French Grand Prix Le Mans, France 19, 20, 21 May 2006 The Camel Yamaha Team get back to European territory this weekend as they look to bring their MotoGP World Championship points quest back on track in France, following a disappointing run of races on unfamiliar shores. The legendary Le Mans circuit, which has intermittently played home to the MotoGP World Championship since 1969, has been a fixture on the calendar for the last six seasons and this year plays host to the fifth round of an incredible campaign that has already seen four different winners. Reigning World Champion Valentino Rossi is one of those – his sole victory so far coming in the second round at Qatar but he is aiming to put an end to the parity this weekend as he aims to recover from a largely disappointing run of early season results. A first-corner crash at Jerez and technical problems in the last two rounds at Istanbul and Shanghai mean the Italian lies 32 points adrift of current leader Nicky Hayden (Honda), but the most pressing issue for Rossi is to finally overcome the problems that have restricted development of the 2006 version YZR-M1 machine so far. The 4,180m track holds happy memories for the Camel Yamaha Team, with Rossi having taken pole position and the lap record on his way to victory last season, when he was joined on the podium by his team-mate Colin Edwards. A repeat result is the target for both riders this Sunday, with Edwards having recorded his first top-three finish of the season just days ago in China, when he also extended his run of points-scoring finishes to 25 a number only previously achieved by Grand Prix legends Mick Doohan, Wayne Gardner, Eddie Lawson and Valentino Rossi. VALENTINO ROSSI: A CRITICAL TIME MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi knows that the time is right to turn around his early misfortune and start picking up serious points in his bid to defend motorcycling’s premier-class crown for the fifth successive season. The Italian currently lies sixth in the general standings but he is well aware that a change in fortune can spark a good run of results over the next few weeks and dramatically improve his situation. “Sunday was the second time in the first four races that we’ve scored virtually zero points and on both occasions it hasn’t been our fault,” reflects Rossi. “Luck has definitely not been on our side but the most important thing now is to sort our problems out as soon as possible because we have a run of important races coming up starting at Le Mans. The next four or five rounds in Europe are the ‘main course’ of the season and it is a critical time for us. “We have got some new things to try at Le Mans so hopefully they can help us find a good base set-up but still have enough room for improvement to keep the pace with our rivals over the weekend. We are up against good riders on good machinery and we have to be at our maximum level to be able to beat them. I am already a few points behind the leader but the championship is very long, I have a lot of confidence in my team and we have time to put things right. “Le Mans is not one of my favourite tracks but last year it was very good for us. I took pole position, the fastest lap of the race on the final lap and the victory and Colin was also on the podium, so it was a perfect weekend for us. We hope this weekend can be the same.” COLIN EDWARDS: REPEAT PODIUM THE TARGET Colin Edwards has his sights firmly set on consecutive podium finishes following his first top-three result in nine months at China on Sunday. Edwards also scored his maiden rostrum of 2005 in round four, which took place at Le Mans one year ago, when he led the race for several laps before eventually conceding positions to Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau. The Texan is hoping that can be a good omen for a repeat success this time around. “I seem to like round four of the season and I was really pleased it came good for me again in China,” smiled Edwards. “Last year’s podium at Le Mans was the kick-start to a decent run of results for me so I hope that can prove to be the case this time around. It’s no secret that we’ve been having problems with the bike but we’re working hard and if we’re capable of winning races and taking podiums when we’re in trouble then just think what we can do when everything is running smoothly! “I don’t mind Le Mans as a circuit too much it’s a real ‘stop and go’ track, as everybody says, with hard braking, tight corners and hard acceleration. We’ll have some work to do with the set-up of the bike but this track was good for us last year so hopefully it can prove a little bit easier to adapt to and not as critical in terms of the problems we’ve had at the last few circuits.” DAVIDE BRIVIO: KEEPING OUR HEADS DOWN Camel Yamaha Team Director Davide Brivio is looking forward to the relative normality of life on