s website can be found at ~http://www.torcoracefuels.com/~.

Sentry Insurance Selected As Preferred Insurance Provider For Buell Owners

EAST TROY, Wis. Buell Motorcycle Company has selected Sentry Insurance as the preferred insurance provider for Buell owners in the United States. Buell worked closely with Sentry over the last two years to find the best way to lower insurance rates on Buell motorcycles. As a result, many Buell owners will pay significantly lower premiums on their motorcycles insured through Sentry. “We’re excited to work with Sentry Insurance to provide Buell owners lower insurance rates. This is the most comprehensive alliance we are aware of between a manufacturer and an insurance company with the common objective of reducing the costs of ownership and insurance,” says Jon Flickinger, President and COO of Buell Motorcycle Company. Sentry has developed a special process for calculating insurance quotes for Buell motorcycles which does not use other sportbike insurance losses as part of the formula. Now Buell owners who receive a quote from Sentry should get a more competitive quote based on the lower claims costs for Buell motorcycles. “Insurance premiums can represent one of the highest costs of owning a motorcycle,” says Nick Fiore, Motorcycle Product Manager, Sentry Insurance. “With Sentry Insurance, the costs of owning a Buell motorcycle can be considerably less than owning any other sportbike on the market.” Sentry Insurance will provide quotes on older Buell models as well as new models. Additional coverage can be purchased for Buell optional equipment. Sentry motorcycle insurance is available through Harley-Davidson Insurance and is offered in 42 states. To receive a competitive quote, Buell owners and customers can call Harley-Davidson Insurance at 866-816-5816. Sentry is one of the top 10 insurers of motorcycles in the United States. Sentry and its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, the country’s most authoritative insurance rating and information service. With 70 percent of Buell owners currently choosing Sentry as their preferred provider, Sentry is the fastest growing insurance carrier for Buell motorcycle owners. Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure street fighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. Pull into www.buell.com for the Buell dealer nearest you.

After Top Ten Finishes, Hopkins And Vermeulen Look To Make More Good Results In Le Mans GP

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP has traveled back to Europe for the fifth round of the MotoGP World Championship planning to carry on the impressive form from recent weeks. John Hopkins qualified second and finished fourth his best career result so far at Shanghai last weekend and team-mate Chris Vermeulen took pole-position and a very creditable seventh in Turkey two weeks before that. Now Rizla Suzuki MotoGP moves onto the Alice Grand Prix de France eager to follow up on its strong performances. The Le Mans circuit is one of the most famous motorsport venues in the world. The riders will race on the 4.1km long Bugatti Circuit, which shares a part of the front straight with the historic 24-hour track. The layout is of a stop-start nature with tight corners joined by straights and sporadic chicanes. It also includes the fastest first corner in the world, where riders will go through at speeds in excess of 290km/h. Rizla Suzuki MotoGP will begin practice for the fifth round of the MotoGP World Championship on Friday morning followed by further practice sessions in the afternoon and on Saturday morning. The qualifying practice will be held on Saturday afternoon as both riders will attempt to get the best starting positions for the race on Sunday 21st May at 14.00hrs local time (12.00hrs GMT). Paul Denning Team Manager: “It was really exciting to see John racing the Rizla Suzuki GSV-R at the front of last week’s race. It shows how far we have come in a short space of time and added to Chris’ performance in Turkey it has been a real bonus for all the team. “We will be trying as hard as we can to make sure both the guys can be competitive this weekend. Chris is coming to Le Mans for the first time and will need to learn the track as quickly as possible to be on the pace. John had a good qualifying here last year and the Bridgestone tyres worked very well so that all points in our favour for this weekend. “Shanghai showed that the bike has improved dramatically both in wet and dry conditions John’s second place during qualifying in the dry and his third in the wet practice, added to his race performance proved that – but Le Mans is a track that requires high acceleration and we are under no illusions that we will have to work hard to find the best set-up for race day.”

Teammates Wallrav and Pawelec Finish First And Second In Polish Superbike Season Opener

Polish Road Racing Motorcycle Championship Round One Final Report Poznan circuit Superbike and Superstock 1000 Total dominance! Team’s Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav Racing System riders finished one and two in Sunday’s Polish Superbike season opener in Poznan, 4083meter racetrack hosting round one of the eight race championship. Just as predicted, Saturday’s pole-setter 27-year-old Andrzej Pawelec was out of reach right from the word go, finishing the 16’lap race in 26 minutes, five seconds and 443 tents, almost 23 seconds ahead of the rest of 24 men field. Starting from the second place on the grid, Slawek Grausam took the lead coming in to the first corner but his superb launch off the line left the 29-year-old with a slipping clutch which made it impossible for the rider from Lodz to keep in touch with Pawelec after being passed already on turn two. In the end, Grausam crossed the finish line in second, 27 seconds ahead of Piotr Stachowiak who completed the all-Yamaha Superbike class podium. It was the first race held at the “Poznan” circuit after its recent repavement with Pawelec, a Nowy Tomysl resident, setting a new track record already on lap three with a fantastic 1:36.104. Unfortunately it wasn’t such a good day for the Wallrav boys in the Superstock 1000 category. Starting from the third place on the grid as the first Superstock 1000 rider in the combined race of the two 1000cc classes, last years vice champion Ireneusz Sikora lowsided his Yamaha YZF-R1 already on the second lap of the race after comfortably following the reigning champion, 23-year-old Bartek Wiczynski. The 35-year-old from Mikolow, who spend last season gaining experience in the MotoGP’s support class series – the BMW Power Cup, was left without any points but Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav’s RS second Superstock 1000 rider wasn’t even allowed on the grid after qualifying on 9’th place on Saturday. Jaroslaw Rejmann bravely battled with pain during the whole weekend after injuring his hand two weeks ago during testing and was unable to take part in the race after a post warm-up decision of the team. Fortunately the 38-year-old from Zielona Gora is likely to be fully fit before round two of the Polish Championship which takes place in Poznan between 10 and 11 of June. The Superstock 1000 race was won by Pawel Szkopek (Kawasaki), last year’s World Supersport permanent rider who finished nine seconds ahead of Wiczynski (Suzuki) and younger brother Marek Szkopek (Yamaha). Andrzej Pawelec, grid: 1, race: 1’st, 1’st overall “It was a good and a rather uneventful race for me after running away from the rest of the field and comfortably leading until the checkered flag. I would like to thank all the people involved in creating such a professional team for this season. Everbody in the Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS squad hope that we’ll be able to keep this pace going until the end of the season and take the Superbike championship that I could add to my four national Supersport crowns and one Superstock 1000 title.” Slawek Grausam, grid: 2, race: 2’nd, 2’nd overall “I’ve had a good start but Andrzej soon got by me and I simply couldn’t keep up with him after damaging my clutch on the grid. It was a shame but anyway he was very fast and I’m happy with my result. Lets wait for round two.” Ireneusz Sikora, grid 1’st (3’rd overall), race: DNF “After the start I took it easy and was following Bartek Wiczynski on the opening laps when all of a sudden I’ve ended up lowsiding in the gravel after absolutely no warning at all from the front of my Yamaha. It was very strange but I really want to put this disappointment behind me and concentrate on round two.” Jaroslaw Rejmann, grid: 9’th (13’th overall), race: DNS “Unfortunately I couldn’t start the race at all which is very disappointing but with my recent injury still being an issue it was not safe for me to go out on the track today. Hopefully I should be fully fit for the next race. I would like to thank all the fans who cheered our team during the whole weekend.” Superstock 600 Double podium for Kaczor Round one of the Superstock 600 Polish Road Racing Championship saw Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS team’s rider Piotr Kaczor qualifying on the front row and finishing both races of the double header in the second place. The 34-year-old from Poznan started both races from the second position and finished them in the same fashion following Yamaha’s