the road as the MotoGP World Championship returns for a seven-week spell on European shores. After a gruelling start to the season including flyaway trips to Qatar, Turkey and China, the team’s trucks home to their travelling workshops and offices – will roll into Le Mans this week to provide a focal point for the hard work to begin. “After such a difficult start, which nonetheless has given us one win with Valentino and Colin’s recent podium, I hope the next few weeks in Europe will be like a new beginning to the season for us.” says Brivio. “The races coming up are crucial but all we can do is keep our heads down and continue to work hard on solving the problems we have found this year. There is clearly a lot of room for improvement but we know from the performances of Valentino and Colin already this season that the bike has real potential, so we are excited about finally seeing it performing to its maximum. Hopefully that can be at Le Mans. “The engineers at Yamaha have been working very hard to make sure that is the case and Valentino will have a new chassis available from the first practice session on Friday. We will compare it with the current one and will decide later if we will use it or not. We will also remain there for a test on Monday to continue with our development. Last year we had a very good weekend at Le Mans, which finished with both of our riders on the podium, so it would be nice to repeat that result! If we can shake off the bad luck that has been following us around the world recently then we have plenty of reason to be confident.” TECHNICALLY SPEAKING: LE MANS ACCORDING TO JEREMY BURGESS Le Mans is an archetypal stop-go track, with the added complication of one of the highest speed turns on the calendar, just after the short start-finish straight. There are several hairpins and chicanes, calling not just for balance and control under hard and repeated braking, but a neat and swift transfer from full braking to full acceleration on the exit of the corners. With nine right-handers and only four lefts, the track is also particularly hard on one side of the tyres, but according to Valentino Rossi’s Chief Mechanic Jeremy Burgess there are no hidden secrets to the track in terms of machine set-up. “Le Mans as a circuit is probably the least technical on the whole calendar it doesn’t really have any stand-out features or characteristics that set it out from the rest, certainly not in a positive way,” says Burgess. “You need good acceleration out of the slow corners, which is why we struggled there on our first visit with the M1 in 2004 because we were trying out new engines before tackling the true horsepower tracks like Barcelona, Mugello and Assen. “Last year we had a fully-developed bike so we were able to make the minor adjustments that this circuit requires and both Valentino and Colin were fast. Clearly with so much hard braking you need firmer fork settings and spring rates on the front, and then a slightly softer spring on the rear so that the rider can hold his line on the exit. That’s it really there are no secrets to Le Mans!” VALENTINO ROSSI: INFORMATION Age: 27 Lives: London, UK Bike: Yamaha YZR-M1 GP victories: 80 (54 x MotoGP/500cc, 14 x 250cc, 12 x 125cc) First GP victory: Czech Republic, 1996 (125cc) First GP: Malaysia, 1996 (125cc) GP starts: 161 (101 x MotoGP/500cc, 30 x 250cc, 30 x 125cc) Pole positions: 40 World Championships 7 Grand Prix (1 x 125cc, 1 x 250cc, 1 x 500cc, 4 x MotoGP) COLIN EDWARDS: INFORMATION Age: 32 Lives: Conroe, Texas Bike: Yamaha YZR-M1 First GP: Japan, 2003 (MotoGP) GP starts: 52 x MotoGP World Championships – 2 World Superbike Le Mans Lap Record: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 2005 1’33.678 Le Mans Best Lap: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 2005 1’33.226 2005 Results 1. VALENTINO ROSSI (ITA) Yamaha, 44’12.223 2. Sete Gibernau (SPA) Honda, +0.382 3. COLIN EDWARDS (USA) Yamaha, +5.711

After the long haul trip to China the MotoGP World Championship returns to Europe this weekend as the series lands in France at the legendary Bugatti circuit of Le Mans, built in 1965 around the existing 24 Hour circuit. Located 200km south-west of Paris, Le Mans always brings together motorsport fans from all over central and northern Europe. With a tough Grand Prix of China now behind them, the Fortuna Honda riders are looking forward to the Grand Prix of France with renewed optimism. Marco Meandri and Toni Elias, and indeed the rest of the team, are determined to resolve the problems they found at the Shanghai circuit as they prepare for another huge challenge. MARCO MELANDRI: “Every race is a different story and for that reason I am looking forward to the GP of France with confidence. We have the knowledge and resources to analyse the problems we found at Shanghai and we will do our best to find the adequate solutions. It