reigning champion Marcin Kaldowski to the flag (the Superstock 600 class was introduced this year replacing the Supersport category). Piotr Dobrowolski on a Kawasaki and Maciej Kubacki on a Triumph provided a breathtaking duels for the final spot on the podium in both races eventually sharing the two third place trophies. With Dobrowolski getting the upper hand on Saturday before Kubacki’s revenge the following day. Both are now 11 points behind Kaczor in the overall standings of the Superstock 600 class after two races. Piotr Kaczor, grid: 2’nd, race 1: 2’nd, race 2: 2’nd, 2’nd overall “My Yamaha YZF-R6 still isn’t fully prepared as it’s a new model on the market and not everything is ready for it but we plan to get the bike fully tuned and set-up before the second round of the season. I couldn’t keep up with Marcin this weekend but once we get the bike sorted I belive we’ll give a good show. Anyway this weekend I was in a comfortable second in both races and after almost outbraking myself a few times trying to chase Marcin down I’ve decided to take the bike home in once piece and earn some very important championship points. Good weekend overall.” Yamaha YZF-R1 Cup Mixed fortunes for Walilko Rafa Walilko, Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS sixth rider had mixed fortunes in two of this weekends “Yamaha YZF-R Cup” inaugural races, finishing fourth on Saturday and seventh on Sunday after a post jump start drive-thru penalty. Happy with his performance in the opening race, the 32-year-old from Zielona Gora, who qualified in third on the grid, was eager on get on the podium on Sunday but the jump start penalty made it impossible. Walilko now fourth in the general standings with 22 points, the Chairman of the team’s main sponsor Wallrav, a sole producer of motorcycle accessories including rear sets, crashpads, stands etc., anyway declared himself happy with the performance of the whole squad during the weekend. Both Yamaha YZF-R1 Cup races were won by Robert Kowalski, now a series leader, twice finishing 12 seconds ahead of Przemyslaw Janik with Michal Klejnot and Szymon Dziwer lining up the top three in the first and second race respectively. Rafal Walilko, grid: 3’rd, race 1: 4’th, race 2: 7’th, 4’th overall “Of course I’m not happy at all with the final result of the second race, especially after my Saturday’s top four finish but that’s racing. I’ve made a jump start and had to take penalty. Another rider who made the same mistake decided not to do a drive-thru and was disqualified after finishing in fourth and after having a good dice for the podium with him on Saturday I know I could have been right with him in the second race as well looking for a top three finishing. I’ve learned my lesson and looking forward to do so in the next round. As a chairman of Wallrav I’m really happy with our performance on the race track this past weekend. I really hope that our products will grow together with the Yamaha Pawelec team which will make both our fans and customers, satisfied.” Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav Racing Systems Team”¦ “¦is new to the Polish Motorcycle Championship but its line-up consists of the most talented and succesful names in the history of polish road racing. Andrzej Pawelec, being just 27-year-old has already five consecutive national titles to his credit with four Supersport and one Superstock 1000 crown to his name and World Superbike/IDM Superbike/World Endurance experience under his belt. The Yamaha rider for his whole career this year is also responsible for the highly entertaining “Yamaha YZF-R1 Cup” a Championship support class where another member of the team Rafal Walilko, races. Pawelec is also well known for posting the record pace laps on Poland’s sole circuit in Poznan riding a 600cc Yamaha R6 was faster than any of the Superbike rider and usually finishing the races with a 20 seconds+ advantage. Slawek Grausam has always been one of the most impressive Superbike rider in Poland, taking multiple top 3 finishes in the class final standings on an underpowered and privately run hand-me-down bikes. This year the 29-year-old races with a professional team on a full spec. Superbike Yamaha YZF-R1 machinery, on a Dunlop tyres, and is looking forward to pressure his team-mate in a battle for the Superbike national crown that’s almost certain to be won by one of the Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS Team’s riders. Ireneusz Sikora is another established rider in Poland with international World Endurance experience. Just as Grausam, Sikora, now 35-years-old, was