will be important to start well in the first free practice session and find a good base setting that will allow me to adapt the bike as best as possible to Le Mans. The Bugatti circuit is characterised by a lot of hard braking and it requires a riding style that favours good braking on the entry and throttle control on the exit to make the most out of each corner. Le Mans is notorious for the hard braking, it is a really demanding layout but I actually quite like it because it can be fun to ride. It is not one of the most technical circuits in the world but you can enjoy yourself there.” TONI ELIAS: “I like Le Mans and I have a lot of good memories of it. I actually scored my first ever Grand Prix podium at this track in 2001 when I finished third in the 125cc race and I won here in the 250cc class in 2003. In fact, I’ve been on the podium here four times in the last five years. Unfortunately the thought of my crash here during testing last year counterbalances the good memories. I’m sure when I get to that first chicane for the first time this weekend the crash that broke my right wrist will come into my mind, but that certainly won’t prevent me from giving it my very best. I’m feeling highly motivated and I hope that the GP of China can serve as a point of reflection to analyse the problems we have had and start off on the right foot this Friday. My team is doing a great job and I will also give my best to take another step forward.” THE TRACK The history of Le Mans is most famously linked to car racing, with the Bugatti circuit annually hosting the world famous 24 Hour race. Two-wheeled machines, however, only use a part of the legendary track – the permanent short course – sharing the start line to the Chapelle corner with the cars, who then head out into the countryside to following the 24 Hour route. The bikes continue around a tortuous design that is riddled with first gear corners, followed by hard acceleration and long straights. The most impressive section is without doubt the extremely fast right-hander at the end of the start-finish straight, which is followed by a chicane which requires a nimble change in direction at high speed as well as lots of courage and cold blood. Interesting fact: The Le Mans circuit can be considered a home track for MICHELIN, the French tyre manufacturers, who have won ten of the past eleven races held at this venue. FOCUS: TYRE WARMERS MotoGP is developing more and more into a battle of the tyre manufacturers. In order to go fast you must be wearing the best ‘shoes’ and in this aspect the Fortuna Honda team can count on the support of MICHELIN, French brand leaders in the tyre sector. Thanks to the quality of Michelin products and the use of tyre warmers, which have developed from a simply way of heating up the rubber into instruments of the highest technology, a rider is able to rely on maximum grip from his tyres from the moment he leaves his pit box. But how do the tyre warmers work? Heating rubber is not a casual occurrence – the appropriate materials have to be used and, above all, the right temperatures reached in accordance with the compound and construction of the tyre. The job of the tyre warmers is not to “cook” the tyres but to bring them up to the right temperature without affecting their original characteristics. Here are some facts to allow a better understanding of tyre warmers and their function. Thermal curve: A standard tyre warmer reaches up to 80°C, taking between 50 and 60 minutes to bring the tyre up to the required temperature. On the inside there is a sensor that works as a thermostat, interrupting the heating process once the tyre has reached the right temperature and then restarting when it starts to cool. Materials: The construction of the tyre warmer is a kind of sandwich consisting of five different kinds of material. In contact with the tyre is a layer of transparent polyester, behind which are the carbon filaments that transport the electrical current. On top of another layer of polyester is a layer of thermal material, which limits the dispersion of heat, followed by the outer layer of hydro-repellent polyurethane. Fabrication: It takes six people around 120 minutes to make a standard tyre-warming cover and around 180 minutes for a custom version. The cost to the public varies from 600 to 800 euros. The key numbers 80°C – the ideal temperature 24 – the amount of tyre warmers required by a MotoGP team 2,300 cm² – the area of fabric required 4,000 cm – the length of carbon wire required for each tyre warmer 0,800 kg – the weight of the front tyre warmer 1,200 kg – the weight of the rear tyre warmer Team Fortuna Honda’s tyre warmers are provided by TT Thermal Technology, a specialist Italian company in the sector. TT tyre warmers have been produced in conjunction with the world’s leading tyre manufacturers and engineers from Team Gresini.

Rizla Suzuki goes to the fifth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Mondello Park in the Republic of Ireland this weekend ready to tackle the highly technical twists and turns that make the circuit the slowest the series visits. The average lap speed at Mondello Park is less than 80mph thanks to the technical and bumpy nature of the track, placing huge demands on the handling set-up of the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000s of Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne and James Haydon. The team approaches Mondello Park in good spirits after achieving its best results of the season at the previous round at Oulton Park and a solid full day test session at Croft last week. Superbike racing starts at 13:40 on Sunday, May 21st at Mondello Park in County Kildare. Shakey Byrne: “I have said many times I want to be winning races and after getting so close with a second place at the previous round I want more than anything to top the podium this weekend at Mondello Park. “I love the Irish; they are a great crowd and know their bike racing. They also party hard and that sits well with me; I hope to have a couple of good results and reasons to be joining them on Sunday night after the racing!” James Haydon: “I had an epic race at Mondello Park last year on my Rizla Suzuki and really enjoyed myself. It is a track that rewards good handling and aggressive commitment to corners and that suits me down to the ground. “After the last round we tested at Croft and spent time working on the high and low-speed cornering on the GSX-R1000. We are in a strong position right now and with a little bit of the luck of the Irish I feel I can challenge for the podium at Mondello Park.”

We got such a HUGE response from readers wanting to be selected as our guest Infineon Motojournalist for the weekend that it was quite a challenge to agree on a winner. But the time to announce the winner of a junket to the fourth round of the AMA Superbike Series at Infineon Raceway–including tickets, passes to get into Kawasaki’s hospitality suite, airfare, hotel and food–has come. MATT PETRALI, you can pack your gear. We’ll be seeing you at the races! The Infineon Motojournalist contest sponsored by Kawasaki was judged by the Roadracing World editorial staff

HACKING IN EARLY CONTROL OF AMA SUPERSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 15, 2006) — Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking has had his share of injuries over the last few years, the worst coming from a bicycling accident that ended his 2005 season. At the beginning of this season Hacking said his primary goal was to stay healthy so he would at least have a fighting chance of winning back the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship presented by Shoei. As the series comes to Infineon Raceway on May 21, round four of the 11-race championship, Hacking has not only met his goal so far of staying injury free, he’s also likely surpassed the goals he set for himself in Supersport. Hacking, of Denver, N.C., holds a commanding 24-point lead over Danny Eslick after winning the most recent round in Fontana, Calif., on April 30. While happy with where he is in the championship, Hacking sounds a bit cautious when talking about earning back the Supersport title he won in 2003. “There’s still a lot of racing ahead of us,” Hacking explained. “It’s a long season and I’ve had luck on my side so far. I’m not looking too far ahead. I just concentrate on each race as they come. Infineon was a track I had a lot of problems with early in my career, but after winning there a couple of times I feel pretty good going there.” Hacking is a past Infineon AMA Supersport and AMA Superstock race winner. Hacking’s chief rival in the series is Kawasaki’s Roger Lee Hayden. Hayden won the first two rounds of the championship but a crash in Alabama last month on his Superbike left him with a broken leg. He missed the Fontana round and dropped from first to fifth in the standings. Hayden has had surgery on his injured leg and would love to return to action at Infineon. “I’m hoping to ride at Infineon to try to keep within a race of the leader in points,” Hayden said. “I had a little bit of an infection set in after my surgery, but that’s cleared up now and I seem to be healing up pretty fast. I go to the doctor on Tuesday (May 16) to find out how I’m doing. If I ride it will only be