usually a top rider in his class the Superstock 1000, riding an underpowered bikes. This year, after taking second place in the title hunt last year, he looks forward to secure the national title and helping his teammate Jaroslaw Rejmann in his rookie season the Superstock 1000 category. Piotr Kaczor being 34-years-old has already ten years of national racing experience, most with Yamaha and multiple victories in the 600cc classes to his credit. The rider from Poznan is looking forward to winning even more of them in his bid to take the Superstock 600 title away from last year’s champion Marcin Kaldowski. Team’s main sponsor, Wallrav is a sole polish company that produces motorcycle racing and road accessories including rear sets, crashpads, bike stands etc. For more informations check out the company’s website at www.wallrav.com. Yamaha Pawelec other sponsors include: PPG, Dunlop, AC-Schnitzer, Castrol, Dabex and Intermotors. 2006 Calendar National level of racing in Poland consists of six round, eight race championship for each of the three classes taking place across three race tracks. Amongst those circuit there’s only one situated inside Poland, this being the “Poznan circuit”. The home of fours rounds is situated just outside Poznan, one of Poland’s most picture-square cities, just a couple of hours away from Berlin. 4083’meter long circuit consists of seven right and five left hand corners with no elevation changes but all sort of corner types from the ultrafast right-hander at the end of the start/finish straight to the superbly tight and slow turn two one of the best passing place on the track. With the recent repavement of the track, the Poznan circuit looks set to become the most favorite destination of the racers from the middle Europe. Two remaining rounds take place in the Czech Republic on a world class, MotoGP standard race track in Brno and Most. Round 1 13-14.05 Poznan Round 2 10-11.06 Poznan Round 3 15-16.07 Brno (Czech Republic) Round 4 29-30.07 Most (Czech Republic) Round 5 5-6.08 Poznan Round 6 2-3.09 Poznan Polish Motorcycle Road Racing Championship – Round One Races Results: Superbike 1. Andrzej Pawelec Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS, Yamaha YZF-R1 26:05.433 2. Slawek Grausam Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS, Yamaha YZF-R +22.658 3. Piotr Stachowiak, Yamaha +49.541 4. Piotr Kaminski, Suzuki +1:18.845 5. Adam Kropiwnicki, Suzuki +1.21.238 6. Mariusz Grandys, Suzuki +1:38.157 7. Igor Nowacki, Yamaha +1 lap 8. Uve Kantimm, Suzuki +1 lap 9. Hubert Tomaszewski, Suzuki +1 lap 10. Marek Szwarc, Kawasaki +1 lap 11. Maciej Serafin, Yamaha + lap Superstock 1000 1. Pawel Szkopek, Kawasaki 26:27.061 2. Bartek Wiczynski, Suzuki +9.097 3. Marek Szkopek, Yamaha +9.186 4. Janusz Oskaldowicz, Yamaha +23.206 5. Alek Dubelski, Kawasaki +27.556 6. Adam Badziak, Suzuki +47.723 7. Filip Andrzejewski, Yamaha +57.240 Superstock 600 Race one (Saturday) 1. Marcin Kaldowski, Yamaha, 25.21.024 2. Piotr Kaczor, Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS, Yamaha YZF-R6, +10.513 3. Piotr Dobrowolski, Kawasaki +19.483 4. Maciej Kubacki, Triumph +19.615 5. Monika Jaworska, Suzuki +56.940 6. Jakub Glaser (Cz), Yamaha +1:00.000 7. Dariusz Malkiewicz, Yamaha +1:09.747 8. Krzysztof Troszczy ski, Yamaha +1 lap 9. Wojciech Swierczynski, Yamaha +1 lap 10. Tomasz Pukmiel, Kawasaki +1 lap 11. Krzysztof Howil, Honda +1 lap 12. Miroslaw Beznoska (Cz), Suzuki +1 lap Race 2 (Sunday) 1. Marcin Kaldowski, Yamaha 25:15.984 2. Piotr Kaczor, Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS, Yamaha YZF-R6 3. Maciej Kubacki, Triumph +13.858 4. Piotr Dobrowolski, Kawasaki +14.175 5. Monika Jaworska, Suzuki +49.601 6. Jakub Glaser (Cz), Yamaha +50.550 7. Michal Pernach, Suzuki +51.782 8. Dariusz Malkiewicz, Yamaha +1:25.977 9. Tomasz Pukmiel, Kawasaki +1 lap 10. Krzysztof Howil, Honda +1 lap 11. Miroslaw Beznoska (Cz), Suzuki +1 lap Yamaha YZF-R1 Cup Race 1 (Saturday) 1. Robert Kowalski 8:51.640 2. Przemyslaw Janik +12.332 3. Michal Klejnot +18.465 4. Rafa Walilko, Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS +21.302 5. Szymon Dziawer +21.325 6. Pawel Stachurski +31.275 7. Pawel Kusyk +33.003 8. Henryk Kwasniewski +44.293 9. Marek Drgas +1 lap 10. Michal Piatek, +1 lap 10. Artur Ptaszkiewicz +1 lap Race 2 (Sunday) 1. Robert Kowalski 12:22.156 2. Przemyslaw Janik +12.804 3. Szymon Dziawer +14.146 4. Pawel Kusyk +18.774 5. Pawel Stachurski +21.707 6. Henryk Kwasniewski +25.929 7. Rafa Walilko, Yamaha Pawelec Wallrav RS +33.031 8. Marek Drgas +1:28.164 9. Artur Ptaszkiewicz +1 lap 10. Micha Piatek +1 lap