in the Supersport race. I came back pretty good in last year’s series, so I don’t feel like I’m totally out of it yet.” Ben Spies, the 2004 Infineon Supersport winner, is another rider expected to challenge Hacking, but he crashed early in the Fontana race and is all the way back in 19th in the standings. With his success in Superbike, where he is leading the series, it is hard to imagine Spies putting much on the line in Supersport where he has little hope of getting back in the title chase. That leaves Danny Eslick, on the Matsushima Performance Suzuki and M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Geoff May, who are second and third respectively in the series, attempting to keep Hacking from completely running away with the series. Eslick broke through to earn his very first AMA Supersport podium finish at Fontana. The flat tracker turned road racer is getting stronger with every race, but he still has some learning in front of him in order to run with veteran Hacking. May is having his best season do date, but his performances in Supersport have been mixed. At times he seems to be able to race for a podium finish and others he struggles to find speed during the finals. The Georgian will have plenty of incentive to turn in a good ride at Infineon, especially considering his teammate Michael Barnes took second at Fontana. It marked Barnes’ first podium result in the class since 1990. That’s the longest time span between Supersport podiums in AMA history – just short of 16 years. Attack Kawasaki’s Ben Attard is eager to earn his first podium of the season. The Australian has just missed the box the last two races, taking fourth in both. A rider to watch at Infineon this weekend is young Michael Beck. Beck, of Simi Valley, Calif., earned a solid sixth-place finish at Fontana on his AIP Yamaha. It marked his first top-10 result of the year. Sunday’s Pro Honda Oils Supersport race is part of the weekend’s Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown presented by Supercuts and will be televised nationally on SPEED at 1 p.m. EST Tuesday, May 23.

AMA Weekend Offers Plenty of Entertainment Choices for Fans SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) The road course won’t be the only area bustling with entertainment at the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown weekend, presented by Supercuts, at Infineon Raceway, May 19-21. There are a variety of promotions, media events and charitable events planned to keep people busy, as well. For more details on any of these events, please visit www.infineonraceway.com. Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony Saturday, May 20: Race fans are invited to the Winner’s Circle on Saturday of race weekend at 12:15 p.m. as legendary AMA riders Miguel Duhamel and Rich Oliver are officially inducted into the raceway’s Wall of Fame. Duhamel and Oliver will become the first two AMA riders inducted into the prestigious Wall of Fame, which was created in 2005 and features NASCAR drivers Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin and NHRA drag racer Warren Johnson. Bike Night in Novato “” Saturday, May 20: The party will continue after the racing ends on Saturday, May 20, with the 3rd annual Bike Night in Novato. Motorcyclists take over historic Grant Avenue in Novato for the biggest off-site get-together of the weekend. This free event will feature bike-only parking, entertainment and restaurants will extend business hours. The party spans from 5-10 p.m. More than 300 people made the trek to Bike Night in 2005, so be sure and show-up early. Infineon Raceway Idols to Sing National Anthem Saturday and Sunday: Two talented singers will perform the national anthem at Infineon Raceway prior to the start of the AMA Superbike main events. Roseville’s Nikki Wehrenberg (Saturday) and Colusa’s Lori Rodrigues (Sunday) were selected to sing the anthem through the Infineon Raceway Idol Contest, which was held in association with 98 Rock FM out of Sacramento. Wehrenberg and Rodrigues beat out more than 70 other entrants for their chance to sing at Infineon Raceway. Cycle Gear Motorcycle Charity Auction “” Sunday, May 21: Signed memorabilia from some of the top AMA riders will be available at the 3rd annual Cycle Gear Motorcycle Charity Auction, which will take place on Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Winner’s Circle. Last year’s auction featured signed leathers from Yamaha’s Jamie Hacking, as well as a variety of signed helmets, including one by six-time AMA Superbike champion Mat Mladin. More than 20 items are expected for this combined silent/live auction, with all proceeds benefiting qualified youth groups in Sonoma County through Speedway Children’s Charities. AAA Designated Driver Program “” Sunday, May 21: This highly-successful program enters its second year in 2006 and is designed to educate people about the dangers of drinking and driving. The program is a partnership between AAA and Infineon Raceway. Those who decide to become designated drivers must fill out a pledge card “” under the direction of the AAA”” and they will be given a free bottle of water supplied by smartwater. Participants will also receive a designated driver card signed by NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Mark Martin. Look for the booth in the main paddock on Sunday, May 21. Recycling Program All weekend: Infineon Raceway will intensify its recycling program in 2006, beginning with the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown. The raceway recycled more than 15 tons of materials in 2005 by collecting glass, aluminum and plastic at its NASCAR, NHRA and IRL events. This year, the raceway has expanded to include collection at its AMA weekend, as well. Infineon Raceway is the only major motor sports facility in the country with a comprehensive recycling program, according to George Mutter, owner of Environmental Event Management Group, which executes the recycling program at the track. Motorcycle Art Show “” All weekend: Five-time AMA champion Rich Oliver will be one of several artists featured at Infineon Raceway in a motorcycle-themed art show during the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown weekend. The show will take place in the Infineon Technologies Business Center, which is located directly across from the Winner’s Circle in the main paddock. Hours are 9 a.m.-approximately 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday and admission is FREE. Oliver, best known for his exploits on the track, has become a very accomplished abstract artist. He’ll be joined by other artists in the show. WHAT: Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts WHERE: Infineon Raceway, Highways 37 & 121, Sonoma, CA 95476 WHEN: May 19-21. COURSE: 12 turns, 2.22 miles. 2005 WINNERS: Mat Mladin (Superbike, both main events, Suzuki); Tommy Hayden (Supersport, Kawasaki); Jake Zemke (Formula Xtreme, Honda); Aaron Yates (Superstock, Suzuki). SUPERBIKE SCHEDULE (All times Pacific): Friday “” Superbike practice, 9:40-10:40 a.m.; Superbike qualifying, 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday “” Superbike qualifying, 9:50-11 a.m.; Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown main event #1, 3:50 p.m. (28 laps); Sunday “” Superbike practice, 10:20-10:50 a.m.; Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown main event #2, 3 p.m. (28 laps). TICKETS: $10-$65, 12-and-under free, parking is free. 800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Gates open at 7 a.m. each day. More, from another press release issued by Infineon Raceway: WHAT: Infineon Raceway will host the top pavement motorcycle road-racers in the country at the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown, presented by Supercuts. WHEN: May 19-21. This is the fourth stop on the 19-race series for 2006. It will be a doubleheader weekend, featuring 28-lap main events in the Superbike division on Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21. The weekend will also feature racing in Pro Honda Oils Supersport, Repsol Lubricants Superstock and Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme. CIRCUIT 12-turn, 2.22-mile road course. RACE LENGTH: Superbike main events will span 28 laps. All other main events are 17 laps. ON-TRACK SAFETY: Infineon Raceway will have an additional 102 pieces of airfence strategically placed around the road course that will enhance rider safety. The raceway gave the American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) a $70,000 no-interest loan to purchase 92 pieces, and the AFM received an additional 10 pieces that were donated by the Roadracing World Action Fund. The raceway houses the airfence and it is available for rental and is used at AMA-sanctioned events, as well as by the AFM. SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS (all times Pacific): Friday: Superbike practice, 9:40-10:40 a.m.; Superbike qualifying 2-3:30 p.m.; Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme qualifying, 3:40-5:10 p.m. Saturday: Superbike qualifying, 9:50-11 a.m.; Repsol Lubricants Superstock qualifying, 12:40-2 p.m.; Pro Honda Oils Supersport qualifying, 2:10-3:30 p.m. Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown main event #1, 3:50 p.m. (28 laps); Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme main event, 5 p.m. (17 laps). Sunday: Superbike practice, 10:20-10:50 a.m.; Repsol Lubricants Superstock main event, 11:30 a.m. (17 laps); Pro Honda Oils Supersport main event, 1:45 p.m. (17 laps); Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown main event #2, 3 p.m. (28 laps). For complete schedule, visit www.infineonraceway.com. TELEVISION: Sunday: Superbike Main Event #1, 10 a.m..; Superbike Main Event #2, 8 p.m. All on SPEED. Tuesday, May 23: Supersport Main Event, 10 a.m.; Formula Xtreme, 2 p.m. All on SPEED. All times Pacific. 2005 CHAMPIONS: Superbike: Mat Mladin (Suzuki). Mladin won both Superbike main events; Supersport: Tommy Hayden (Kawasaki); Superstock: Aaron Yates (Suzuki); Formula Xtreme: Jake Zemke (Honda). QUALIFYING RECORDS: Superbike: Mat Mladin (Suzuki) 83.233 mph, 2005; Supersport: Tommy Hayden (Kawasaki) 81.654 mph, 2005; Superstock: Jason Disalvo (Yamaha) 82.467 mph, 2005; Formula Xtreme: Miguel Duhamel (Honda) 81.441, 2004. WHAT TO EXPECT: Ben Spies (Suzuki) enters the Sonoma Valley weekend on a roll, having won the last four Superbike main events with doubleheader sweeps in Alabama and Fontana. He leads teammate Mat Mladin, 182-163. “¦ Mladin (Suzuki) won an AMA-record sixth Superbike championship in 2005, with 11 victories in 17 starts. Mladin has won three consecutive AMA Superbike titles (2003-2005). “¦ Mladin holds the record for career Superbike victories in the Sonoma Valley with six. He has won five of the last six Superbike features at Infineon Raceway, including both ends of the doubleheader in 2005. “¦ Suzuki dominated at both Infineon Raceway and in the AMA Superbike points standings in 2005. Suzuki finished one-two in the first feature in Sonoma (Mladin, Aaron Yates) and one-two-three in the second (Mladin, Yates, Spies). Mladin and Spies also finished one-two in the final AMA Superbike points standings. “¦ Ben Bostrom (Ducati), who raced in the World Superbike championship in 2005, returns to AMA Superbike in 2006 with Ducati. Bostrom is a Petaluma High School graduate. He will join teammate Neil Hodgson, who completed his first year in AMA in 2005. Hodgson, a former World Superbike champion, placed sixth in Superbike in his “rookie” year with one victory (Road America) and six podium finishes overall. “¦ Eric Bostrom, a Petaluma High graduate and brother of Ben Bostrom, switches from Ducati to Yamaha for 2006. “¦ Tommy Hayden should be a factor for Kawasaki, which returns to Superbike racing with its ZX™-10R. Hayden has won the last two Pro Honda Oils Supersport titles and sits sixth in Superbike points. “¦ Jake Zemke (Honda) posted his first-career win at Infineon Raceway in 2005 in the Formula Xtreme feature. He also won the 2006 Daytona 200. “¦ Miguel Duhamel (Honda) holds the record at Infineon Raceway for overall AMA victories (nine). Duhamel and retired rider Rich Oliver will be inducted into Infineon Raceway’s Wall of Fame during the lunch break on Saturday of race weekend. “¦ Honda and Suzuki have combined to win 13 of the last 14 Superbike main events at Infineon Raceway. “¦ Former NBA superstar Michael Jordan fields a three-rider team in the AMA, including Lafayette native (East Bay) and Acalanes High School graduate Steve Rapp. “¦ Yamaha may not feature a Superbike factory effort this year, but it is dominating in all other categories entering Sonoma: Jamie Hacking leads Pro Honda Oils Supersport, Jason Disalvo leads Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme and Hacking and Disalvo are tied for the lead in Repsol Lubricants Superstock. Hacking and Disalvo have combined for four victories overall this year. SUPERBIKE POINTS ENTERING SONOMA (after five races): Ben Spies (Suzuki) 182, Mat Mladin (Suzuki) 163, Miguel Duhamel (Honda) 140, Neil Hodgson (Ducati) 130, Aaron Yates (Suzuki) 126, Tommy Hayden (Kawasaki) 124, Ben Bostrom (Ducati) 119, Jake Zemke (Honda) 110, Jason Pridmore (Suzuki) 108, Larry Pegram (Honda) 93.