Vintage “On Any Sunday” Posters Released By Artehouse

With the blessing of motorcycling’s favorite movie director, Bruce Brown, Artehouse is pleased to introduce www.onanysundayart.com. The site is filled with Vintage Posters featuring stills from the film, outtakes and original movie posters from the best motorcycle movie ever made.

“I am so pleased to have this opportunity to share these images with the millions of On Any Sunday fans. The making of this movie, and the era of motorcycling that it represents, was a special time in my life. As it was for so many other motorcycle riders.”

Motorcyclists all over the world owe their addiction to riding to this seminal movie. Remember the fun, the adventure, the racing and the racers, that created this important movie with hand numbered, limited edition, prints.

Images include incredible scenes from On Any Sunday, race images from archives such as Dan Mahony’s famous collection of AMA Flat Track races, and early Motocross images from photographer Charlie Morey. Racers from the era, like Mert Lawwill, are also featured with Limited Edition, Signed and Framed prints.

“I think Bruce Brown’s Motorcycle film, “On Any Sunday” is the best thing that has ever happened to motorcycling. Steve McQueen

Woodcraft Is Now The Exclusive Manufacturer Of Tire Bakers Tire Warmers

Woodcraft and Baker Race Gear have collaborated for the past several years to make Tire Bakers brand tire warmers. This partnership has resulted in the production of two lines of warmers that utilize some of the most advanced features on the market today, including the piggyback digital controls that are exclusive to Tire Bakers. Brian Baker of Baker Race Gear (BRG) has decided to reduce his involvement in motorcycle racing due to some business opportunities outside the racing community. As a result, Woodcraft has acquired BRG’s interest in the Tire Bakers brand and is now the sole source for Tire Bakers. Eric Wood, President of Woodcraft Technologies Inc. was quoted, “I have enjoyed working with Brian over the past few years and wish him success in his future endeavors. Woodcraft is excited to take Tire Bakers to the next level and will be working to implement several new features in the coming months.” Woodcraft is presently selling only the Digital Piggyback Tire Bakers and plans to reintroduce a new non-digital design by Fall 2006.

Another Bike Night Scheduled In Southern California

Summer Night Out “hosted by Sportbikechat.com” Location: Frisco’s Car Hop 18065 E. Gale Avenue City of Industry, CA 91792 http://www.friscos.com Date of Event: Thursday, June 8, 2006 Time: 5:30pm to 10:30pm Want to get out on a Thursday evening? Come and join Sportbikechat.com at the famous Frisco’s Car Hop for an exciting night of vendors displays, live music, custom show off contest, dyno tuning, raffles, bikini contests and more. We will have some of the hottest manufactures of gear and accessories like Dainese, Part Unlimited, Lockhart Phillips Group, RIS Designs, LED-PROS, Kawasaki/Suzuki/Honda Local Dealers, and more. We will have a few special guests at this event; the LASD Sheriff Racing Team, Team Attack Racing, Team Suzuki, and more of your favorite AMA racers. Save all you dollars for our raffle we will be giving away over $5000 in prizes. Make sure to buy your raffle tickets from the Spearmint Rhino girls! This event is for all ages. Everyone is welcome to attend the event. See you on Thursday June 8, 2006. We hold this bike night weekly on every Thursday of the year! If you’re unable to make it out this time you’re invited any other week of the year!